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Happy October! Halloween is the first of the many year-end holidays that bring out an interest in decorating homes inside and out. Getting into the spirit of the Halloween season shouldn’t compromise HVAC safety.
Here are some tips to prevent spooky problems from taking root in your HVAC system that can lead to costly issues down the road.
Avoid indoor air vents - When vents are blocked, your HVAC system has to work overtime to make up for the lack of airflow, impacting its efficiency and costing you money. Be mindful of where you place any furniture and Halloween decor that can also block your air vents.
Don’t decorate the outside unit - While you may be tempted to decorate your outdoor HVAC unit with spider webs and other Halloween decor, avoid it. Your outdoor unit needs unobstructed airflow in and out of the system. In the worst cases, blocked airflow can damage the unit. So avoid positioning any decor near the unit.
Webbing decorations - Fake webs are an easy and popular decoration to put up around your house during Halloween. But be mindful of the possibility that loose fibers will get into your air and clog up your filters. Once the holiday is over, check your filters to make sure they do not need to be replaced.
Be mindful of energy usage - If you plan on putting up a real Halloween show for trick-or-treaters, be aware of the extra energy costs that you’ll incur.
Keep Your Vent Unobstructed - The vent on your unit plays a vital role in keeping proper airflow. It needs to be opened so that the air can freely move through the ductwork. If the vent and register are blocked by fake spider webs and other Halloween decorations, your system’s performance may decline, resulting in poor airflow and higher utility costs
Keep Your Decorations Away from Your Outdoor Unit - While it is tempting to cover the entire yard with scary decorations, it is not always the best idea to have your outdoor unit involved. Try to find a perfect spot to set up your Halloween garden—away from your outdoor unit. Tiny decor hung on trees may fall down and possibly get inside your unit, impairing the system’s performance and efficiency.
Bring the Fun Outdoors - Instead of decorating inside your home, use your porch or front yard to create a spooky spot. You may stay there the whole time with your family if the temperature is bearable. With this idea, you don’t need to constantly open and close your door once the trick-or-treaters come to grab some candies. It surely saves you energy since the heated air is kept in your home.
Keep the Candles Away from Your Unit - Candles make the Halloween eerier, don’t they? However, with your desire to create a creepy atmosphere using candles, you can harm your HVAC system. Be sure to place the candles away from your unit, flammable objects, and heat-generating appliances. If possible, use glow sticks, battery-operated candles, or a flashlight as an alternative.
Use Safety-Approved Decorative Lighting - Decorative electrical lighting is a perfect complement to those hanging pumpkins on your walkways, railings and front yard. Using it with caution is needed to prevent fire or electrical hazards, especially when placed near your outdoor unit. To ensure safety, use only the approved electrical lighting as part of your Halloween backdrop.
Everyone is dreaming of making each year’s Halloween creepier by incorporating something new to their decorations. But as you explore your creativity, be sure your HVAC system’s safety is not compromised.
Here at Harbin Heating & Air, we love to educate homeowners about HVAC safety and comfort.
Contact us if you need help with your heating and cooling system.
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