Date: December 21, 2022
Now that the cold has officially swept in and we’re dealing with some seriously frigid temperatures and snowfall in Wyoming, it’s more important than ever that your heating system is running smoothly and effectively. This is especially true for the holidays as you celebrate together as a family. The last thing anyone needs is for a freezing Christmas dinner or over-heated kitchen.
Luckily, your trusted Evanston HVAC company and Ogden HVAC company is here to help ring in the season with unmatched heating services. On top of our quality services, though, we also want to take some time to offer some of our pro heating tips for this holiday season. Read on for our top 10 holiday heating tips to keep you and your guests comfortable, or simply give us a call!
1. Check and Change your HVAC Filter Before Guests Arrive
Make sure you check your furnace filters once a month. If they become too dirty, they will begin to obstruct the airflow. Not only will this compromise the air quality in your home, it will make it more difficult to heat your home properly. It will also cause your energy costs to go up.
On top of that, these obstructions can make for some unpleasant temperatures for your holiday celebrations. Checking and changing your filter on a regular basis — and right before your guests arrive — will help ensure that everyone is comfy and cozy.
2. Keep the Oven Closed
We know you want to check on those Christmas yams and fresh-baked dinner rolls and maybe get a whiff of that delicious aroma, but every time you open the oven door the oven’s temperature drops as much as 25 degrees. Resist checking whatever it is you happen to be baking long before you know that it’ll be done. And if you do need to check it, simply turn the oven light on and look through the window.
More than that, it can be helpful to cook as much as possible ahead of time to avoid heating up the house unnecessarily. That kitchen can heat up quickly when the oven’s roaring, the stovetops are full blast, and a bunch of people are crowding around. That’s a fast route to some uncomfortable levels of heat! Keep the temps in the ideal range by planning ahead.
3. Use Ceiling Fans
Most ceiling fans have a “reverse” setting that will push the rising warm air back down to ground level. This helps to maximize the heat generated from the heater. Ceiling fans also help circulate the air, keeping a more even temperature.
4. Remove Clutter From Around Your Furnace
Many people will use the area around the furnace as storage space. Once you begin using your furnace again, you should clear the area around it. Otherwise, you may have a fire hazard on your hands — especially if there are combustible items nearby. Besides, you don’t want to have a bunch of clutter around these areas once the guests come over. Not only will removing the clutter keep your furnace running effectively and keep your home safe from fire hazards, it will also keep things tidy for your holiday get-together.
5. Keep the Fireplace Clear
There’s nothing more iconic for the holidays than the family gathered ‘round the fireplace, dressed in warm clothes, and sipping some hot chocolate (preferably with marshmallows). But, just as you want to maintain a clear space around your furnace, you will want to keep the area around the fireplace clean if you want to have a safe and warm gathering around the hearth.
If you decide to light a fire to make your living room even warmer and cozier, make sure that you don’t have anything flammable nearby, such as furniture, rugs, drapes, or holiday trees. It’s also a good idea to have the fireplace swept and cleaned by professionals on a regular basis. After that, pour yourself some hot chocolate, put on those fuzzy socks, and enjoy the warmth of the fireplace!
6. Keep an Eye on the Blinds
Keeping your blinds and curtains closed at night will keep cold air from penetrating through your windows while also helping to keep warm air trapped inside. On the flip side, it’s a good idea to keep your blinds and curtains open during the day to let sunlight in, which will assist in warming up your home and giving your furnace a helping hand.
7. Insulate Your Attic
It can be a huge money saver to insulate your attic. This will also help make sure your home’s heat doesn’t escape your house when temperatures drop during the holidays. This will help keep heat trapped inside your home, allowing you and your guests to keep warm and comfortable — all while going easy on your wallet.
8. Seal the Windows
If you feel a cold draft near any of your windows, it means that there are air leaks. You should use a sealant to eliminate these air leaks, thereby preventing cold air from leaking in. A professional can do this for you as well. Locking your windows will also help create a tighter seal around your windows to keep in the warm air. It will also help prevent guests from cracking a window when you’re not looking!
9. Consider a Whole-Home Humidifier
A whole-home humidifier will help retain heat so you can set your thermostat lower and make your home more comfortable. A humidifier will help eliminate dry air and reduce static electricity — ensuring your holiday guests remain comfortable.
10. Get Professional Inspections
A professional inspection will reveal any potential issues with your heating systems before they turn into more severe problems. An inspector will also clean and lubricate parts of your heating systems as needed to help ensure that it runs as efficiently as possible.
You don’t want your heating systems breaking down in the middle of a family meal, nor do you want your heating systems working so inefficiently that your heating bills are astronomical. Have your HVAC system inspected before the holidays hit so you can deal with any heating repair issues before they become extra costly.
Contact Champion Services
The holidays are the worst time of the year for your heat to go out! Start your holiday season with regular maintenance on your heating system and take care of repairs as soon as you notice the warning signs. This will help to ensure your heating system is working properly before guests arrive.
Remember that the experts at Champion Services are here for you all season long. If your heating system is on the fritz, contact Champion Services to schedule an appointment today!