HVAC Safety Tips for the Holidays: Stay Warm, Safe, and Stress-Free
The holiday season brings festive decorations, family gatherings, and cozy nights by the fire—but it can also bring increased demand on your heating system and a few unexpected safety hazards. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or enjoying a quiet celebration at home, keeping your HVAC system safe and efficient is key to a warm, worry-free season.
Here are essential HVAC safety tips every homeowner should know to help prevent holiday mishaps, keep your guests comfortable, and protect your peace of mind.
1. Keep Flammable Decorations Away from Heat Sources
From pine garlands and stockings to artificial trees and paper crafts, holiday decorations can be highly flammable.
🎄 Safety Tip: Keep all decorations, fabrics, and combustible items at least three feet away from heat sources like baseboard heaters, radiators, vents, and fireplaces.
🎄 Bonus Tip: If you’re decorating with candles, keep them far from air vents or heat registers, which can blow curtains or paper into open flames.
2. Don’t Block Vents or Registers
During the holidays, it’s tempting to rearrange furniture to make room for the Christmas tree or additional guests. But covering or blocking air vents and registers can prevent proper airflow and strain your HVAC system.
🛋️ Safety Tip: Ensure all vents are clear and unblocked. Move rugs, furniture, or tree skirts that could be obstructing airflow. Poor circulation can cause uneven heating and increase your energy bills.
3. Be Cautious with Space Heaters
Space heaters can be useful for warming up chilly rooms, but they’re one of the top causes of house fires during winter months.
🔥 Safety Tip: Always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet—never into an extension cord. Keep them at least three feet away from anything flammable and never leave them running unattended, especially when children or pets are present.
4. Install and Maintain Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances like furnaces and fireplaces. A malfunctioning furnace or blocked flue can lead to dangerous CO buildup in your home.
🛑 Safety Tip: Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
🛑 Bonus Tip: Schedule a professional furnace inspection every winter to ensure it’s running safely and efficiently.
5. Change or Clean Your HVAC Filter
With guests coming and going, more cooking, and extra holiday activity in the house, your HVAC filter may become clogged faster than usual—reducing efficiency and circulating dust and allergens.
🧼 Safety Tip: Check your HVAC filter before the holidays and replace it if it’s dirty. This improves air quality and helps your system operate at peak performance during the coldest weeks of the year.
6. Set a Safe Temperature
Trying to keep everyone cozy while entertaining? It may be tempting to crank up the heat, but you can easily overwork your system—especially if it hasn’t been serviced recently.
🌡️ Safety Tip: Set your thermostat to a consistent, comfortable level—typically around 68–70°F. If your home still feels cold, check for drafts or use layered clothing and blankets rather than overheating your system.
7. Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection
Before guests arrive and your furnace is running around the clock, make sure your heating system is up to the task. A professional tune-up can spot issues before they become emergencies and ensure your system runs efficiently all season long.
🔧 Safety Tip: Schedule a winter furnace inspection with a licensed HVAC technician to check your unit, thermostat, filters, gas connections, and more.
Bonus: Don’t Forget About Your Water Heater
With guests showering and dishes piling up, your water heater also works overtime during the holidays. Make sure it’s set to a safe temperature (120°F) and consider insulating the tank for better efficiency in colder weather.
Trust Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning for a Safe and Cozy Holiday Season
At Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand how important comfort and safety are—especially during the holidays. With over 50 years of experience serving Minnesota families, we’re your trusted partner for heating tune-ups, emergency repairs, and expert guidance.
📞 Call us today at 763.536.0667 or visit MarshHeating.com to schedule your pre-holiday HVAC inspection.
Wishing you a safe, warm, and joyful holiday season—from our family to yours!









