Don’t Overload Your HVAC System During Thanksgiving

A lot of time and effort goes into most Thanksgiving gatherings. With so much focus on cooking, greeting guests, and enjoying all the other activities involved with the day, it’s safe to assume the last thing you’ll want to deal with is an unexpected HVAC issue. The bright spot here is that it’s entirely possible to reduce your odds of having unexpected HVAC woes on Turkey Day. We offer some tips below for your consideration.

Change Your Filter

The main job of an HVAC filter is to collect dust, debris, dirt, and an assortment of particles that would otherwise circulate throughout your home. Treat your guests to better indoor air quality and keep your HVAC system from having to work harder by changing the filter. As a general rule, we recommend changing filters every 2-3 months or so. At the very least, regularly check your filter to see if it’s dirty.

Turn Down the Thermostat When Cooking or Baking

When things literally heat up in the kitchen with cooking and baking, a lot of extra heat is generated. So, keep your home comfy during Thanksgiving by turning the thermostat down when things are on the stove or in the oven. In addition to making your home a bit more comfortable for everyone, taking this step also helps save energy.

Open Any Vents You Normally Keep Closed

If you’ll be having overnight guests for Thanksgiving or over the holiday weekend, don’t forget to open any vents in rooms where you usually keep them closed. This is often done with guest rooms not regularly used. Your guests will thank you and your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to keep everyone nice and warm.

Seal Up Any Draft Sources

Your HVAC system may also be overloaded during Thanksgiving – and the fall and winter months in general – if your home has drafts. Pay particular to spaces around doors and windows that may need new caulking or weather-stripping.

Schedule a Pre-Holiday HVAC Inspection

Another thing you can do to avoid overloading your HVAC system during Thanksgiving is to have a pre-holiday inspection done. This is when an HVAC professional looks at key parts and components of your heating and cooling system. If any issues are found, problems discovered can be taken care of in advance of your holiday gathering. Typically, a routine HVAC inspection involves:

• Checking the blower and other mechanical parts
• Looking at vents and registers for any signs of blockages
• Determining if thermostat settings are accurate
• Seeing how well cycles run and whether or not there are issues that might include short or frequent cycling

Call Us Today

Thornton Heating Services, Inc. is at your service whenever there’s a need for prompt, affordable attention from an HVAC professional. Even if you’re not yet dealing with HVAC issues, get some added peace of mind by scheduling a routine checkup to make sure everything is in working order and ready for your Thanksgiving activities. Contact an HVAC Professional from our team today to take advantage of our full range of HVAC services.