The Homeowner’s Holiday Checklist For Comfort & Safety

The holiday season is upon us, which for many means it’s time for festive decorating, gift wrapping, and home cooking. With increased activity in your home, it’s important to take a few important precautions to avoid any surprises or breakdowns.

Just like Santa checking off his list, follow our helpful checklist to enjoy a happy, safe, and comfortable holiday season.

1. Check Windows for Condensation

Increased activity in your home such as cooking, cleaning, and showering may add to the humidity levels in your home. Condensation on your windows can indicate poor, malfunctioning, or inadequate ventilation.

2. Check Furnace Switch

Your furnace switch can easily be mistaken for a common light switch by anyone who is unfamiliar with your home. Check to ensure that it hasn’t been turned off, or clearly mark it as the furnace switch.

3. Look Into Hot Water Issues

You may run out of hot water in your home due to increased activities such as dishes, laundry, cleaning, and showers. This could indicate that you are using an inadequately sized or inefficient hot water tank, and it may need to be replaced.

4. Check Your Furnace Filter

Coming in and out of your home more frequently, as well as an increase in home appliances being used, may lead to more airborne particles that could clog your furnace filter. Be sure to check your filter, and replace if needed.

5. Check Your Thermostat Batteries

Low or dead batteries could shut off your furnace. Be sure to test and, if needed, replace your batteries ahead of the holidays.

6. Inspect Your Exterior Furnace Vent

Look over the intake and exhaust venting of your furnace to make sure it is clear of snow and debris. If your vents are blocked, your furnace will shut off automatically as a safety measure.

7. Troubleshoot Cool Spots

If your thermostat happens to be in the same room where your family gathers (in the living room, for example), the increase in room temperature may trick or satisfy your thermostat into thinking the house is warmer than it actually is, leaving the rest of the house colder. You may want to consider operating your furnace fan continuously to minimize this effect.

At Cross Heating, we are your home comfort and safety experts. For HVAC service, repairs, and installations you can trust, contact us today.