Thanksgiving holidays are famous for family gatherings and overall goodwill. As you prepare for cozy celebrations and tasty dinners, it’s also important to review ways to keep your indoor environment as comfortable as possible. One of the most important considerations for home comfort is the condition of your HVAC system. This system affects everything from heating and ventilation to indoor air quality. It impacts kitchens, restrooms, dining rooms, and guest rooms. Before planning your fall fun, it’s important to make sure your HVAC system is in great shape. A look at the best HVAC practices for holiday celebrations can ensure a home environment that gives you every reason to feel thankful.
Test the Thermostat
As temperatures drop, it’s important to test the performance of your thermostat. Adjust the setting of your thermostat and make sure that the heater turns on correctly. If you notice any problems, an HVAC professional can repair or replace the thermostat. Homeowners who require replacements may also wish to upgrade to the latest smart thermostat. A smart device allows you to program your preferred settings and then automates any temperature adjustments throughout the day. Many wireless models also include apps that also enable you to update settings directly from your tablet or smartphone.
Check and Replace Air Filters
It’s important to change air filters before the Thanksgiving holidays. The role of a filter is to trap the flow of airborne particles and pollutants. Old air filters can become clogged with dust, dirt, contaminants, and debris. These particles can go on to travel through ducts and compromise the air quality of your rooms. In addition, dust and debris in a clogged filter can slow down the flow of air, forcing the HVAC system to work harder to maintain comfortable conditions within the home.
This excess work wastes energy and can increase your utility bills. Finally, dirty air filters can harbor mold. When you turn on central heating, the airflow can disperse mold spores and spread allergens that negatively impact residents and house guests. Contact an HVAC professional to replace air filters. You can also speak to your technician about upgrading to high-efficiency filters to capture any extra pollutants associated with the holidays.
Dust Regularly
In preparation for holiday gatherings, it is important to consistently dust the home. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), up to 75% of Americans fail to prioritize dusting the home. However, implementing the simple habit within your cleaning routine has immediate benefits. Dusting can decrease the number of particles that would otherwise enter your ductwork and eventually travel throughout the home. The act of dusting also makes your home more aesthetically pleasing for Thanksgiving guests. An HVAC professional can advise you on different types of microfiber dusters that can help remove dust from furniture and appliances. HVAC professionals can also help remove dust from hard-to-reach air returns and vents as well.
Schedule a Furnace Inspection
A furnace that stops working can turn a Thanksgiving celebration into a nightmare. To avoid the worst-case scenario, contact an HVAC technician to complete an annual inspection. A professional can check the functionality of your furnace’s motor and fan, gas pipes, and blower. In addition, experts can also check the flue pipe for any problems or unusual emissions. This is important because an obstructed flue could result in backdrafting, a dangerous occurrence that increases your risk of exposure to potentially lethal carbon monoxide gas. A technician can remove any blockages and repair defective parts to enable peak performance in cold weather.
Install Exhaust Fans
Thanksgiving can involve a limitless menu of preparing turkeys, boiling potatoes, and baking pies. This cooking process can sharply increase the amount of moisture in the air. In turn, this increase in moisture can also raise indoor humidity levels. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), relative indoor humidity should never exceed 60%. To avoid problems, you can ask an HVAC professional to install exhaust fans before holiday activities. Unlike a conventional fan, an exhaust fan helps prevent excess humidity and also keeps breathable air circulating throughout the room. With items like turkey taking at least three hours to bake, you can also lower the thermostat while you cook to make the room less stuffy.
Fire Up the Grill
A fantastic alternative to using excess indoor heat during the holiday is to spend Thanksgiving outdoors instead. Create a table setting on your home deck and fire up the grill. You can adjust settings on your smart thermostat to keep your home cozy until everyone is ready to return indoors.
Clean Around Outdoor Units
During the early fall, excess leaves and debris can accumulate around your outdoor HVAC units. Not only can this occurrence lower curbside appeal, but it can also increase the likelihood of clogging or damage to the interior of your unit. A home services company can help clear dirt and debris obstructing the unit. This maintenance process prevents foreign objects from blocking airflow or compromising important components like condenser coils. If the damage has already been done and your outdoor unit stops working as expected, reach out to an HVAC technician for troubleshooting and repairs.
Seal Up the Home
Prior to holiday gatherings, it is a smart idea to seal up potential air leaks throughout the home. This process can include caulking windows and doors to prevent autumn drafts. It can also involve contacting a professional to seal ductwork. The overall process is important because the loss of air from duct leaks or gaps can cause your heating system to work harder to maintain temperatures within the home. This causes the heater to consume more energy and can raise energy bills. Despite the urgency, it is important to never attempt to patch up cracks yourself with ineffective remedies like duct tape. Trying to fix these gaps or leaks yourself can cause greater damage. Instead, reach out to a trained expert to efficiently complete the job.
Prevent Home Heating Fires
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment causes over 45,000 home fires each year. Before any holiday celebrations, it is important to take steps to avoid household fires. For example, combustible items at least three feet away from heating sources like fireplaces and furnaces. Never plug space heaters into extension cords or leave small heaters running unattended. Contact an HVAC professional immediately if you hear unusual sounds or smell strange odors coming from your vents or furnace.
Check Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
In addition to helping safeguard your household against fires, a home services company can also install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. For example, a professional technician can mount hardwired smoke alarms to ensure reliable operation on all home levels. Similarly, the technician can install carbon monoxide detectors in vulnerable areas to protect home occupants from the dangers of natural gas leaks. This can provide peace of mind as you host a stream of holiday guests within your home.
Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
Many homeowners prefer to schedule HVAC tune-ups before the commencement of the busy festive season. An HVAC tune-up can include ductwork inspection, energy usage audits, safety control testing, and routine repairs. This process can identify potential issues early and help you avoid major breakdowns during holiday events.
Contact Us Today
Make the most of Thanksgiving by prepping your home prior to the holiday season. Environmental Heating & Air Solutions provides professional HVAC services for homes in Roseville, CA and surrounding areas. We offer heating inspection, maintenance, and repair for furnaces as well as heat pumps. Our technicians also work with water heaters, gas heaters, and tankless water heaters. In addition, we can install ductless mini-splits, insulation, and manage home zoning systems. If you do run into any problems, we also offer emergency HVAC services. Contact Environmental Heating & Air Solutions today for all heating and cooling needs.
