Christmas in Ohio can be a delightful time of the year. With snow, shopping, baking, and parties with friends and family, this season is filled with a plethora of holiday activities. Seasonal decorations also play a significant role in adding to the festive atmosphere. However, it is important to remember that decorations should be strategically placed in and around your home. Your team at Chillicothe Heating & Cooling is here to remind you not to overlook your HVAC system amidst the hustle and bustle. Surprisingly, holiday decorations can sometimes interfere with the proper functioning of your HVAC system or even create hazardous situations.
1. Be Careful Where You Place Flammable Items
Flammable items are often overlooked amidst the Christmas decorations as we become engrossed in the enchanting ambiance. However, it is crucial to exercise caution with objects like paper decorations, wrapped packages, blankets, and other flammable materials. These should be kept at a safe distance from heating elements such as fireplaces and candles. Moreover, when using these elements, it is imperative to ensure they are properly extinguished before leaving the house or retiring for the night. Your safety should always be a top priority.
2. Be Careful That You Don’t Cover Your Thermostat
It is important to exercise caution when decorating your home with garlands and Christmas lights. While it may be tempting to place them anywhere and everywhere, it is crucial to avoid covering the thermostat. This is because obstructing the thermostat can interfere with its ability to accurately read the temperature in your home. Consequently, this can lead to ineffective communication with your furnace.
3. Be Careful Not to Cover Your HVAC Vents
Another essential element of your HVAC system to consider is the proper maintenance of your vents. As you adorn your home with additional items and decorations this season, it is crucial to ensure that your vents remain unobstructed. While you may think this is a temporary situation, it is important to remain vigilant and prevent any blockages in your vents. Just like the thermostat, blocked vents can hinder the optimal functioning of your HVAC system. The last thing you want is to encounter furnace issues during the holiday season. Therefore, it is advisable to prioritize the unobstructed airflow in your vents.
4. Be Careful Not to Forget About Your Condenser
Lastly, it is important to give due attention to the condenser as well. The condenser is the outdoor unit located in your backyard or sometimes on the side of your house. Despite its resilience in outdoor weather and not being used during winter, it is still advisable to ensure that the condenser is free from loose debris such as twigs, leaves, and other objects. The combination of snow, ice, and debris can lead to blockages and damage to the unit. Therefore, it is always recommended to maintain a clean and unobstructed area around the condenser. Additionally, for an extra layer of protection during winter, you may consider using a condenser cover to provide further safeguarding of your outdoor unit.
Ensuring the optimal performance of your HVAC system this Christmas is of utmost importance. By being mindful and vigilant, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday season with your loved ones without any unnecessary HVAC issues. We provide round-the-clock emergency services, 365 days a year. Please feel free to contact us at any time, no matter what time of the year it is!
Call Chillicothe Heating & Cooling today at (740) 281-2186, or click here to schedule an appointment now!