There’s a lot to get ready for when it comes to the holiday season. Don’t forget to make your home’s heating and plumbing system part of your holiday-readiness plan.
Check out these tips to keep your home cozy and your plumbing in tip-top shape this holiday season.
Getting Your HVAC System Holiday Ready
Test Your Thermostat
Before the cold really sets in, make sure your thermostat is working correctly. Adjust the temperature and listen for the heating system to respond. If it’s not functioning, consider upgrading to a programmable model to help save energy while keeping your home cozy.
Replace Air Filters
Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, making your heating system work harder and potentially leading to breakdowns. Change your filters before the holiday season kicks off to maintain efficient heating.
Get an Annual Pre-Season Tune-Up
The best way to make sure you don’t have to invite an HVAC expert to your home over the holidays is by getting an annual maintenance tune-up in fall before contractors get busy with calls for repairs. Your HVAC specialist will inspect, clean and check your system for broken or worn components. Annual maintenance can lower your chance of unexpected repairs and extend the lifespan of your system.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
Holiday schedules can be hectic and can sometimes mean you have a house full of guests and other times you are out of town for a stretch of days. When considering an upgrade to your thermostat you can choose a programmable thermostat or one that is Wi-Fi- enabled.
Both enable your system to be more efficient by adjusting the temperature to meet demands and can be programmed in advance. A Smart thermostat can be adjusted on an app and can track and manage data about your home’s heating usage to optimize your energy uses.
Get Your Plumbing System Holiday Ready
Check for Leaks and Flushing Issues
Before the holidays, check for any toilets that aren’t flushing properly or are leaking. Addressing these issues ahead of time will save you from potential embarrassment during family gatherings.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in unheated areas, like basements and attics, are at risk of freezing during extreme cold. Insulating these pipes will help prevent potential bursts and costly repairs.
Keep a Grease Container Near Your Sink
Holiday cooking ramps up your kitchen sink usage! Make sure to avoid putting grease, fat, and cooking oils down the kitchen drain. Grease can buildup in your pipes and restrict waterflow leading to clogs and pipe damage.
Get Your Home Safety Systems Holiday Ready
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
As the holiday season approaches and we rely more on heating systems, it’s crucial to ensure that your home is safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO). Often called the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be produced by faulty heating systems, gas appliances, and even vehicles. Check your carbon monoxide detector is functioning properly and replace the batteries each year.
Know Your Shut-Off Valves
Familiarize yourself with the location of your main water shut-off valve and learn how to use it. In case of a plumbing emergency, knowing where to turn off the water can minimize damage and save you time.
Keep the Heat On
If you plan to leave home during the holidays, don’t turn off your heat completely. Setting your thermostat to at least 55°F will keep your pipes safe from freezing.
Choose Russo Bros & Co. for Your HVAC and Plumbing Needs
Getting your home ready for the holidays is easy with a little pre-planning. At Russo Bros & Co. we know how important the holiday season is and we are ready to serve your Northern New Jersey home when you need us.
Contact us today for all your HVAC, plumbing, drain and sewer needs.
