There Is No Place Like Home for the Holidays

Tips To Get Your Home Holiday Ready

The holidays are fast approaching, and with them comes planning and preparation to gather with those you care about. While we can’t help you find that perfect gift for those you love, we can help you prepare your home’s heating, plumbing, and electrical to avoid unexpected surprises and give you more time to enjoy the season. 

Warm and Cozy 
Once temperatures begin to drop, things can really heat up for your furnace. If the air filter in your furnace is dirty and clogged, your system will have to work harder to overcome the lack of airflow. This can lead to higher utility bills, damage to the internal parts of your heating systems, or even cause your furnace to shut down. We recommend checking your filter once a month to see if it is time for a replacement, as well as getting a preventative system check to ensure your furnace is working properly and ready for winter.

Holiday Food Prep
As you prepare your holiday dinners, it may think it is just easier to swipe everything in the sink for a quick cleanup. Certain foods should never go down the drain or garbage disposal or they will stick to the pipes causing a clog and a big mess. Here are a few things you should never put down your disposal:

• Eggshells
• Grease
• Coffee grounds
• Bones
• Potato peels
• Pasta and rice
• Oil
• Stringy veggies (ex: celery)
• Pits and seeds
• Tea leaves or tea bags
• Non-food items

Relax and Enjoy
The season brings its share of celebrations, and we are always looking for ways to maximize our time to relax and enjoy. Here are some great upgrades to make your life a little simpler.

• Smart switches are one of the top requests for homes. They allow more flexibility than a simple timer, meaning you can control your lighting from your phone.  This adds a sense of security by allowing you to turn the lights on even if you are away.
• Installing USB outlets is a big thing, especially in bedrooms and kitchens. By eliminating the need for charging blocks, you clean up the space making this a clever upgrade.
• Create the perfect mood instantly for any holiday gathering by simply adding dimmer switches. They are an economical and simple way to enhance your home’s lighting appeal.

Holiday time is best spent with friends and family, but if unexpected heating and air conditioning, plumbing, or electrical issues come up this holiday season, call the professionals at Blanton’s Air, Plumbing, and Electric. Just think of us as Santa’s little helpers for your home!