It’s the holiday season, and you’re pulling out all the stops to make guests feel welcome. Taking a closer look at your home’s key systems will help avoid inconvenient and potentially embarrassing issues, from preventing clogged toilets to addressing foul odors. As Austin homeowners start getting ready for the holidays, we put together a few tips to make preparing your home for holiday guests a breeze.
The Homeowner’s Holiday Preparation To-Do List
Welcoming guests for overnight stays or extended visits during the holidays brings warmth and connection to the season, but it can also put a strain on your home’s essential systems. This year, take extra steps in your holiday preparations to prevent any unwanted issues and enjoy a stress-free holiday season. Here’s how to get started.
1. Prevent Circuits from Overloading
The holiday season boosts electricity usage as we light up our homes and display festive decorations! It's a joyful time for warmth and connection, even as our electrical systems work a little harder to keep the festivities bright!
How To Avoid Overloaded Circuits
To prevent circuit overloads, identify which outlets and appliances share circuits. Distribute high-energy devices, such as TVs and microwaves, across circuits, or block open outlets on overloaded ones. Encourage guests to use low-energy outlets for charging devices by placing a table and a sign nearby. Remember, power strips protect against surges but don’t increase circuit capacity, so avoid overloading them as well.
2. Deodorize Shared Spaces
Homeowners often become accustomed to the scents of their own spaces, but some guests may find certain odors distracting or even unpleasant. Instead of covering up your home’s natural scent, try a few natural ways to deodorize your home.
- Increase ventilation: To increase air flow in the house, start by opening windows and doors.
- Think about soft surfaces: Take time to clean soft surfaces like carpets, rugs, and upholstery, which may trap foul odors.
- Address the source: Take out the trash, clean the garbage disposal, and consider cleaning and disinfecting your dishwasher.
- Use your HVAC system: Replace the filter on your HVAC system to remove dust and other airborne particles and run the fan on your HVAC to increase air flow.
Read More: The Best Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality
3. Clean Out Your Drains
A clean sink drain helps prevent bad smells and backups, especially during holiday cooking. To address minor clogs from food debris, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain and wait 15-20 minutes, then flush with a pitcher of hot water. You can also use a plunger for tougher build-up. While baking soda and vinegar are popular for cleaning, they often aren't enough for clogs, so consider tools like a wire coat hanger or a drain snake. For persistent issues, schedule a professional service!
4. Avoid Toilet Troubles
Clogged toilets are never convenient, but there’s nothing as embarrassing as having to tell your host about a toilet problem. Save your guests the trauma of reporting a toilet clog by prepping your bathroom for the holidays.
How To Prevent Toilet Clogs
The most common cause of clogged toilets is toilet paper, so addressing the amount of TP used is a great place to start. Additionally, reducing the likelihood of non-flushable materials entering the toilet significantly reduces the risk of a clog.
During holidays, consider:
- Buying thicker-ply toilet paper, which often requires fewer squares, reduces the amount flushed.
- Removing non-flushable items like cotton balls, tissues, non-flushable wipes from the bathroom.
Remember that regular plumbing maintenance and sewer line cleaning can help prevent clogs by addressing issues such as tree roots and sewer line problems.
Easy Tips to Make Holiday Guests Feel Welcome
Austin homeowners know how to entertain, but it’s especially important to create a comfortable space during the holidays. Go beyond housekeeping and HVAC prep by making your guests feel truly at home from the moment they walk in.
- Understand their needs: Ask about travel plans, dietary restrictions, or any activities they’re looking forward to during their stay.
- Give the tour: Give guests a quick tour of the home, covering basics like the Wi-Fi password, where the trash is, and where they’ll find bathroom items like towels, wash clothes, and extra rolls of toilet paper.
- Find the right temperature: If you're wondering, “What temperature should I set the house for my guests?” be sure to ask them if they feel too hot or too cold, and adjust the temperature as needed. For house parties, consider setting the thermostat a few degrees cooler, ideally between 66°F and 68°F.
Fox Service Company Wishes You a Wonderful Holiday Season
There’s no place like Austin during the holidays! Keep your home comfortable with 24/7 HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services from Fox Service Company. Schedule an appointment for prompt and professional help today!
Contact us online or call 512-488-1120 to schedule an appointment!