Are you hosting any holiday gatherings this year? Whether you’re making room for 30 or planning an intimate dinner for two, you want your guests to be comfortably cozy this season. Ernst Heating & Cooling of Metro East, has assembled a list of important heating and cooling system tips to keep your heart warm and your inside temperatures steady.
Before the party: Make sure your heating and cooling system is ready for any weather
Our Metro East temperatures like to hover in the 40s and 50s during the months of November and December, but we wouldn’t be surprised by a late fall heat wave or an early freeze. Anything is possible in the Midwest. You depend on your heating and cooling system to handle every temperature, but is it up to the task? A fall tune-up removes the uncertainty and takes that worry off your list this season. Book your tune-up now to reduce the chances of a party-crashing breakdown!
Party planning: Keep your guests comfortable throughout the big day
There will be a lot going on at home over the holidays. Your home may feel great when it’s empty, but what will happen when it’s full of people and you’re using every burner on the stove? Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep temperatures steady, and moods elevated all day long:
1. Start with a lower thermostat setting: The indoor temperatures will rise as the guests arrive and the cooking gets going. Start with a temperature that’s about 5 degrees below your regular setting. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did once the party starts! Take advantage of your programmable thermostat to set your schedule earlier in the day, so you don’t have to worry about returning it to your regular schedule when you’re home alone again.
2. Build a fire. A crackling fire is a great way to add some holiday cheer and offer a welcome warm space for your guests who tend to run cold. You can also have extra blankets ready for post-meal snuggling.
3. Bring out the fans. A ceiling or tower fan can keep the air moving in your home. This is especially important as warmth and humidity build up, thanks to the potatoes and other goodies boiling on the stove.
4. Take some of the cooking duties outside. Have you considered deep frying, smoking, or grilling your turkey? Taking this task outdoors can keep the heat out of your kitchen. It also gives you more oven room to heat up the sweet potato casserole.
5. Check your furniture arrangement. It’s tempting to rearrange your furniture to make room for a crowd during the holidays. But always make sure you’re not blocking the vents. Your home’s heating and cooling system was designed to run a certain way. Closing or blocking a vent can force your system to work too hard.
6. Stay safe. Go ahead and light those cinnamon-scented candles, but make sure they’re at least 12 inches away from anything flammable. If you do decide to have a fire, make sure your chimney is clean and your damper is open. As always, keep children and furniture far from the open flames. It’s the season of warm welcomes. A reliable heating and cooling system is the first step to ensuring your comfort throughout the holidays. Start with a heating system tune-up from Ernst Heating & Cooling. Call us at 618.217.1836 or fill out our convenient online form to request an appointment. Ernst Heating & Cooling will help put your mind at ease as you make the memories you’ll keep for years. Thanks for letting us be part of your holiday celebration.