Holiday preparations should 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 with these tips for preparing your home for the holidays from Dial Duron Service Co..

Your Holiday Preparation Guide, System by System

Entertaining guests overnight or for extended stays over the holidays adds warmth and connection to the season, but also puts a little added stress on your home’s core systems. Take your holiday preparations further this year to avoid annoying issues and enjoy the holidays worry-free; here’s where to start.

1. Deodorize Shared Spaces

Homeowners often become accustomed to the scents of their own spaces, but some guests may find certain odors distracting or even unpleasant. Instead of covering up your home’s natural scent, try a few natural ways to deodorize your home.

Increase ventilation: To increase air flow in the house, start by opening windows and doors.
Eliminate trapped odors: Clean soft surfaces like carpets, rugs, and upholstery, which may trap foul odors caused by moisture, pets, or food and beverage stains.
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!
Use your HVAC system: Replace the filter on your HVAC system to remove dust and other airborne particles. Simply run the fan on your HVAC to increase airflow and reduce bad smells.

2. Clean Out Your Drains

A clean sink drain reduces bad smells and prevents potential backups when you’re cooking that Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham. Homeowners can use natural cleaners to address minor, lingering drain clogs caused by food debris.

For a pristine sink or a clean shower drain, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain and wait 15-20 minutes. Then, flush the drain with hot water. You might experience better results by pouring hot water from a pitcher rather than just running the tap. This method can also work to clean out a shower drain. For a completely clear drain, consider using a plunger to loosen any build-up.

Note that while you can clean a drain with baking soda and vinegar, that tried-and-true combination is rarely enough to remove clogs. Opt for a wire coat hanger, drain snake, or other methods to remove small clogs before they cause backups and other issues.

For recurring or troublesome drain clogs, schedule an appointment for quick service!

3. Avoid Toilet Troubles

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 Dial Duron Service Co., 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 overloading circuits, start by identifying which outlets and appliances are on the same circuits. If there are multiple devices with high energy use (think TVs, microwaves, and cooking equipment), try to distribute power evenly across circuits. If that isn’t possible, block off any open outlets on those circuits.

Look for outlets and circuits with lower electricity requirements and encourage guests to charge devices there by placing a small table and sign near the outlet. This will help prevent overloaded circuits and get folks to put their phones away during their stay!

Finally, remember that power strips protect electronics from power surges and add a degree of convenience, but they don’t add to your circuit’s capacity. Avoid overloading power strips in the same ways you protect circuits.

More Ways To Make Your Holiday Guests Feel Welcome

Central Florida homeowners love creating a warm, inviting atmosphere year-round, but it’s even more important during the holidays. In addition to cleaning your home and providing a tidy place to sleep, you can go the extra mile to ensure your guests are comfortable.

Ask questions: Ask about travel plans, dietary restrictions, or any activities they’re looking forward to during their stay.
Show them around: Give guests a quick tour of the home, covering basics like the Wi-Fi password, where the trash is located, and where they can find bathroom essentials such as towels, washcloths, and extra rolls of toilet paper.
Keep your home comfortable: Adjust the thermostat to account for the weather and the number of guests in the home. Wondering, “What temperature should the house be for my guests?” Make a point of asking if they’re too hot or cold and adjust as necessary. For house parties, plan to set your thermostat a few degrees cooler (around 66° to 68°) during festivities, and potentially a little cooler if you're cooking at the same time.

Dial Duron Service Co. Wishes You a Wonderful Holiday Season

There’s no place like Central Florida during the holidays, and we enjoy helping our neighbors enjoy the rich traditions this season brings. Keep your home comfortable and running smoothly with 24/7 HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services from Dial Duron Service Co.. For prompt and professional home services when you need them most, schedule an appointment today!

Preparing Your Home for the Holidays: HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Tips