Christmas in Ohio is such a magical time, isn’t it? Snowflakes falling outside, cozy holiday gatherings inside – it’s a whimsical wonderland. And oh, the decorations! They add to the feel of the season. But it’s easy to forget about something important amidst all the festivities and decorations – which is the safety of your HVAC system. With all those items and decorations around, it’s easy to overlook where they’re placed and how they might affect our HVAC’s functionality. That’s why we’re here, with a friendly reminder from Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air. By taking some simple precautions, we can ensure a cozy and safe holiday season for you and your loved ones.
1. Protect Your Flammable Items
When you’re setting up your Christmas decorations, just keep in mind that some things can be flammable. So, make sure to be extra cautious and avoid placing paper decorations, wrapped packages, or blankets near heat sources like fireplaces or candles. It’s pretty common to use these during this time of year, so just be mindful of any fire hazards. And if you do utilize these heating elements, always remember to properly extinguish them before leaving the house or going to bed.
2. Protect Your Thermostat
As you’re “decking the halls” with festive decorations, it’s important to consider where you place them. You don’t want them covering or obstructing your thermostat. When anything is placed on top of, around, or in front of the thermostat, it could cause inaccurate temperature readings in your home. This can lead to miscommunication with the furnace and affect how heat is distributed throughout your house. So, it’s best to avoid placing any extra objects in front of or near your thermostat.
3. Protect Your HVAC Vents
Another thing to keep an eye on is your HVAC vents. Sometimes, we tend to put bulky items like the Christmas tree in temporary spots just for the season. But remember, even though it’s temporary, it’s crucial to ensure that your vents stay unobstructed. Blocked vents can mess up the airflow and cause HVAC problems, and that’s the last thing you want, right?
4. Protect Your Condenser
Even though your condenser (outdoor unit) is built tough and not in use this season, it’s still a good idea to take some precautions during winter. You want to periodically check the area around the condenser to confirm it remains clear of any loose debris like leaves, twigs, and other outdoor stuff. You see, when snow and ice mix with loose debris, it can actually cause damage to the unit. And since you won’t be using the condenser in winter, you might not realize the damage until spring. You can also consider using a condenser cover to give your outdoor unit an extra layer of protection this season.
As we dive into the holiday season, it’s important not to overlook your HVAC system amidst all the festivities. By following these simple precautions, you can ensure a cozy and safe Christmas with your loved ones. And if you happen to run into any HVAC issues, just give us a call. Our team at Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air is here for you, offering emergency services 24/7, 365 days a year!
You can reach us at (937) 502-3842 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
