The holiday season this year is likely to be quite different than expected. But that doesn’t mean you don’t want to be prepared. The holidays can still be a bit of a stressful time and may be even more so now that there are extra safety precautions to consider. We want to help.
Below we’ve listed some tips we hope will help you prep your home for the holidays and any guests who may be able to visit. Our hope is that these tips will help you get some tasks you may not have thought of knocked out ahead of time and will help ensure you enjoy a more comfortable season at home.
1. Make sure your summertime gear is stored for the winter
Maybe the kiddie pool has stayed out a little longer than expected. Perhaps the trampoline or the toys are still scattered around the yard. Or maybe the BBQ is still out in the open. Whatever it is, we want to remind you that it is a good idea to get all of the summertime gear and goodies put away. This will help them last longer and will save you the trouble of dealing with a blow-up pool filled with leaves and dirty water.
2. Cover up your outdoor AC unit to protect it
Do you have a central AC system? If so, we know it has likely been out of use for a while now. But don’t let it slip from your mind just yet. Invest in a good cover for the outdoor unit to protect it from the ravages of winter storms, branches, leaves, and other debris. This can help add years to your system’s lifespan.
3. Take some time to dust around the house
If you haven’t already, make sure to go around your home and tackle any dust on your furniture or decor. This includes your vents or air handlers. It may not seem like a big deal, but removing any built-up dust from your home environment can make things much easier on your heater and can improve your indoor air quality. All in all, it saves you money and improves your comfort.
4. Make plans for safe holiday gatherings
We can all agree that our holidays in 2020 aren’t likely to be what we expected. For those of us lucky enough to be able to visit with family members, make sure to communicate safety measures beforehand. It can be hard but it is a good idea to dissuade visits from sick family members. Likewise, encourage hand-washing, quarantining before and after a visit, and wearing a mask as much as possible. The safer you are the less likely someone you love is to end up fighting with the virus.
5. Schedule heating services to keep your home comfortable
Last but not least, make sure to take time to check in on your heater. Is it operating well? Are your bills showing any spikes in energy use? Do you notice any funky smells when you run the system? Any issues with your heater should prompt a call to a professional to ensure your heater will provide you with safe, reliable comfort.
Need help with your heating system services in Portland? Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there!