The holidays are here and we know that means lots of activity in your home. From big meals to festive parties, there is a lot that goes on under your roof starting around Thanksgiving and going on through the New Year. While this is an exciting time to celebrate, it puts a little extra strain on your home. Here are a few tips to help ease that wear and tear and keep everyone happy!
- Do not put your leftovers down the garbage disposal. We often think our garbage disposal is invincible, but it really can’t handle all the wonderful food we cook for the holidays. Be sure to thoroughly scrape all the plates and dishes into the trash before rinsing them in the sink.
- Set your thermostat a little lower than normal when welcoming guests into your home. Lots of bodies mean extra heat. Be sure to turn down the temperature a few hours before your guests arrive to make sure everyone is comfortable during your gathering.
- The more you can cook ahead of time the better. Not only will you be able to spend more time with your loved ones, but it can help you avoid kitchen accidents due to distractions. If you are cooking while guests are over, make sure the kitchen isn’t too crowded so you can pay attention and keep everyone safe. Nothing breaks up a party like the fire alarm going off.
- Be careful where you place decorations. Make sure anything with lights is not near anything flammable. Also make sure decorations, like your beautiful Christmas tree, are not placed over floor vents. This can block your HVAC air’s flow.
- Be prepared for clogs. From the sinks to the toilets, plumbing appliances will be working overtime during the holidays. Make sure you have the correct plungers on hand to handle any emergencies.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season. If you have an HVAC or plumbing emergency, the Gilman team is here for you. Please call us or schedule an appointment using our online scheduling tool anytime!