Holiday preparations 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 merry with these tips for preparing your home for the holidays from Mission Plumbing Heating & Cooling.
Your Holiday Preparation Guide, System by System
You know there’s more to entertaining than just putting out a candy bowl and a few decorations. Your goal is to make your guest feel welcome, comfortable, and truly at home. Your home’s core systems all play a role in providing a convenient visit; here’s how to prepare your home for the holidays and make sure your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical components stay on the nice list this year.
1. Deodorize Shared Spaces
While you may not notice certain smells, your guests might. The holidays are a great time to deodorize your home and improve your indoor air quality at the same time.
- Increase ventilation: To increase air flow in the house, start by opening windows and doors.
- 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! Also, clean soft surfaces like carpets, rugs, and upholstery, which may trap foul odors caused by moisture, pets, or food and beverage stains.
- Use your HVAC system: Replace the filter on your HVAC system to remove dust and other airborne particles. Simply running the fan on your HVAC to increase air flow, and reduce bad smells.
Read More: The Best Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality
2. Clean Out Drains
A clean sink drain helps prevent bad smells and backups, especially during holiday cooking. To address minor clogs from food debris, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain and wait 15-20 minutes, then flush with hot water; use a pitcher for better results. You can also use a plunger for tougher build-up. To clear clogs, consider using tools like a wire coat hanger or a drain snake. For persistent issues, schedule a professional service!
3. Prevent Clogged Toilets
There is no better gift during any holiday season than sparing a friend or family member the embarrassment of clogging the toilet during a get-together. At Mission Plumbing Heating & Cooling, we believe toilet clog prevention is a social good, especially during the busiest time of the year for most plumbing companies.
How To Prevent Toilet Clogs
The most common cause of clogged toilets is toilet paper. During the holidays, invest in thicker-ply toilet paper, which often requires fewer squares per use, reducing the amount of TP flushed. You can also remove non-flushable items from the bathroom to prevent individuals from flushing paper towels, tissues, cotton balls, or Q-tips. Finally, regular plumbing maintenance and preventative sewer line cleaning can help prevent toilet clogs by addressing exterior issues, such as tree roots and sewer line problems.
4. Avoid Overloading Circuits
Holiday lighting and inflatable lawn ornaments already 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 circuits. Distribute high-energy devices, such as TVs and microwaves, across circuits, or block open outlets on overloaded ones. Encourage guests to use low-energy 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.
More Ways To Make Your Holiday Guests Feel Welcome
Kansas City homeowners strive to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially during the holidays. To ensure guest comfort, consider the following:
- Understand their needs: Ask about travel plans, dietary restrictions, and preferred activities.
- Give the tour: Show guests around, noting essentials like the Wi-Fi password and bathroom items.
- Find the right temperature: Adjust the thermostat according to the weather and guest preferences. For parties, keep the temperature between 66°F and 68°F, especially when cooking.
Mission Plumbing Heating & Cooling Wishes You a Wonderful Holiday Season
There’s no place like Kansas City during the holidays! Keep your home comfortable with 24/7 HVAC, plumbing, and emergency repair services from Mission Plumbing Heating & Cooling. Schedule an appointment for prompt and professional help today!
Contact our friendly team or call 913-347-5425 to schedule your appointment today. We look forward to helping you!