02 Dec How to Keep Your Home Comfortable During the Holiday Season

Posted at 22:00h in Heating by Tennessee Mechanical Corporation

Ensuring a Cozy, Comfortable Home for Your Holiday Gatherings

The holiday season is here, and for many Middle Tennessee families, that means a cozy home filled with loved ones, festive decorations, and plenty of good food. But as wonderful as this time of year can be, it can also come with its own set of challenges when it comes to keeping your home comfortable.

From fluctuating temperatures outside to the heat generated by a house full of guests, managing your HVAC system and indoor environment is key to ensuring your holiday season stays merry and bright.

Here are some practical tips to keep your home comfortable during the holidays.

1. Stay Ahead of Middle Tennessee’s Temperature Swings

In Middle Tennessee, winter weather can be a rollercoaster. One day, it’s sunny and 60°F; the next, you’re scraping frost off your windshield. These fluctuating temperatures can make it tricky to maintain a consistent temperature indoors. Here’s how to handle it:

Set a Base Temperature: Program your thermostat to keep your home at a steady, comfortable temperature—around 68°F when you’re home. For energy savings, lower it slightly at night or when you’re away. A smart thermostat can adjust settings automatically based on your routine.
Layer Up: Encourage your family to wear cozy sweaters and socks instead of cranking up the heat. This not only saves energy but also accommodates varying comfort levels among your guests.
Seal Drafts: Check for drafts around doors and windows and use weather stripping or draft stoppers to keep cold air out. This keeps your HVAC system from working overtime.

2. Prepare Your HVAC System for the Holidays

Before the festivities begin, make sure your HVAC system is in top shape. Here are a few essential maintenance steps:

Change Your Air Filters: A clean filter helps your system run efficiently and improves indoor air quality. During the holidays, with more people and possibly pets in your home, your system may work harder. Check and replace filters as needed.
Schedule a Maintenance Check: If you haven’t already, have a professional HVAC technician inspect your system. They’ll ensure everything is running smoothly and catch potential issues before they become problems.
Test Your Thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is accurate and working properly. If you don’t already have a programmable or smart thermostat, consider upgrading for better control over your home’s comfort.

3. Manage the Heat from Extra Guests

A house full of people brings warmth. The body heat generated by guests, combined with cooking and holiday lights, can quickly make your home feel too warm, even when it’s chilly outside.

Adjust the Thermostat: Before guests arrive, lower the temperature by a few degrees to counteract the extra heat. Most people won’t notice, and it will help keep everyone comfortable.
Use Ceiling Fans: Switch your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This pushes warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the room, keeping it evenly distributed without feeling stuffy.
Open Interior Doors: Keep doors open between rooms to allow air to flow freely. This helps your HVAC system maintain an even temperature throughout your home.

4. Keep the Kitchen Comfortable

The kitchen is the heart of the home during the holidays, but it’s also a hotspot for heat. Between the oven, stovetop, and extra people, it can feel like a sauna. Here’s how to manage it:

Use Ventilation: Turn on your range hood or kitchen exhaust fan to remove excess heat and odors. Make sure the fan is venting to the outside, not just recirculating air.
Time Your Cooking: Prepare dishes in advance when possible and stagger cooking times to avoid overheating the kitchen all at once.
Close Off Unused Rooms: If you’re not using certain rooms, close the doors to direct more of your HVAC system’s cooling or heating power to the areas where people are gathered.

5. Keep Indoor Air Fresh and Clean

With more people indoors, plus cooking and holiday decorations like candles or fresh trees, your indoor air quality can take a hit. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Ventilate Regularly: Crack a window or two for a few minutes to let in fresh air, especially after cooking or when the house feels stuffy.
Invest in an Air Purifier: A portable air purifier can help remove allergens, odors, and pollutants from the air, keeping it fresh and clean.
Use Natural Decorations: If you’re decorating with fresh greenery, like pine garlands or a live tree, make sure it’s well-hydrated to reduce the release of allergens and keep it from drying out.

6. Create Cozy Zones

Not everyone has the same comfort preferences. Some guests may feel chilly, while others may be quick to grab a fan. Accommodate everyone by creating zones of comfort:

Provide Throw Blankets: Keep a few cozy blankets in your living room or guest rooms for those who feel cold.
Set Up Portable Heaters: If a guest room tends to be colder than the rest of the house, use a safe, energy-efficient space heater to make it more inviting.
Use Rugs: Adding area rugs to hardwood or tile floors can make rooms feel warmer and more comfortable underfoot.

7. Plan for Unexpected HVAC Issues

Nothing puts a damper on the holidays like a heating or cooling system that stops working when you need it most. Here’s how to prepare for the unexpected:

Know Who to Call: Keep the number of a trusted HVAC company handy in case you need emergency repairs. Many companies offer 24/7 service during the holiday season.
Have Backup Options: Stock up on portable heaters or extra blankets, just in case your HVAC system needs time for repairs.
Consider a Maintenance Plan: Joining a maintenance plan with your HVAC provider can give you peace of mind and priority service if an issue arises.

8. Make Energy Efficiency a Priority

The holidays often come with higher energy bills, but you can keep costs under control while staying comfortable:

Use LED Lights: If you’re decorating with lights, switch to energy-efficient LEDs. They produce less heat and use far less electricity than traditional bulbs.
Cook Smart: Use smaller appliances, like toaster ovens or slow cookers, instead of your full-sized oven when possible. This reduces heat and energy usage.
Seal and Insulate: Make sure your attic and walls are properly insulated and seal any leaks around windows and doors to keep warm air in and cold air out.

9. Enjoy the Season Without Stress

Finally, remember that the holidays are about spending time with loved ones and creating memories—not stressing over your HVAC system. With a little preparation and these tips, you can keep your home comfortable and focus on what matters most.

If you need help getting your HVAC system ready for Christmas don’t hesitate to reach out to your local HVAC professionals at TMC. From routine maintenance to repairs, we’re here to keep your home cozy and inviting all season long.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a warm, comfortable, and stress-free holiday season in your Middle Tennessee home.