Halloween is almost here, and that means Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and all the other winter holidays aren’t far behind! Here in the Olathe, Kansas area, the weather has already started to cool off, and the Halloween forecast is looking downright chilly. Many of our friends and neighbors have started turning their furnaces on to keep their homes comfortable as the change of season brings colder weather to the region. Whether you’ve already used your furnace for the first time this year or are still waiting for temperatures to drop even further, it’s time for an HVAC tune-up. Here’s a reminder of how proper HVAC care can help ensure a cozy holiday season for you and your family.

Most homeowners already know that their heating and cooling systems require expert maintenance from an HVAC service company every six months in the same way that your car needs oil changes and other occasional maintenance so that everything continues to run properly, and you’re less likely to have a breakdown. Unfortunately, these kinds of routine maintenance items can easily get pushed aside or forgotten entirely during the busy holiday season, and that’s one of the reasons we like to recommend an annual HVAC system tune-up in Olathe right around the start of autumn. That way, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your furnace is in good shape as we head into the cold winter months and all those winter holidays.

As important as a seasonal HVAC tune-up is, it’s not the only thing you can do to help keep your holidays cozy and warm. Here are a few helpful tips to keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape throughout the holidays:

Top Tips to Keep Your Holiday Season Merry and Bright (and WARM)!

1. Clear the Area Around Your Furnace: Like any other piece of HVAC equipment, your furnace needs airflow to work properly. This means that clutter around your furnace can not only cause it to function less efficiently, it can also open you up to the risk of accidental fires. Clear out that clutter!
2. Heat Pump Maintenance: Not everyone has a heat pump, but if you do, it’s important to keep your outdoor unit clean and clear of debris just as you would for other HVAC equipment such as air conditioners. You can even pick up or install a shelter or protective cover for your heat pump; just be sure that it doesn’t restrict airflow when it’s in place.
3. Regular Filter Changes: Maybe the best (and simplest) thing that you can do around the house for the health and longevity of your HVAC system is to change your air filters regularly. This becomes especially important over the holidays when your home is filled with guests, you’re spending a lot more time indoors, and you’re doing a whole lot more cooking.
4. Check Ventilation: If you want your furnace to work as efficiently as possible and keep your whole house warm this winter, it needs proper ventilation. Make sure that all your vents and registers are open and not blocked by furniture, carpet, or curtains.
5. Seal and Insulate the Home: Anyplace where cold air can get in or warm air can get out will mean that your HVAC system has to work harder to keep up, and that means a colder home and higher utility bills. Fortunately, you can use caulk or weather stripping to seal up drafts around doors or windows. While you’re at it, check to ensure that your home’s insulation in the attic and the walls is up to the task.
6. Schedule a Professional Check-Up: We already mentioned this, of course, but it bears repeating. Before the holiday season hits its peak, you should have an HVAC service company in Olathe like Davenport check out your furnace to make sure that everything is in top condition and working as it should be. This not only helps to guarantee optimal efficiency and lower utility bills, it also goes a long way toward heading off potential malfunctions or breakdowns that can leave you and your family in the cold.
7. Install a Smart Thermostat: Your thermostat plays an important but often underappreciated role in keeping your home warm and cozy, and a smart thermostat can do that job even better. Not only do many smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s temperature right from your phone even when you aren’t at home, but they can also learn your patterns and adjust themselves to optimize heating efficiency. This can be a lifesaver during the busy holiday season.
8. Zone Heating: Speaking of the holiday season, this is a time of year when many of us have guests, which often means that parts of the house may experience more use than normal or that your patterns around the house may change. If you’re having folks over for the holidays, consider learning a little more about zone heating. This can help produce more efficient results and greater comfort for your guests, and the tech who comes out to do your HVAC tune-up can tell you more about it!

The magic of the holiday season isn’t just about twinkling lights or beautifully wrapped gifts. It’s about the warmth and comfort we share with our loved ones. Fortunately, it only takes a little planning to ensure that your home remains a cozy haven for family, friends, and guests this holiday season, especially when it comes to your home HVAC system. Remember, a bit of preventative maintenance now can save a lot of cold, uncomfortable moments later. 

As we head into autumn and the weather gets colder and more unpredictable, it’s the perfect time to practice a few of these tips to help get your home ready for holidays and, most importantly, it’s the ideal time to call Davenport Service Company to schedule an HVAC tune-up. Remember, if things do go awry, Davenport offers reliable 24/7 commercial and home furnace repair anytime. Their highly trained, certified technicians are always ready to assist, regardless of the weather conditions. If you’re ready to schedule your HVAC system tune-up or have any other heating and cooling questions, call Davenport Service Company at 913-441-2222 today!