The holidays bring warmth, joy, and plenty of guests. Between cooking, entertaining, and welcoming family into your home, your heating system quietly takes on extra work to keep everyone comfortable. Before the celebrations begin, it’s important to make sure your system is ready. A quick holiday heating check can prevent last-minute surprises, improve efficiency, and help you enjoy a cozy, stress-free season.
Pre-Holiday Heating Checklist
1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
This is the easiest and most overlooked task on any holiday heating checklist. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder and potentially leaving some rooms colder than others. With guests coming and going, you want your furnace running at peak efficiency. Swap out the filter now, and if you’re hosting for more than a few days, consider checking it again mid-season.
2. Test Your Thermostat
Before guests arrive, make sure your thermostat is functioning properly and accurately reflecting your home’s temperature. If you use a programmable or smart thermostat, adjust the schedule to account for extra people, cooking heat, and activity. More guests mean more body heat, so you may be able to lower the temperature a degree or two while still keeping things comfortable.
If your thermostat is outdated or unresponsive, it might be time to upgrade. Modern thermostats help maintain ideal comfort levels while maximizing holiday heating efficiency.
3. Check Vents and Airflow
Walk through your home and make sure all vents are open and unblocked. Furniture, curtains, or rugs can restrict airflow and create uneven temperatures from room to room. This is especially important in guest rooms that may not be used often. If some rooms still feel cooler or warmer than others, it could indicate a ductwork issue or an airflow imbalance.
4. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
The best time to ensure reliable holiday heating is before you need it most. A professional HVAC tune-up helps catch small problems before they become major issues. Technicians will clean key components, inspect safety controls, check electrical connections, and verify that your furnace or heat pump is running efficiently.
Routine maintenance not only prevents unexpected breakdowns but can also lower your energy bills (something every homeowner can appreciate during the holidays). If it’s been a year or more since your last service, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment.
5. Take Safety Precautions
With extra guests, decorations, and holiday activities, it’s easy to overlook basic safety checks. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and have fresh batteries. Keep flammable materials such as wrapping paper, candles, and decorations away from heat sources.
If you have a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned before using it. Proper ventilation prevents smoke and harmful gases from entering your living space.
6. Prepare Guest Rooms for Comfort
Before guests arrive, double-check that each room is warm and comfortable. Consider adding draft stoppers to doors or using insulated curtains to retain heat. If your system struggles to keep certain spaces warm, a ductless mini-split system can be an efficient way to provide targeted comfort without overworking your main heating system.
7. Consider a Backup Plan
If your furnace is older or has shown signs of trouble, think about what you’d do if it failed during a holiday event. Having the contact information (541-382-1231) for a trusted HVAC company on hand can save you stress and scrambling if something goes wrong.
Stay Cozy With Help from Bend Heating & Sheet Metal
A little preparation goes a long way toward a comfortable, worry-free holiday season. Whether you need a furnace tune-up, a quick repair, or advice on upgrading your home’s heating system, Bend Heating & Sheet Metal is here to help.
For generations, Central Oregon homeowners have trusted our team for expert service, reliable solutions, and friendly support. Schedule your pre-holiday service today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home will stay warm and welcoming all season long.