If you’re looking for a good scare this Halloween, watch a scary movie or decorate some scary yard decorations. Of course, you probably don’t want your HVAC system to scare you. However, if you are noticing something strange with your HVAC systems, you don’t have to worry! You can always rely on the trusted heating and cooling company at San Fernando Valley HVAC to accommodate you.
Most of us agree that Halloween is one of the best holidays of the year because it gives us an excuse to celebrate with our loved ones and deck out our homes in preparation for the annual frights and thrills. We associate Halloween with the joy we felt as kids going door to door with our pals and neighbors, searching for treats. As a homeowner, you should balance celebrating Halloween and taking the necessary safety measures, including heating and air maintenance, to ensure that your HVAC system does not become the scariest part of the holiday.
Heed this Halloween and throughout the colder months of these common HVAC scares to avoid them.
- Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide, also known as the “silent killer” due to its lack of smell, is a deadly gas that can be inhaled but does not cause any visible symptoms. When a home’s heat exchanger breaks down, this problem can arise. Nausea, dizziness, headaches, and fogginess of the mind are all possible side effects. Be cautious around carbon monoxide; it can be fatal. One should install a carbon monoxide detector with a gas furnace in every home.
You should always report a gas leak to your gas company or the fire department and never re-enter your home until the leak has been safely corrected.
- Overheating
Something is wrong with your HVAC system and could start a fire if you notice smoke, sparks, or an overheated smell. You should turn off the HVAC system at the main switch and contact an HVAC technician immediately.
It is normal for there to be a slight burning smell for the first 24 hours after turning on your furnace for the season. Turn off the furnace at the main shutoff valve and contact a technician if the smell persists or worsens.
- Musty Smell
Condensation frequently forms in HVAC systems, resulting in mold growth and musty odor production. Mold can spread through air ducts, affecting indoor air quality and potentially triggering respiratory problems for those exposed.
Musty odors indicate the need for professional assistance in cleaning and locating the source of mold growth in your home’s air ducts.
- Clutter Around the Furnace
Many homeowners go unnoticed by the dangers of leaving boxes, bags, and other items stacked on or near a furnace. This poses a serious fire risk but is simple to prevent. Make sure there is adequate clearance for the HVAC unit.
It would be best to learn about any HVAC-related risks in your area. Licensed professionals should perform preventative maintenance twice yearly to guarantee the system’s integrity.
- Hot Thermostat
Letting the thermostat get too hot can cause all sorts of issues with your heating and air conditioning system. Think about it: putting your thermostat in a windowless room or near a heat source will give you a false reading. The entire HVAC system may malfunction as a result.
For thermostats to make the necessary adjustments, a precise measurement of the ambient air temperature is required. Lamps, speakers, and other electronic devices that generate heat should be placed far from the thermostat to avoid taxing the HVAC systems unnecessarily.
Safety HVAC Guidelines for This Halloween
We are all looking forward to the spooky holiday. Enjoy Halloween with caution, and following these HVAC safety guidelines will help to guarantee that your good time doesn’t come at the expense of anyone’s safety. Here are five Halloween decorating tips you can do for your home while still considering your HVAC systems.
- Make sure that vents aren’t blocked.
Bulky decorations can block the airflow in and out of your home’s ducts. This can cause your heating and cooling system to work harder than it needs to. To avoid blocking airflow, keep decorative items away from registers.
- Make sure your outdoor unit isn’t obstructed.
The outdoor unit needs a way for air to enter and leave, just like the indoor unit and vents. Take care that your Halloween decorations don’t block airflow to the outdoor unit, which could lead to overheating and eventual failure.
- Be wary of decorations that use webbing.
Putting up fake webs is a quick and simple way to decorate your home for Halloween. However, they are also easily sucked into the vent, where they can clog air filters and even damage your HVAC unit. Be sparing with spider web decorations, and don’t put them anywhere near your air conditioning or ventilation systems.
- Keep flammable items away from your HVAC unit.
Keep candles and other flammable decorations a safe distance from your heating and cooling system. Candles are not only flammable but also detrimental to your air conditioner because of the wax they produce. Try something different, like LED candles or glow sticks that run on batteries.
- Conserve energy as much as possible.
Be aware of the additional energy costs if you plan to create a real Halloween show for trick-or-treaters. Power and electricity will be required to run projectors, large speakers, lights, and other electronic decorations.
Preventative HVAC system maintenance is best performed in October. You can make your home safer and more comfortable without breaking the bank with just a little money. If you need plumbing, heating, or air-conditioning services, don’t hesitate to call San Fernando Valley HVAC immediately.Additionally, this Halloween, help ensure the only scary things at your residence are the people who dress up as scary things and your spooky decorations. If you are looking for a reliable and competent emergency HVAC near me in San Fernando Valley, you can trust our professionals with your HVAC systems. Book with us and schedule HVAC services and maintenance before it’s too late to avoid scary incidents with your home’s heating and cooling equipment.
Do not let Halloween night, or any night, be ruined by the looming presence of filthy air ducts. If your home’s air duct and HVAC systems are giving you nightmares, give San Fernando Valley HVAC a call to schedule an appointment. You can also fill out the form for fast and easy transaction.