The holidays are upon us, and with them comes the joy of hosting family and friends for festive gatherings! Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast or celebrating with a cozy holiday dinner, your home will be bustling with activity.
However, all that warmth and togetherness can put your heating system to the test. Gubbels Heating and Air Conditioning experts are here with some helpful tips to keep your heating system happy and avoid overworking it during the holiday season.
1. Schedule a Pre-Holiday Check-Up
Before the holiday rush, schedule a maintenance check for your heating system. Just like you might check your oven before baking that perfect turkey, your heating system needs a little TLC, too. A professional inspection can help identify any issues, ensure your system runs efficiently, and prevent unexpected breakdowns when you have a house full of guests.
2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
As you prepare for holiday gatherings, letting your thermostat run wild is easy. You want everyone to be comfortable, but cranking up the heat isn’t always the best solution. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, use it to adjust the temperature based on when guests will be arriving. This way, you won’t be overworking your heating system when the house is empty. Plus, it’ll save you some energy costs so that you can splurge more on that delicious holiday feast!
3. Utilize Ceiling Fans for Circulation
Did you know that ceiling fans can be a game-changer for your heating system? Many people think of fans as just a summer tool, but they can also help circulate warm air during the winter!
In the winter, set your ceiling fans to run clockwise at a low speed. This will push warm air that rises back down into the living space, keeping your home cozy without overburdening your heating system. It’s a simple trick that can make a significant difference!
4. Create a Cozy Layout for Your Guests
When hosting, think about how you arrange your furniture and the flow of your space. Avoid blocking vents or radiators with furniture, as this can restrict airflow and force your heating system to work harder.
Instead, create a cozy layout that allows warmth to circulate freely. You might even want to arrange seating closer to heat sources so guests can stay toasty while enjoying your holiday spread. After all, who wouldn’t want to feel the warmth while indulging in some pumpkin pie?
5. Seal Drafts and Insulate
If you’re feeling a draft while your guests are lounging around, it might be time to do a little home sealing! Check windows and doors for drafts and use weather stripping or caulk to seal any gaps.
Adding insulation to areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces can also help maintain the warmth in your home. By keeping the cold air out and the warm air in, your heating system won’t have to work as hard.
Enjoy the Holiday Season with Gubbels
Hosting during the holidays should be all about laughter, love, and delicious food, not worrying about your heating system. Following these simple tips, you can keep your home comfortable and avoid overworking your heating system this season.
If you’re in Waterloo/ Cedar Falls or the surrounding areas and need assistance preparing your home for winter, Gubbels Heating and Air Conditioning is here to help. Call us at (319) 208-6433 or visit us online.