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 sparkle with these tips for preparing your home for the holidays from The Plumbing & Air Service Co.
The Homeowner’s Holiday Preparation To-Do List
Entertaining goes beyond a candy bowl and decorations; it's about making guests feel welcome and comfortable. To prepare your home for the holidays, ensure your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems are in top shape for a convenient visit.
1. Deodorize Shared Spaces
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 enhance your indoor air quality simultaneously.
- Increase ventilation: To increase air flow in the house, start by opening windows and doors.
- Soft surfaces: Take time to clean soft surfaces like carpets, rugs, and upholstery, which may trap foul odors caused by moisture, pets, or food and beverage stains.
- Address the source: Take out the trash, clean the garbage disposal, and consider cleaning and disinfecting your dishwasher. These are all common sources of foul odors, and they’re especially noticeable during the holidays when everyone tends to congregate in the kitchen!
- Use your HVAC system: Replace the filter on your HVAC system to remove dust and other airborne particles. Simply run the fan on your HVAC to increase airflow and reduce bad smells.
Read More: The Best Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality
2. Clean Out Drains
A clean sink drain prevents bad smells and backups, especially during holiday cooking. For minor clogs, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, wait 15-20 minutes, then flush with hot water. Use a plunger for tougher clogs, and consider tools like a wire coat hanger or drain snake for more stubborn issues. For persistent problems, consider hiring a professional.
3. Avoid Toilet Troubles
Clogged toilets are never convenient, but there’s nothing as embarrassing as having to tell your host about a toilet problem. Save your guests the trauma of reporting a toilet clog by prepping your bathroom for the holidays.
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 likelihood of non-flushable materials entering the toilet significantly reduces the risk of a clog.
During holidays, consider:
- Buying thicker-ply toilet paper, which often requires fewer squares, reducing the amount of toilet paper flushed.
- Removing non-flushable items from the bathroom helps prevent the flushing of paper towels and tissues.
Remember that regular plumbing maintenance and sewer line cleaning can help prevent clogs by addressing issues such as tree roots and sewer line problems.
4. Avoid Overloading Circuits
Holiday lighting and inflatable lawn ornaments can add to your home’s electrical demand this time of year, and so will guests. The additional phones, computers, and gadgets use a lot of electricity, and with everyone congregating in the living room and kitchen, your circuits bear the brunt of increased energy consumption.
How To Avoid Overloaded Circuits
To prevent circuit overloads, identify which outlets and appliances share the same circuit. Distribute high-energy devices, such as TVs and microwaves, across circuits, or block open outlets on overloaded ones. Encourage guests to use low-energy-demand outlets for charging devices by placing a table and a sign nearby. Remember, power strips protect against surges but don’t increase circuit capacity, so avoid overloading them as well.
Easy Tips To Make Holiday Guests Feel Welcome
Greensboro homeowners love creating a warm, inviting atmosphere year-round, but it’s even more important during the holidays. In addition to cleaning your home and providing a tidy place to sleep, you can go the extra mile to ensure your guests are comfortable.
- Understand their needs: Ask about travel plans, dietary restrictions, or any activities they’re looking forward to during their stay.
- Give the tour: Give guests a quick tour of the home, covering basics like the Wi-Fi password, where the trash is, and where they’ll find bathroom items like towels, washcloths, and extra rolls of toilet paper.
- Find the right temperature: Adjust the thermostat based on the weather and the number of guests in your home. If you're wondering, “What temperature should I set the house for my guests?” be sure to ask them if they feel too hot or too cold, and adjust the temperature as needed. For house parties, consider setting the thermostat a few degrees cooler, ideally between 66°F and 68°F, especially if you're cooking at the same time.
The Plumbing & Air Service Co. Wishes You a Wonderful Holiday Season
There’s no place like Greensboro during the holidays! Keep your home comfortable with 24/7 HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services from The Plumbing & Air Service Co.
Ready to get started? Call 336-502-8540 or book online today!