Holiday Safety Tips

The holiday season has finally arrived and many of us are hoping to (finally) be able to resume normal festivities like family gatherings and holiday parties. With so much to do and so little time, many people overlook safety when it comes to their HVAC system.

While you are decking the halls, putting up Christmas lights, and baking some holiday treats, now might be a good time to create a checklist from the tips we share below. Staying up to date with the items shared below will help ensure you have a safe and warm holiday season this year, and every year.

UGI HVAC technician walking into home with AC unit testing equipment

  1. Make Sure Your Outdoor Unit Is Clear Of Debris

    Whether some fall leaves have been lingering outside, or you’ve just experienced a winter storm and there is fresh snow on the ground, make sure your outdoor unit is clear of debris. Leaves, twigs, branches, and even dirt can find a way to get into your outdoor unit. It is always a good idea to clear the area around your unit of any debris that could potentially cause damage or degrade performance.

  2. Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

    Have you recently converted to gas heat in your home? If not, it may be something you want to consider. UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can inform you of the benefits of gas heat to see if it is a good fit for you and your home. If you already have gas heat in your home, then you likely have carbon monoxide detectors. Everyone will be using their heat most of the day throughout the winter and it is a good idea to ensure that your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Use the testing function on the detector to make sure it is working and change the batteries on any detectors that need them. If changing the batteries does not work, it may be necessary to replace that detector.

  3. Keep Flammable Objects Away From Heaters

    Putting up a Christmas tree and holiday decorations are a tradition for many families around this time of year. Always remember to keep your Christmas tree watered as often as possible to help keep it looking fresh, green and to prevent it from drying out. Ensure that your tree, and any other decorations you put up, are a reasonable distance from any heaters you have in your home.

  4. Do Not Overload Electrical Circuits

    In addition to all of the wonderful lighting displays that you may be putting up, many people are also using things like space heaters this time of year. Make sure that you are following directions for use from the manufacture. Do not plug space heaters into extension cords and ensure that you are checking for tripped breakers on your electrical panel. Try not to plug too many decorations or heaters in the same area.

  5. Replace Your Air Filter And Have Your Ducts Cleaned

    Everyone is going to be spending a lot more time indoors throughout the winter and poor air quality can lead to various health concerns. These concerns can be compounded for those who suffer from allergies, or even become serious for those who have respiratory issues. Changing your air filter and having your ducts cleaned is a great start to improving air quality. UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has a host of services dedicated directly to Healthy Home Solutions to make sure that air quality is not a concern for you and your family.

  6. Consider Installing A Whole Home Generator

    The last thing that anyone wants to deal with in the middle of winter is a power outage. Winter storms have been known to cause power outages that can create big problems for families. UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, and our affiliate company, Denny’s Electric, offer whole home generators that run off of natural gas or propane that can keep you and your family warm during an outage. These generators can run as long as is needed until your power is restored by your utility company.

  7. Sign Up For A Service Plan

    UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers service plans through HomeServe that can help protect homeowners from the high cost of emergency repairs. With several affordable options to fit a variety of budgets, our service plans can help avoid lengthy delays should you have an issue with your HVAC system this winter. These plans provide service to homeowners 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Click here to learn more about our service plans.

UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing hopes that these tips help you enjoy and safe and warm holiday season with family, friends, and other loved ones. If your home requires any servicing for heating, cooling, or plumbing, check our list of available services and keep your home in tip-top shape this winter, and throughout the year!