For the most part, Christmas keeps everyone busy. Whether it’s preparing for a long holiday vacation, buying gifts for family and friends, or just being at home decorating, you’ll never run out of activities. But whatever will keep you occupied during this holiday season, be sure to not lose sight of your HVAC system and your home’s safety.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your staunch HVAC company in Chanhassen MN. We care about your safety as much as your comfort and convenience. In this article, we will give a few suggestions to make sure your HVAC system runs as safely as possible when you’re enjoying time with your family this Christmas.
Let the furnace breathe.
While making sure your house looks Christmassy, make sure to leave plenty of open space next to the air vents. You don’t want those grilles clogged, which could compromise your home’s ventilation. So, be sure to get rid of small debris and pieces of ornaments on the floor and keep them away from the vents. When ignored, these little things can make a mess of the HVAC pipes and require more thorough cleaning than you would expect.
Not enough ventilation also increases your energy costs, as the furnace needs to work harder to keep your home warm. So, to keep the bills to a minimum, don’t forget to clear the area surrounding the vents and make sure the grilles are completely open.
While you’re at it, make sure that the furnace is equipped with a fresh, clean filter. Since the system likely works all the time, you will find it easier for the filter to be clogged with dirt, dust, and debris. Making sure your furnace runs with a clean filter ensures proper airflow for the entire system and better heating for your whole family.
Inspect the outdoor unit.
Yes, your equipment manufacturer did their best to make sure the outside unit was built to last harsh winters, but it still needs some attention and a little bit of maintenance. So, on a clear day, go out and get rid of leaves, twigs, and frost than can otherwise affect the system’s airflow and overall performance. And if you can, try not to put decorations on or near the outside unit.
Keep the thermostat unobstructed.
If you have Christmas decorations at home, try not to cover your thermostat and affect its sensors. Hiding it will make it hard for the device to read the temperature properly. As an effect, your furnace will not be able to do its job either. So, be sure that the thermostat is clear to ensure you’re comfortable all season long.
Get rid of flammable items.
While you’re busy decorating, you’ll probably have papers, fabrics, and other items as part of your holiday backdrops. Sure, these are economical ways to embellish your home, but avoid setting them next to heat-generating appliances such as space heaters, a radiator, or electric blankets. This simple tip can literally save not only your home but life.
Check your electrical system.
If you have a Christmas tree adorned with lights, you may want to make sure the electrical components are safe and snugly fitted. So, check the lights, cords, plugs, and other parts of the electrical system. If you’re uncomfortable performing this task, have a licensed electrician come and complete the inspection. He just might detect potential issues and keep your home from starting a fire.
Consider professional HVAC maintenance.
For a hassle-free Christmas celebration, you would want your furnace to be in tip-top shape. The best way to achieve this goal is to have a qualified technician come and perform routine maintenance. He will give your heating system thorough cleaning and lubrication (as needed), check the electrical parts, detect potential issues and apply appropriate fixes, and make sure the unit works as safely as possible. In fact, professional maintenance is always a good idea—not only during Christmas.
Ask Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
If you want your family to enjoy your reunions and time together, your furnace needs to be prepared. With that in mind, we encourage you to talk to a Eden Prairie heating and air conditioning expert who possesses the knowledge and skillset to ensure your HVAC system runs efficiently and safely.