How to keep your HVAC running smooth throughout the Holidays

11 Dec How to keep your HVAC running smooth throughout the Holidays

SERVING AREAS OF BRISTOL, JOHNSON CITY, AND KINGSPORT TN

The holiday season is here. Whether you’re planning to host events, traveling across town or even out of the country, or just intend to spend some quiet time at home, you want to make sure your HVAC system keeps running as it should. The holidays also can produce some of the coldest weather of the year, so you want to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home. That’s why Thompson Electrical Service composed this list of tips to keep your HVAC running well this holiday season.

1. Check the air filter

Whether performing routine maintenance on your HVAC or troubleshooting a problem, checking the filter should be your first task. Change your filters monthly for optimum performance. A dirty filter is inefficient when it comes to removing pollutants from your home and can hinder air quality while also limiting airflow. That means your HVAC runs more often, and your utility bills increase. It can also lead to mechanical failure of your HVAC unit.

2. Check your thermostat

Whether you plan on hosting a party or you’re cooking a big meal, the temperature in your home is going to go up. Anticipate this and turn down your thermostat ahead of time. This will keep everyone comfortable. If you have a programmable thermostat, you even can schedule when the temperature should change.

3. Look for drafts

Windows and doors should have tight seals to prevent cold air drafts, which could overtax your HVAC unit and increase your utility bill. Weatherstripping and caulking can seal these leaks, improving the efficiency of your HVAC and lowering your utility bills, too.

4. Check your carbon monoxide detectors

If you have a gas furnace, carbon monoxide builds up as a natural byproduct. This gas also may accumulate if your vents are old or clogged, and inhaling carbon monoxide can be fatal. Approximately 50,000 Americans have to go to the emergency room each year due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your vents are clear, and your carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly.

5. Don’t cover the thermostat

Decorating is a tradition during the holidays, but be sure not to cover your thermostat by relocating furniture or adding holiday decor. Covering your thermostat can make it malfunction and misread the temperature in your home, potentially making conditions uncomfortable and also increasing your energy costs.

6. Schedule a maintenance appointment

Regular professional maintenance performed by an experienced HVAC technician is crucial to keeping your system running as it should. Preventive maintenance can identify potential issues before they become problems that could lead to total disruptions in the performance of your HVAC. We recommend having your system serviced once every six months, but if you have visitors coming, it might be a good idea to schedule an additional service just in case.

HVAC Repair in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee

You can trust all your HVAC repair and maintenance needs to the pros at Thompson Electrical Service. We offer one-time services and regular maintenance contracts. To find out more, schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC experts and call our office today at (423) 343-5726.

Thompson Electrical Service is proud to serve homeowners and businesses in the areas of Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee.