If you’re expecting several guests this holiday season, you’ve probably already begun planning for the extra food, towels and linens you’ll need to make their stay special.
But you shouldn’t forget about your home comfort system. Having a plumbing or furnace malfunction can spoil an otherwise perfect visit.
Keep the Water Flowing
If your home is older than 10 years, your plumbing is probably beginning to show signs of wear. So, if you’re planning for several guests, you should consider a drain cleaning or even having the pipes redone.
While your pipes may be working well for your family, when you add more people, you add more problems. This can include:
- Clogged drains: With increased food prep and cleanup, your garbage disposal and drains might not be up to the task. The extra cooking fats and grease can harden and cause clogged drains.
- Toilet backups: Extra use can also mean your toilets will be flushing more often. This can lead to clogged toilets if your system isn’t used to the additional use.
- Strain on water heaters: Your water heater was probably selected for your family size, so it may not be up to heating water for more. Or, if your water heater is aging, it might not be able to keep up with demand. Cold showers in the winter aren’t fun for anyone.
You can ensure that you keep clogged drains to a minimum by putting in drain strainers to catch food and using your garbage disposal sparingly. But you may need a plumber to check your pipes and water heater to see if they can handle the extra use.
Maintain the Warm Air
You should also make sure your furnace or boiler is ready to handle the extra load. If you haven’t had your annual HVAC tune-up, schedule an appointment before guests arrive. A technician can determine if you have issues that could turn into real problems with more use.
Some other proactive things you could do include:
- Making sure your air filter is clean: Regularly replacing air filters is the easiest way to ensure your heating system runs at its most efficient.
- Decluttering the area around the unit: If you have items lying on or touching the furnace or boiler, remove them. Items should be stored at least three feet away from the heating unit.
- Investing in a new thermostat: A programmable or smart thermostat can help you adjust your regular settings. While your family may be out most of the day most of the year, there may be family at home all day during the holiday season. A thermostat you can access from your phone makes it easier to adjust the heating for sudden outings. They are also great for reducing your utility bills in the long run.
Wrap Up the Care
Other also need to check other critical items before guests arrive. This includes making sure your circuit breakers are all positioned correctly. If you have a known problem with a breaker, have it repaired before your guests show up.
You should also check your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure their batteries are fresh and the alarms are working properly.
Your Detroit heating experts at C & C Heating & Air Conditioning hope that you and your visitors have a wonderful holiday season. But if we can help you check or repair your heating unit, examine your water heater, or discuss programmable or smart thermostats, give us a call at (586) 439-3319 or contact us online.
