Give Your Heating and Air a Break When Guests Arrive

As the turkey slides into the oven, the house begins to heat up too. As more guests arrive, the ambient temperature increases. Here are some suggestions for helping the warmth of the holiday alleviate the strain on your heating and air conditioning systems.

Heating and Air Helpers

  Anytime you use your oven, you bring warmth into your kitchen. You may have read advice to use the microwave during the hottest weather, for example, so as not to heat up the kitchen.   When you plan on cooking and baking all day, you can turn the thermostat down a bit. Between the heat from the oven and your activity, you will probably be more comfortable with the heating and air at a lower temperature.   If it’s a sunny day, throw open the curtains and blinds. Let the sunlight pass through your windows and add to the party.   As more guests arrive, you may opt to turn the thermostat down even more. As more people gather in a space, the ambient temperature increases. This is true especially if people are active.   Some people love to engage in touch football on the lawn. Others hang Christmas lights outside while they wait for the meal to be ready. Some families engage in a raucous white elephant gift exchange. Some cuddle up on the sofa for a parade, football or classic movies.   Whatever the activity, it’s easy to lower the heating and air during a big gathering.   If you have a fireplace, this is a great opportunity to show it off. Nothing says autumn and winter holidays like a crackling fire. It provides as much ambiance as warmth.   If you have ceiling fans, you can use them to circulate the air. Make sure the setting is set to clockwise. This should pull cool air up from the floor and living space. The updraft pushes the warm air hanging around the ceiling along the walls and back down to the floor.

Heating and Air Don’ts

  Remember, it’s not a good idea to turn the heat off completely. It’s a strategy which can easily backfire. When the party’s over and the crowd thins it suddenly feels really cold.   The difference in temperature is a struggle for the furnace or heat pump to accommodate. The attempt to regain the warmer temperature quickly strains your heating and air. It’s always better to turn the thermostat down instead.

Partner with a Heating and Air Contractor from AC Southeast®

  If you haven’t already, find a local quality HVAC dealer using our website. Schedule a tune-up of your heat pump or furnace before the holiday weekend. You’ll have the peace of mind knowing your system is all set for the season.   For the most convenience, invest in a maintenance agreement. Most HVAC dealers offer them and it’s an easy way to ensure routine service for your heating and air equipment. If you need a quick repair or have an inconvenient breakdown, you’ll have an HVAC contractor in your corner ready to spring into action.   Contact AC Southeast® today to find a licensed and reliable HVAC expert in your area. You’ll be glad you did. Happy Holidays!