12 Holiday Heating, Plumbing, & Electrical Tips

12-Holiday-HVAC-plumbing-electrical-tips-header

With the holiday season in full swing, many of us look forward to spending time with our family and friends. Simply enjoying our hopefully not dry turkey and opening gifts in the warmth and comfort of our homes.

However, at Peterman Brothers, we know the increased use of heating, plumbing, and electrical systems during this time can also strain these systems, leading to potential issues and disruptions.

To make sure your home stays warm, comfortable, and safe during the most wonderful time of the year, we’ll be going over 12 holiday heating, plumbing, and electrical tips to make sure the only thing you need to worry about is your light display is better than your neighbors.

Holiday Heating Tips

1. Tune-ups

Keep your heating system in good working order by scheduling a professional inspection and tune-up before your merry gatherings. These checkups will help ensure that your system is running efficiently and effectively and can help prevent potential issues from arising during the holiday season.

During the inspection, the technician will clean and adjust the various components of your heating system, such as the burners, blower, and thermostat, to ensure they are functioning correctly. They will also check for any signs of wear and tear and replace faulty or worn-out parts.

2. Vent Space

In addition to scheduling a tune-up, you can also do a few things to help maintain your heating system during the holiday season. It’s a good idea to keep your heating vents and registers clear of any obstructions, such as furniture or rugs, which can heavily restrict the flow of warm air into your living spaces.

3. Thermostat

Turn down the thermostat a few degrees. Cooking a lot adds a lot of heat. If you’re hosting this year, turn down the thermostat to adjust for the extra heat. You want your guests to be warm, not roasting like chestnuts!

4. Ceiling Fans

Before you resort to cranking up the thermostat, consider using your ceiling fan to keep your home comfortable. Warm air will naturally rise to the ceiling, but setting your ceiling fans to spin clockwise will force warm air back into your living areas. This trick allows you to redistribute the heat inside your home instead of adding extra.

5. Drafts

You can install a top-of-the-line system, but if your windows and doors are full of drafts, your home will never feel as warm as it should. Look for openings near doors and windows and caulk and seal as necessary.

6. Upgrade

If your furnace is more than 15 years old or you feel it’s struggling to keep up, you may need to consider replacing your system. With a new, high-efficiency model, which can save you money on energy bills and help reduce your carbon footprint. This way, you can enjoy a cozy and warm home throughout the holiday season without worrying about your heating system breaking down. Peterman Brothers can always come out for free to look at your furnace, if you are considering replacing your old system.

Holiday Plumbing Tips

7. Drains

Avoid clogged drains and other plumbing issues by being mindful of what you put down your sinks and toilets. Avoid pouring grease, fats, and oils down the drain, as these can solidify and cause clogs. Instead, pour used cooking oil into a container and dispose of it properly.

8. Toilets

Also, avoid flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet, such as wipes, sanitary products, or grandma’s fruit cake, as these can cause clogs. If you experience a clogged drain, try using a plunger or a plumbing snake before calling a professional plumber. This way, you can avoid inconvenient and messy plumbing issues and keep your sinks and toilets flowing freely during the holiday season.

9. Dishwasher

When cleaning up after a holiday meal, it’s best to run the dishwasher once all the other dishes have been cleaned. This is because the dishwasher and garbage disposal typically share the same drain. Running the disposal or pouring anything into the sink can push waste back into the dishwasher’s cleaning cycle. Additionally, running the dishwasher could cause water to back up and flood your kitchen if your drains become clogged.

10. Showers

If you’re hosting guests during the holidays, consider spacing out the time between showers by about 10-15 minutes, which can help prevent your drains from becoming clogged. This pause allows your hot water supply to replenish and your drains to clear. Using a strainer over the drain can also help prevent hair and other debris from clogging your pipes.

Holiday Electrical Tips

11. Inspect

Protect your home and loved ones from electrical fires and other hazards by making sure your electrical system is up-to-date and in good working order. Start by checking your outlets, switches, and cords for signs of damage, such as fraying or exposed wiring, and replace any faulty or outdated components.

12. Overloads

Additionally, avoid overloading your electrical system by limiting the use of extension cords and power strips, and make sure to unplug any holiday lights and decorations before leaving your home or going to bed.

To avoid overloading your electrical system:

  • Be mindful of the number of holiday lights and decorations you use.
  • Avoid plugging multiple high-wattage items into the same outlet or power strip.
  • If you are using Christmas tree lights, make sure they are in good condition, with no damaged or frayed wires, and avoid leaving them lit unattended for extended periods.

These precautions can prevent electrical fires and other hazards and keep your home safe and festive throughout the holiday season.

By following these 12 heating, plumbing, and electrical tips, you can help ensure that your home stays warm, comfortable, and safe during the holiday season. If you have any questions or concerns with any of these, please give us a call.

From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!

Skip to content