How Your Christmas Tree Affects Your HVAC System

Did you know that putting up a Christmas tree can have an effect on your HVAC system, and vice versa? It’s weird, but true!

Ductwork dangers

If you have a real Christmas tree, one of the most annoying things is needles falling off everywhere, right? Well, if your tree is shedding needles, this can actually be bad for your ductwork. This may not sound like a big deal, but it can impact indoor air quality and even air flow.

Of course, the best way to avoid having a Christmas tree that sheds needles is by doing the “Needle Test” on it before you buy it. This means running your hands over the branches and making sure that doesn’t cause needles to fall off. But another issue that can cause your tree to shed is the temperature you keep your home at:

Too hot for the holidays

If your home’s air is too warm and dry in the winter, it can dry out any indoor plants you have, including your Christmas tree (if it’s a real tree, of course). This is what causes pine needles to fall everywhere and end up in your vents. So, that’s yet another reason why a humidifier in the winter is a good idea, and also a reason to keep your thermostat set just a little lower if possible. Take good care of that tree!

Keep your tree in a safe spot

Speaking of your Christmas tree and vents — make sure your tree is far away from heat vents! Your tree needs to be at least three feet away from any heat source, and while thinking about the fireplace is obvious, thinking about heat vents may not have been so obvious!

Keeping your tree away from heat vents is important because of the fire hazard. But, you should also keep your tree away from the cold air returns as well. This is because blocking the returns interferes with airflow. And when your HVAC system has to work harder, that’s likely to lead to a total breakdown. So much for happy holidays!

We’ll keep you jolly

Air Specialist is here to keep your Houston area home comfortable this holiday season. If you need our HVAC professionals to keep your heat functioning through the holidays, we’re only a phone call away at [csad_phone]! Or, click here to contact us.