The holiday season is a time for gathering with friends and family, celebrating traditions, and making memories. But before the guests arrive and the kitchen fills with the smell of warm meals, it's important to make sure your home is truly ready for the season.
At Pippin Brothers, we believe comfort starts with a well-prepared home. Here’s your comprehensive checklist for getting your plumbing, heating, insulation, and indoor air quality in top shape, so you can enjoy a stress-free, cozy holiday.
1. Ensure Your Plumbing Is Holiday-Ready
When it comes to holiday hosting, few things can disrupt the celebration like a plumbing issue. Follow these steps to avoid any unwanted surprises:
Inspect Your Water Heater
Before the extra showers and dishwashing kick in, schedule a quick inspection. If you’ve ever experienced your water heater running out mid-shower, you know the importance of checking it early. Set the temperature to 120°F for energy savings and safety.
Avoid Kitchen Drain Disasters
Cooking big meals? Don’t pour grease or cooking oils down the sink. They solidify in pipes and lead to blockages. Also, keep stringy foods like poultry skins and pumpkin pulp out of the garbage disposal. For persistent clogs, check out our drain cleaning services.
Protect Your Bathroom Pipes
Place a trash can near the toilet to keep non-flushables where they belong. If you're having guests, make sure to stock extra essentials, towels, shampoo, and toothpaste, to make their stay comfortable.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Temperatures in Oklahoma can drop quickly. Turn off and drain outdoor spigots, and allow indoor faucets near exterior walls to drip slowly during hard freezes. Need a hand with your plumbing in Lawton? Our team is here to help, before or during the holidays.
2. Optimize Your Heating for Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Your heating system works hard this time of year. Make sure it’s ready to keep everyone warm while keeping energy bills manageable.
Get a Heating System Tune-Up
Annual maintenance ensures your heating system runs efficiently and safely. Whether you're using a traditional furnace, a ductless mini split, or a heat pump, a tune-up can prevent breakdowns when you need heat the most.
Smart Thermostat Settings
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat like Ecobee, set it to lower the temperature at night or when the house is empty. Hosting a party? Lower the thermostat a few degrees, as body heat from guests will naturally warm the room.
Ceiling Fans Help, Too
It's true! Switch your ceiling fans to reverse mode to push warm air down from the ceiling.
Fix Uneven Temperatures
Notice one room is consistently colder than the others? You might need duct sealing or airflow balancing. Avoid portable space heaters; they're inefficient and often a band-aid covering a bigger problem.
Let in the Sun
Take advantage of sunny Oklahoma afternoons by opening curtains to allow the sun’s warmth in.
3. Create a Cozy, Guest-Friendly Environment
A welcoming home is about more than just functioning HVAC and plumbing systems; it’s about comfort and hospitality.
Keep Guests Warm & Rested
Ensure beds have enough blankets. A warm bowl of soup or a cozy robe can go a long way in making guests feel cared for. And don’t forget the hot water! Consider shower scheduling if you have a traditional water heater.
Freshen the Air
You may be used to your home's scent, but guests notice. Use a whole-house dehumidifier or humidifier to balance indoor air and prevent musty smells. Air purifiers can also enhance the ambiance. Pippin Brothers offers whole-home solutions, including air quality improvements like humidifiers and dehumidifiers, to make your house feel like home.
4. Don’t Forget About Insulation
Many homeowners overlook insulation during holiday prep, but it plays a key role in keeping your home warm and utility bills low.
Check Attic and Wall Insulation
Cold drafts or rapidly fluctuating temperatures may point to poor insulation. Blowing in insulation can dramatically improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency, especially in older homes throughout Oklahoma.
Seal Air Leaks
Inspect doors and windows for drafts. Weatherstripping and caulking can make a big difference. Pippin Brothers also provides whole-home air sealing.
Consider a Whole-Home Energy Evaluation
We offer comprehensive evaluations that look at insulation, duct sealing, air leaks, and HVAC performance. This holistic approach helps us recommend solutions tailored to your home.
Looking to upgrade your insulation in Oklahoma before the holiday season? Ask us about affordable, energy-saving options today.
Host with Comfort Confidence
The holidays should be a time of joy, not stress. With the right preparation, whether it’s an HVAC tune-up in Lawton, OK, or addressing plumbing concerns, you can relax and focus on what really matters: quality time with the people you care about.