Holiday plans are in full swing for many of us, with the bustle of buying presents and readying homes for an endless stream of friends and family members. While you’re busy preparing menus and wrapping the last of the gifts for loved ones, you might want to add one more task to your “to-do” list before all of your gatherings begin. You need to ensure that your HVAC system is in prime working condition.
Preparing Your HVAC Unit for Holiday Traffic
The worst time for your HVAC system to break down is over the holidays. Unsavory odors, poor air quality, and a complete system breakdown can really wreak havoc on your Yuletide cheer. Fortunately, taking some simple steps to prevent an untimely issue with your HVAC will allow you to focus on more pressing matters, such as creating warm memories with your loved ones.
Simple Steps for Holiday HVAC Preparation
With this quick and easy holiday HVAC checklist, you’ll ensure that your home is comfortable and ready for any holiday event you host. Follow these preparation steps for HVAC success.
Clean the Ductwork
Dirty and clogged air ducts interfere with the airflow from your central HVAC unit. A quick inspection and cleaning of your ductwork will keep your home smelling fresh and free from excess debris. Clean ductwork also allows your central HVAC unit to perform more efficiently.
Inspect and Replace the Air Filters if Necessary
Your furnace air filter is hard at work, pulling dirt, mildew, mold, pollen, and other allergens from the air that you breathe. While it’s ideal to replace your furnace air filter regularly, the reality is that this doesn’t always happen. Now is a great time to inspect that filter for tears, cracks, and visible signs of pollutants. If any of these are present, consider replacing your filter to improve air quality and HVAC system function overall.
Keep the Vents Clear
Ensure that the Christmas tree and packages don’t block the floor air vents. Also, check that furniture, rugs and curtains are not blocking the airflow.
Seal Up the Leaks
Air leaks occur when outside air seeps into your home or heated air escapes through small cracks around windows and openings in your roof. An air leak can be a contributing factor to an increased number of pollutants in your home, leading to sniffles, coughs and allergic reactions. Inspect your home and HVAC unit for air leaks and seal them to improve air quality and heating efficiency and even reduce energy costs. Use caulk and weatherstripping to keep your home sealed up tightly.
Check the Thermostat and Regulate the Humidity Levels
The presence of extra moisture in your home can cause the development of mold, mildew, and other pathogens that thrive in warm, moist places. All that extra cooking and baking is bound to release extra moisture that circulates through your system. If your thermostat has an adjustable humidity setting, you might want to lower it a bit. Another option is to install a dehumidifier in rooms that are prone to extra moisture, such as the kitchen and bathroom, to offset any potential growth of these harmful substances in your HVAC system.
Don’t Wait Until Company’s Coming!
Performing regular, scheduled maintenance on your HVAC system year-round could eliminate the need for an extra service call around the holidays. If your system is cleaned and maintained regularly, it will continue to work for you when you need it most. We offer a three-tiered maintenance plan, allowing you to stay within your budget and pick the best plan. Signing up for one of these plans will help reduce repair bills and middle-of-the-night emergency phone calls. It will also help prevent you from sitting in a cold house during a fierce Indiana snowstorm as you wait for help to arrive.
Making Your Holidays Even Cozier!
Dugan Air provides expert HVAC service and installation for valued clients in Franklin and the surrounding areas. With offerings such as system maintenance plans, repairs and installations, emergency services, smart thermostat sales and service and air purification products. We provide you with the best heating and cooling solutions for your home. If company is coming, take one thing off your plate as you prepare. Contact Dugan Air today for an inspection of your HVAC services and start the season off right!