The holidays in Central Indiana are about welcoming family and friends into your home. With extra guests, more cooking, and doors opening frequently, your furnace works harder than usual during one of the coldest times of year. That makes furnace safety especially important when you’re hosting.
Carbon monoxide exposure and heating-related fires increase in winter months, but the good news is that most furnace hazards are preventable. Use this practical checklist to keep your home safe, comfortable, and ready for holiday gatherings.
Check Furnace Venting Inside and Out
Your furnace’s venting system removes dangerous combustion gases. Snow, debris, or damage can cause those gases to back up into your home—something you don’t want with a house full of guests.
Outdoor checks:
- Make sure intake and exhaust pipes are clear of snow, ice, and leaves
- Inspect visible vent pipes for cracks or disconnections
- Ensure animals haven’t nested in vent openings
Indoor airflow reminders:
- Keep supply and return vents clear of furniture, luggage, coats, and gift bags
- Avoid closing too many vents—this can strain your furnace
- Make sure decorations aren’t blocking airflow
Maintain Safe Clearance Around the Furnace
Furnaces produce heat and require space to operate safely.
- Keep at least 3 feet of clearance around your furnace
- Do not store boxes, wrapping paper, decorations, cleaning products, or paint nearby
- Never store gasoline or other fuels near heating equipment
If guests are staying near utility areas, double-check that nothing has been stored too close to the furnace.
Holiday Decorating & Hosting Safety
Decorating and entertaining can accidentally create hazards.
- Keep decorations, garlands, and wreaths well away from heating equipment
- Don’t decorate on or around the furnace
- Place Christmas trees at least 3 feet away from vents or heat sources
- Avoid covering vents with furniture, tree skirts, or gift piles
These small adjustments help maintain airflow and reduce fire risk.
Before Guests Arrive: Schedule a Furnace Check
A professional furnace inspection is one of the best ways to ensure safe holiday hosting. An Absolute Comfort technician will inspect key safety components, including:
- Burners and ignition system
- Heat exchanger
- Gas lines and connections
- Venting and exhaust
- Overall system operation
Most winter furnace issues we see could have been prevented with routine maintenance—especially during busy hosting periods.
Don’t Forget the Air Filter
Extra guests mean extra dust, activity, and airflow demands.
- Check your air filter before hosting
- Replace it if it looks dirty
- A severely clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause unsafe operating conditions
This is one of the simplest—and most important—steps you can take.
Space Heater Safety for Guest Rooms
If you’re using space heaters to keep guest rooms comfortable:
- Keep at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides
- Plug directly into wall outlets (no extension cords)
- Never leave heaters unattended or running overnight
- Choose models with tip-over shutoff protection
- Turn off and unplug when leaving the room
Watch for Warning Signs
If you notice any of the following, contact a professional right away:
- Yellow or orange flames instead of blue
- Soot around the furnace or vent pipes
- Unusual noises or burning smells
- Frequent cycling or uneven heating
- Sudden increases in heating costs
If it’s safe to do so, turn off your furnace and call Absolute Comfort for an inspection.
Extra Safety Checks Before the Holidays
- Test smoke alarms on every level of your home
- Make sure adults know where the furnace fuel shut-off is located
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible (but not next to the furnace)
- Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during gatherings to control moisture
If you’re traveling, keep your heat set to at least 55°F and check your system when you return.
Carbon Monoxide: The Risk You Can’t See
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances like gas furnaces. When systems operate properly, CO is safely vented outside. When something goes wrong, it can build up quickly—especially when your system is running longer to keep guests warm.
Early symptoms of CO exposure include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and fatigue—often mistaken for the flu. That’s why prevention and early detection are essential when you have loved ones staying in your home.
Before hosting, make sure:
- You have at least one CO detector on every level of your home
- Detectors are installed near sleeping areas so guests are protected overnight
- All units are tested and working properly
- Batteries are fresh (or sealed-battery units are within their lifespan)
- Detectors are not expired—most need replacement every 5–10 years
Always follow the manufacturer’s placement instructions. If a CO alarm sounds, evacuate immediately and call 911. Do not re-enter until authorities say it’s safe.
A Safer, More Comfortable Holiday Starts Here
Holiday hosting should be about time together—not worrying about your heating system. With our holiday furnace checklist and a little preparation, you can protect your guests, your home, and your peace of mind.
Absolute Comfort proudly serves Central Indiana homeowners in Noblesville, Carmel, Fishers, and surrounding communities with professional furnace inspections and maintenance. Our technicians focus on safety, reliability, and helping you host with confidence.
Schedule your furnace safety inspection today and enjoy the holidays knowing your home is warm, welcoming, and protected.