Between Thanksgiving dinner and the first wave of out-of-town visitors, November asks a lot of Northland homes. More people means more showers, more cooking and more doors opening to the cold, and that puts pressure on systems we tend to forget until something goes wrong. A few simple checks now can keep the holidays comfortable for everyone under your roof.
Give your water heater some attention
Nothing ends a holiday morning faster than a cold shower. A typical tank holds 40 to 50 gallons, and a house full of guests can run through that quickly. Sediment settles in the bottom over time and cuts capacity, so flushing the tank before company arrives is worthwhile. If yours is more than 10 years old, rumbles as it heats, or shows rust or moisture around the base, have it checked before it quits at the worst possible moment.
Plan for a warm crowd
An oven running for hours and a living room full of family generate plenty of heat on their own. Rather than cracking a window, nudge the thermostat down a couple of degrees before guests arrive. A Wi-Fi thermostat makes this easy and lets you adjust from your phone if you’re the one traveling.
Keep vents and returns clear
When furniture moves to make room for extra chairs, air mattresses or the Christmas tree, vents often get covered. Blocked supply vents leave rooms chilly, and blocked return grilles make your furnace work harder. Take a quick walk through the house after you rearrange.
Help everyone breathe easier
A closed-up winter home traps dust, pet dander and cooking odors, and dry furnace air can leave guests with scratchy throats. A fresh filter, a whole-home humidifier or an air purifier can make a real difference, especially for visitors with allergies.
Test your carbon monoxide detectors
Your furnace, water heater and range will all be working overtime. Test your detectors, replace the batteries, and make sure there is one on every level near sleeping areas, including the guest room.
And if something does go wrong on a holiday, keep a trusted number handy. Hale’s offers 24/7 emergency service, so a breakdown doesn’t have to spoil the celebration.
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