How To Protect Your HVAC System When Decorating for Halloween
Halloween is a fun, festive time when many people add indoor and outdoor decorations to their homes. As you get ready for trick-or-treaters, don't forget to decorate your house and get the candy ready. While decorating, make sure not to put your HVAC system at risk. We want your system to be running at top efficiency to keep you home comfortable. Below, we go over tips and tricks to keep in mind when it comes to your Halloween decorations. We don't want you to affect your HVAC system's performance and your home's comfort.
Don't Block HVAC Vents
Fake spider webs and spooky wall decoration can create the right mood in your home. You want to avoid putting any decorations in front of or around HVAC vents. This can restrict or block airflow. This can become a problem. It won't be able to push fresh air into your space or take the dirty air out. It can also prevent cooled or heated air from entering the room.
Don't Decorate Your Outdoor Unit
Avoid the temptation to cover your outdoor HVAC unit with Halloween decorations. This is especially true if you still have it uncovered. Instead, focus your outdoor décor on spots in your yard or garden away from the outside unit. Be careful about putting smaller hanging decorations in trees close to the unit. They may fall down and get inside. You should also make sure to anchor down any Styrofoam or inflatable decorations. They could fly away and land on or around your HVAC unit. They could also block the vents and make the system work harder.
Keep Most of the Halloween Fun Outside
Use the porch, patio, or front yard as your main place for handing out candy. This is a great place if weather conditions and temperatures are suitable. This way you and your family members and friends won't have to open and close the door. Repeated opening and closing of the door lets indoor air escape. This means that your home may get colder when the door opens. This can also affect your home's indoor air quality. This is bad for your HVAC system since it will have to work harder to maintain optimal indoor comfort.
Don't Put Halloween Candles Near Your HVAC System
Candles provide a creepy glow that's often appreciated around Halloween. Not to mention that it is a perfect light in your jack-o-lanterns. Make sure not to use real burning candles near anything flammable. This means keeping them away from your HVAC system or unit. Also, make sure not to use too many candles inside your home. This helps to keep indoor air quality good and helps your HVAC system's ability to circulate air. When possible, use candle alternatives. There are many alternatives, even some that are decorated for Halloween. These could include:
- Glow sticks
- Battery-operated candles
- Flashlights
Be Cautious with Decorative Lighting
If you prefer to add decorative lighting, use products designed with safety in mind. This reduces the risk of electrical fires. Not only are these dangerous, they could also affect your HVAC system. Be careful how you connect your decorative lighting displays. This is especially true if you'll need to join many strings together. You can take your lighting safety a step further by:
- Following any manufacturer's guidelines
- Avoiding the excessive use of extension cords
- Keeping any decorative lighting away from your HVAC system
Call Us Today
Robert Bair is the company to call on when you need an HVAC professional. We take care of urgent issues or other services for your HVAC system. If your HVAC system needs some attention this Halloween season, we're here to help. Contact us today to request prompt service from an HVAC professional from our team.
