As the holiday season approaches, your home is bound to be filled with festive gatherings, extra cooking, and out-of-town guests. With all this added activity, your HVAC system will be working overtime to keep everyone comfortable. To ensure your system runs smoothly and efficiently, it’s important to take a few proactive steps to prepare.
Whether it’s keeping your home cozy during chilly winter nights or making sure your air quality is top-notch for holiday visitors, optimizing your HVAC system is key to enjoying a stress-free holiday season. Here’s how you can get your HVAC system ready for the festivities.
Change Your Air Filter
Changing the air filter in your HVAC system is one of the simplest things you can do, but it’s also one of the most important. Your air filter removes dust, dander, and other pollutants from the air as it moves through your home’s ductwork. Naturally, the filter can get quite dirty and should be cleaned or replaced regularly.
Most HVAC filters should be replaced every 60 to 90 days, but if you have pets, allergies, or a busy household, checking and replacing the filter monthly is a good practice for maintaining the best air quality. With extra holiday activities, guests, and increased heating use, your filter may get dirty faster than usual, so be sure to check it during the season.
Get a Programmable or Smart Thermostat and Prepare It for the Holidays
A programmable thermostat is a must for every modern home, but if you’re looking for even more convenience and energy savings, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. These thermostats not only allow you to set schedules but also learn your heating and cooling preferences and optimize energy use.
If you already have a programmable thermostat, adjust it for the holidays. The ideal winter temperature when you’re home and awake could be between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, which keeps your home comfortable without straining your HVAC system or driving up energy bills. When you’re asleep, lowering the temperature to around 66 degrees can help save energy while keeping you warm under the blankets.
Remember, if your home feels warmer with guests or while cooking, you may not need to keep the temperature as high. Let your thermostat adjust accordingly to maintain comfort without overworking your system.
Check for Drafts and Gaps
Gaps in windows and doors can create a major headache during the winter. Not only do they make your home feel uncomfortably cold, but they also force your heating system to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature. This increases your energy bills and shortens your HVAC system’s lifespan.
Take an afternoon to check for drafts and seal any gaps with weather stripping or caulk. This quick fix will make a significant difference in your home’s energy efficiency once temperatures drop outside.
Check Your Insulation
In addition to sealing gaps in your doors and windows, take a look at your home’s insulation. While fiberglass insulation can last 80 to 100 years, its lifespan may vary depending on the material and whether it has sustained damage from moisture or pests. If your insulation hasn’t been inspected in decades or if your home feels unusually drafty, consider upgrading it before the holidays to improve heating efficiency.
Clean Your Home
You likely clean your home regularly, but a thorough deep cleaning before the holidays can help improve indoor air quality and reduce stress on your HVAC system. Rearranging furniture and decorations for holiday events? Be mindful of where your vents are located—ensure they’re not blocked by furniture, trees, or other décor. Keeping your vents clear ensures better airflow and helps your system maintain a comfortable temperature with less effort.
Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
Like any appliance, your AC and furnace requires regular maintenance to keep running efficiently. This includes tasks like replacing your air filter, cleaning your vents, and scheduling at least one HVAC tune-up every year. A professional tune-up typically involves checking electrical connections, calibrating your thermostat, inspecting your heat exchanger, and performing any necessary repairs to ensure your system is ready for the cold months ahead.
If you haven’t scheduled an HVAC tune-up this year, fall is the perfect time to do so. Getting your system checked before the holidays will help prevent any unexpected breakdowns during the winter season.
Call Greiner Heating and Air for Assistance
Our team at Greiner Heating and Air is always here to help, whether you need an HVAC tune-up, repairs, or upgrades before the holidays. We proudly serve Solano and Yolo Counties in California, offering furnace repairs, AC installation, water heater services, and electrical repairs. Our experienced technicians are highly trained and capable of handling even the most complex HVAC issues, and we do so with affordable rates and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
If you’d like to learn more about our HVAC services or need help preparing your home for the holiday season, contact Greiner Heating and Air in Dixon, CA today. We’re happy to answer your questions and ensure your HVAC system is ready for the holidays!
