Holiday preparations should go beyond wreaths and mistletoe if you’re entertaining. By addressing common holiday-related HVAC, electrical, and plumbing issues before your guests arrive, you’ll ensure a stress-free stay and more rewarding experiences for everyone! Make your season shine with these tips for preparing your home for the holidays from Allen's Air Conditioning.
The Homeowner’s Holiday Preparation To-Do List
Your home’s core systems all play a role in providing a convenient visit; here’s how to prepare your home for the holidays and make sure your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical components stay on the nice list this year.
1. Deodorize Your Home
Every home has its own unique scent, and while you may not notice certain smells, your guests might. The holidays are a great time to deodorize your home and improve your indoor air quality at the same time.
- Start by opening windows and doors.
- Clean soft surfaces like carpets, rugs, and upholstery, which may trap foul odors caused by moisture, pets, or food and beverage stains.
- Take out the trash, clean the garbage disposal, and consider cleaning and disinfecting your dishwasher.
- Replace the filter on your HVAC system to remove dust and other airborne particles. Run the fan on your HVAC to increase air flow, reducing bad smells.
Read More: The Best Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality
2. Clean Out Your Drains
Keep your sink drain clean to avoid bad smells and prevent backups, especially when cooking big meals like Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham. You can use natural cleaners for minor clogs caused by food debris.
To clean your sink or shower drain, pour 1 cup of baking soda down it and wait 15-20 minutes. Then, flush the drain with hot water. For better results, use hot water from a pitcher instead of just letting the tap run. This method also works well for shower drains. If your drain is still not clear, use a plunger to help loosen any buildup.
While baking soda and vinegar can clean drains, they may not be strong enough to remove clogs. Consider using a wire coat hanger, drain snake, or other tools to tackle small clogs before they lead to bigger problems.
3. Prevent Clogged Toilets
There is no better gift during any holiday season than sparing a friend or family member the embarrassment of clogging the toilet during a get-together. At Allen's Air Conditioning, we believe toilet clog prevention is a social good, especially during the busiest time of the year for most plumbing companies.
How To Prevent Toilet Clogs
The most common cause of clogged toilets is toilet paper, so addressing the amount of TP used is a great place to start. Additionally, reducing the odds of non-flushable materials making it into the toilet greatly reduces the risk of a clog.
During holidays, consider:
- Buying thicker-ply toilet paper, which often requires fewer squares, reduces the amount flushed.
- Removing non-flushable items from the bathroom to prevent flushing of paper towels and tissues.
Remember that regular plumbing maintenance and sewer line cleaning can help prevent clogs by addressing issues like tree roots and sewer problems.
4. Avoid Overloading Circuits
In addition to those festive lights and inflatable lawn ornaments, holiday guests require a lot of electricity. If you consider all the extra phones, computers, and other gadgets plugged in during their stay, it's easy to see how quickly your home’s circuits can be overloaded.
How To Avoid Overloaded Circuits
To prevent circuit overloads, find out which outlets and appliances are on the same circuits. Spread out high-energy devices, like TVs and microwaves, across different circuits. If that's not possible, block off any unused outlets on overloaded circuits. You can help guests use outlets with lower electricity needs by placing a small table and sign nearby. This will prevent overloads and encourage them to put their phones away during their stay.
Remember that power strips can protect electronics from power surges and provide convenience, but they do not increase your circuit’s capacity. Avoid overloading power strips just as you protect circuits.
More Ways To Make Your Holiday Guests Feel Welcome
Elizabethtown homeowners aim to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, especially during the holidays. In addition to cleaning your home, ensure guests feel comfortable by:
- Asking questions—like travel plans, dietary restrictions, or activities they enjoy.
- Giving a quick tour of the home, including the Wi-Fi password and locations of bathroom essentials.
- Adjusting the thermostat based on the weather and guest count. Generally, keep it cooler (66° to 68°) during gatherings and adjust based on their comfort.
Allen's Air Conditioning Wishes You a Wonderful Holiday Season
There’s no place like Elizabethtown during the holidays, and we enjoy helping our neighbors enjoy the rich traditions this season brings. Keep your home comfortable and running smoothly with 24/7 HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services from Allen's Air Conditioning. For prompt and professional home services when you need them most, schedule an appointment today!
Contact us online or call 270-946-1525 to schedule an appointment!