Holiday hosting HVAC checklist

The holidays are right around the corner, and if you’re hosting family or friends, chances are your to-do list is already growing. Between planning meals, cleaning the house and making sure everyone has a place to sleep, your HVAC system probably isn’t getting much thought.

We’ll be welcoming family and friends into our home this holiday season, too. And after years of working in heating, cooling and indoor air quality, I’ve learned that some of the smallest things can make a big difference in how comfortable a home feels.

Here are five things you might not think about checking before your holiday guests arrive.

Spend a night in your guest room. Or at least spend a little time in there with the door closed. Rooms that aren’t used regularly can feel warmer, cooler or stuffier than the rest of the house. It’s worth finding out before your guests do.

2. Trust your nose. That musty smell in a guest bedroom or closet might be more than a sign of a room that’s been closed up. It can indicate excess moisture, something we deal with year-round in the Lowcountry. Don’t just cover it up with an air freshener.

3. Remember that a full house creates more humidity. Extra showers, cooking and more people under one roof can increase indoor moisture. Run bathroom exhaust fans during showers and use your kitchen vent while cooking, especially when preparing a big holiday meal.

4. Keep holiday allergens in check. If you’re one of those people who will have your Christmas decorations up before the end of November (you know who you are!), here’s something to consider. Artificial trees, wreaths and decorations can collect dust and allergens while in storage. And those holiday-scented candles? Burning them can release particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Add in our Lowcountry seasonal allergens, and it’s worth taking a few extra steps. Dust off decorations, vacuum regularly and be mindful of indoor fragrances, especially if you’re welcoming guests with allergies or sensitivities.

5. Give your heat a test run. We may still be running the air conditioning in November, but cooler nights are coming. Turn on your heat before you actually need it. The first chilly evening with a houseful of guests isn’t the ideal time to discover something isn’t working.

And one bonus tip: Check your air filter. It’s simple, it’s easy to forget, and after a long Lowcountry summer, it’s worth a look.

None of these things takes much time, and most won’t cost you a dime. But they can make a difference in how your home feels when everyone gathers.
After all, the holidays are about making people feel welcome. A comfortable home is a pretty good place to start.

Miguel Leman is the owner of TemperaturePro Lowcountry. He can be reached at 843-380-9137 or miguel.leman@temperaturepro.com.