Happy Holidays from One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning: Holiday HVAC Tips!

As the end of the year approaches and everyone is in the thick of the holiday season, we here at One Heating & Air Conditioning want to take a moment to thank all of our loyal customers and to thank those of you that may have just called for the first time. Simply put, we wouldn’t be here without you and, for that, we are grateful! 

Since 1979, we have worked hard to provide the best service for you and your home comfort system and we are proud of all of our employees and the service they continue to provide. Whether it’s a repair, a system tune-up, or a complete replacement of your heating and air conditioning, everyone who works here does their best to make sure all of our customers are happy and completely satisfied with our work. And, of course, we do it all with our customer’s schedule in mind, which is the basis of our guarantee “We’re always on time…or you don’t pay a dime!”

So, thank you for choosing us! You have a lot of choices when it comes to HVAC companies and it means a lot that you chose us. And for those of you who haven’t ever given us a call, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are available 24/7 for your home heating and cooling needs. Especially if you need a new system, now is the time to call before you host any holiday parties or have any guests stay over. You don’t want a cold home for the holidays. 

However, if you have an older system but just aren’t ready to make that call, here are a couple of holiday HVAC tips to hopefully help your aging home system make it through the holidays, though we make no promises.

So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, read on, and let’s make sure your holidays are filled with warmth and cheer!

Essential HVAC Holiday Tips for a Warm and Cozy Home

Preparing your heating system for the holidays can save you time, stress, and money. Here are detailed HVAC holiday tips to help you enjoy a worry-free season.

Replace Your Furnace Filter Before the Holidays

Replacing your furnace filter is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your HVAC system’s efficiency and air quality.

Why it matters: Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your system work harder and increasing energy costs. They can also worsen indoor air quality by circulating dust and allergens.

How to replace:

• Turn off your HVAC system.
• Locate the filter (usually near the intake blower).
• Check the size printed on the filter frame and buy a replacement of the same size.
• Slide the old filter out and insert the new one, ensuring the airflow arrow points toward the furnace.

Upgrade option: Consider HEPA or high-efficiency filters to capture more particles and improve air quality, especially if you have pets or allergies.

Ensure Guest Room Vents Are Open and Functional

When preparing for holiday guests, it’s essential to check all the vents in your home, especially in less-used rooms like guest rooms.

Why it matters:

• Closed vents can cause uneven heating, putting extra strain on your system.
• Rooms with closed vents may feel colder, making them uncomfortable for guests.

How to ensure proper airflow:

• Inspect each vent to confirm it’s fully open and not obstructed by furniture, curtains, or decorations.
• Check the ductwork to ensure there are no leaks. You can use foil tape to seal any gaps temporarily.
• Adjust dampers (if your system has them) to balance airflow between rooms.

Proactively checking and adjusting vents ensures consistent temperatures throughout your home, keeping everyone comfortable.

Clear Debris Around Your Furnace to Avoid Hazards

Your furnace needs a clear, open area to operate safely and efficiently. Clutter near your furnace can create safety risks and impede airflow.

Why it matters:

• Items stored near the furnace can become fire hazards.
• Restricted airflow can lead to overheating and reduced efficiency.

How to clear the area:

• Remove flammable materials like paper, fabric, or cleaning supplies from the area around your furnace.
• Keep at least three feet of clearance on all sides of the furnace.
• Vacuum the area to remove dust and debris, especially near the intake vent.

Taking these precautions ensures your furnace operates efficiently while keeping your home safe during the holidays.

Set Your Thermostat for Efficiency and Comfort

Balancing comfort and energy savings is crucial during the holidays, especially when guests are present.

Best practices for thermostat settings:

• Set your thermostat to 68°F when at home and awake. Lower it by a few degrees when sleeping or away to save energy.
• If hosting guests, keep the temperature consistent to avoid frequent adjustments that can strain your system.
• Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automate temperature changes and maximize efficiency.

Smart thermostats can also monitor your energy usage, helping you identify ways to save on heating costs during the colder months.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure your heating system runs smoothly all winter. By joining our Comfort Club Membership, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits designed to keep your HVAC system in top shape year-round.

Benefits of joining the Comfort Club:

• Annual tune-up: Keep your system running efficiently and extend its lifespan.
• Free filter replacements: Enjoy cleaner air without the hassle of remembering to buy filters.
• Priority service: Get front-of-the-line access when you need repairs or installations.
• Discounts: Save on repairs, upgrades, and new system installations.

This holiday season, let us help you create a warm, welcoming home for your family and friends. Whether you need a quick repair, a system tune-up, or a full replacement, we’re here to serve you with excellence.

For more information, visit our Comfort Club Membership page or call us at 757-868-7600.