The Ultimate Holiday Preparation Guide for Homeowners

It’s the holiday season, and you’re pulling out all the stops to make guests feel welcome. Taking a closer look at your home’s key systems will help avoid inconvenient and potentially embarrassing issues, from preventing clogged toilets to addressing foul odors. As Gaithersburg homeowners start getting ready for the holidays, we put together a few tips to make preparing your home for holiday guests a breeze.

Your Holiday Preparation Guide, System by System

There’s more to entertaining than just putting out a candy bowl and a few decorations. Your goal is to make your guests feel welcome, comfortable, and truly at home. Your home’s core systems all play a role in providing a convenient visit; here’s how to prepare your home for the holidays and make sure your HVAC and plumbing components stay on the nice list this year.

1. Deodorize Your Home

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.

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

2. Avoid Toilet Troubles

You can spare a friend or family member the embarrassment of clogging the toilet during a get-together. At Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., we believe 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, so addressing the amount of TP used is a great place to start. Additionally, reducing the likelihood of non-flushable materials entering the toilet significantly reduces the risk of a clog.

During holidays, consider:

Buying thicker-ply toilet paper, which often requires fewer squares, reducing the amount of toilet paper flushed.
Removing non-flushable items from the bathroom helps prevent the flushing of paper towels and tissues.

Remember that regular plumbing maintenance and sewer line cleaning can help prevent clogs by addressing issues such as tree roots and sewer line problems.

3. Identify Hot or Cold Spots

We tend to spend less time in guest rooms than other areas of our homes. In many cases, this makes it difficult to identify hot or cold spots that may make your guests uncomfortable. Take a little time to spot drafts using your hands along windows, doors, or electrical outlets on exterior walls. You can also use a candle, watching the flame to see if there’s wind or leaks. Spend time sealing air leaks, or considering adding a mini-split system to resolve the issue during your next home improvement project.

More Ways To Make Your Holiday Guests Feel Welcome

Gaithersburg 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, and where they’ll find bathroom items like 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 on setting your thermostat a few degrees cooler (around 66° to 68°) during festivities, and potentially a little cooler than that if you're cooking at the same time.

Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., Wishes You a Wonderful Holiday Season

There’s no place like Gaithersburg during the holidays! Keep your home comfortable with 24/7 HVAC services from Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Schedule an appointment for prompt and professional help today!

HVAC and Plumbing Tips for Holiday Entertaining