HVAC System Safety Tips During the Holidays

The holiday season is here - so enjoy the festive decorating activities around your home. As you transform your indoor space into a winter wonderland, please be mindful of your heating system and avoid making some mistakes that are questionable to safety and efficiency standards.

Don't Cover Air Vents
While filling your home with decorations, ornaments and presents, please be mindful of airflow. By blocking vents and reducing airflow you can actually be increasing your utility bill without even knowing it. Be sure your vents are free of obstructions to ensure your home is getting a nice, even distribution of warm air the most efficient way possible.

Don't Cover the Thermostat
Hanging decorations off your thermostat might seem enticing, but please avoid that temptation. By blocking or reducing airflow to your thermostat, you are making it more difficult for the device to read temperatures properly - forcing your heating system to work under inaccurate information. By sacrificing a nice decoration, you will better maintain your indoor comfort during the holidays.

Beware of Flammable Items
It's a given that during the holidays we will out home with extra paper, fabric and backdrops. Be cautious about placement of these objects - avoiding heat-generating appliances like electric blankets, space heaters, radiators or vents. By avoiding potential fire hazards you are ensuring your home and family's safety.

Check Outdoor Ventilation
The holiday winter wonderland can be beautiful, but if snow and ice blocks furnace exhaust, it can also be deadly. Please make sure your furnace ventilation is kept snow and ice free on the exterior of your home to avoid backup of natural gas burn off.

Regular Maintenance
It's a given, if your furnace is going to break down it will be at the most inconvenient time - like the holidays. By scheduling regular seasonal maintenance you are greatly reducing the chance of unforeseen breakdowns at the worst times. Often HVAC technicians are able to spot upcoming problems before they happen. The holidays only happen once a year, so don't let poor planning compromise your holiday festivities.

At 4 Seasons Heating, Cooling & Electrical we are experts at spotting upcoming heating issues. If something doesn't seem quite right with your furnace, give our office a call at (204) 953-5700. We'll make sure you are ready to enjoy your holiday family time without a heating breakdown.
Have a safe, warm and memorable holiday! We look forward to serving you in the New Year.