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 Central Orlando homeowners start getting ready for the holidays, we put together a few tips to make preparing your home for holiday guests a breeze.
Your Holiday Preparation Guide, System by System
Entertaining guests overnight or for extended stays over the holidays adds warmth and connection to the season, but also puts a little added stress on your home’s core systems. Take your holiday preparations further this year to avoid annoying issues and enjoy the holidays worry-free; here’s where to start.
1. Prevent Clogged Toilets
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. Buying thicker-ply toilet paper, which often requires fewer squares, reduces the amount flushed. Additionally, remove non-flushable materials like cotton balls, tissues, and non-flushable wipes from the bathroom to reduce the risk of a clog.
Remember that regular plumbing maintenance and sewer line cleaning can help prevent clogs by addressing issues such as tree roots and sewer line problems.
2. Deodorize Your Home
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.
- To increase air flow in the house, start by opening windows and doors.
- Take time to clean soft surfaces like carpets, rugs, and upholstery, which may trap foul odors caused by moisture, pets, or food and beverage stains.
- Take out the trash, clean the garbage disposal, and consider cleaning and disinfecting your dishwasher. These are all common sources of foul odors, and they’re especially noticeable during the holidays when everyone tends to congregate in the kitchen!
- Replace the filter on your HVAC system to remove dust and other airborne particles. Simply running the fan on your HVAC to increase air flow, and reduce bad smells.
Read More: The Best Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality
3. Clean Out Drains
A clean sink drain prevents bad smells and backups, especially during holiday cooking. To clean a sink or shower drain, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, wait 15-20 minutes, then flush with hot water; use a pitcher for better results. For tougher clogs, consider using a plunger or tools like a wire coat hanger or drain snake, as baking soda and vinegar alone may not be sufficient.
For recurring or troublesome drain clogs, schedule an appointment for quick service!
4. Prevent Circuits From Overloading
In addition to those festive lights and inflatable lawn ornaments, holiday guests require a lot of electricity. If you consider all the extra phones, computers, and other gadgets plugged in during their stay, it's easy to see how quickly your home’s circuits can be overloaded.
How To Avoid Overloaded Circuits
To prevent overloading circuits, start by identifying which outlets and appliances are on the same circuits. If there are multiple devices with high energy use like TVs, microwaves, and cooking equipment, try to distribute power evenly across circuits. If that isn’t possible, block off any open outlets on those circuits to prevent any additional devices from plugging in.
Look for outlets and circuits with lower electricity requirements and encourage guests to charge devices there by placing a small table and sign near the outlet. This will help prevent overloaded circuits and get folks to put their phones away during their stay!
Power strips protect against surges and offer convenience, but don’t increase circuit capacity. Avoid overloading them as you would with circuits.
Easy Tips To Make Holiday Guests Feel Welcome
Central Orlando homeowners love creating a warm, inviting atmosphere year-round, but it’s even more important during the holidays. In addition to cleaning your home and providing a tidy place to sleep, you can go the extra mile to ensure your guests are comfortable.
- Ask questions about travel plans, dietary restrictions, or activities your guests are looking forward to during their stay
- Give guests a quick tour of the home, covering basics like the Wi-Fi password, trash location, and where they’ll find bathroom items
- Wondering, “What temperature should the house be for my guests?” For house parties, plan on setting your thermostat a few degrees cooler (think 66° to 68°) during festivities, and potentially a little cooler if you're cooking at the same time.
Advanced Air Home Services Wishes You a Wonderful Holiday Season
There’s no place like Central Orlando during the holidays, and we enjoy helping our neighbors enjoy the rich traditions this season brings. Keep your home comfortable and running smoothly with 24/7 HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services from Advanced Air Home Services. For prompt and professional home services when you need them most, schedule an appointment today!
Contact us online or call 386-260-2330 to schedule an appointment!