Holidays and Your HVAC System

With that in mind, there are always extra steps to be taken – even in normal times – to ensure that your guests are comfortable inside your home or business.

Your home is designed to accommodate a small number of people, and when you add in extra bodies, cooking and other factors, there’s a good chance that the atmosphere in your house could get quite uncomfortable during the Christmas and holiday season. And while your office may be able to accommodate several people, it may not be set to do so in one particular gathering spot (instead used to people spread out in separate rooms). However, the good news is that there are several deliberate steps you can take to keep things cozy and ensure that everyone is comfortable no matter the size of your celebrations.

Know the state of your HVAC

If you have noticed that your HVAC system struggles to keep your family comfortable under routine circumstances, imagine what will happen when you stress it further. If you plan on hosting any gatherings over the holidays and you have not had your system serviced within the last six months or more, then you cannot be certain that your furnace – and even your air conditioner – can handle the task. Therefore, you should call a NATE-certified, professional HVAC contractor and set up a service a call as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are some do-it-yourself service steps you can take, such as…

Check your furnace filter

A dirty or clogged furnace filter reduces air flow through your entire system and drains efficiency from your HVAC. And with a party setting – many people crowding into any one space in your home or business – you need as much air flow as possible in order to ensure comfort. Your air filters should be changed at least every 6 months, but every 3-4 months is best, and it is a relatively simple procedure. Locate the filter next to your furnace’s air handler. The old filter will have list its dimensions. Simply buy a new one and replace it yourself.

Ensure you have a smart thermostat – or turn the heat down

With extra bodies inside your home or office, you can be certain that the air will be warmer. Therefore, it is important that your thermostat either be set for cooler temperatures or that you at least turn the heat down. If you have a smart thermostat, this is a very simple procedure. Simply set the overall temperature for a lower range, and you can rest assured that the system will react accordingly, adding more heat – or even supplying cooling air – as necessary. If you have an older system, make sure to set your heat for a lower temperature – or even consider turning your furnace “off” for the duration of the party.

Make sure that your system runs in the days leading up to the party

High humidity can become a problem during parties. The reason for this is that each person’s exhalations raises the moisture levels in the room. Therefore, it is important to have a dry room to begin with and running your HVAC system will help regulate moisture levels. If you have a whole-house or whole-office dehumidifier installed, mores the better, as this will also help keep things dry.

Beware of dust

The month of December stirs up all kinds of dust and debris in your home and office – from bringing trees and greenery inside, to unpacking ornaments and working in storage areas, you can be certain that dust and other irritants will be stirred into circulation. This can help clog your system and prevent efficient air flow, while also unleashing unpleasant smells. That it is why it is important that you be aware of what has happened in your home or office in the days leading to a party.

Consider an air purifier

With new and cutting-edge technologies available in air purification systems, you can not only make your guests more comfortable but also ensure that they are actually breathing the cleanest air possible. In system HVAC air purifiers such as the REME-HALO utilize UV, ozone and hydrogen peroxide as methods that not only clean the air of harmful viruses and bacteria but also actively rid it of dust, pollen and other irritants. This technology can not only make your guests more comfortable but also safer.

Do your cooking far ahead of time

If you plan on doing home cooking, consider doing it an hour or two ahead of time and then allowing your kitchen to cool. This will help keep temperatures down throughout your home and keep your guests more comfortable.

Call a pro

If you are worried about your system in any shape, form or fashion, please contact a reliable professional HVAC contractor right away. A professional will ensure that any problem is handled quickly and thoroughly, while allowing you to focus on your party and enjoying some semblance of normalcy as we enjoy the 2020 Christmas and holiday season.

Conditioned Air Systems has been helping provide holiday cheer throughout north Georgia since 1983, and we are always ready to help you maintain that cheer. If you experience any HVAC problems, please feel free to call us today at 770-536-7509 and let us restore your full comfort ASAP.