How to Keep Your HVAC System Running Smoothly Through the Holidays

The holiday season is a busy time of year, when the focus is on family and friends, and budgets are often stretched thin due to gift giving and entertaining. It can be a fine balancing act as homeowners attempt to stay warm and cozy while keeping energy bills in check, but with a little ingenuity and some great tips from National Heating and Air Conditioning, you can have it all.

Save Energy This Winter

Use the following strategies to reduce your energy usage during the holiday season and to help your HVAC system run smoothly:

Schedule annual maintenance – If you haven’t already done so, schedule heating maintenance with National. One of our certified technicians will inspect, clean, and tune your heating equipment to ensure it operates at peak performance and to avoid costly mid-season breakdowns.
Change your air filter – A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air and causes your heating system to work harder to deliver conditioned air, while reducing the lifespan of your equipment.
Use a programmable thermostat – Stop paying to heat your home during times you are asleep or away. A programmable thermostat allows you to raise and lower the temperature throughout the day and evening according to your family’s schedule to maximize comfort and efficiency.
Insulate – Over time, insulation can settle or deteriorate with age. Consider adding one or more layers to your attic to prevent heat transfer between the attic and your living space.
Inspect your ductwork – Leaky ductwork allows conditioned air to escape and contaminated air from unconditioned spaces such as your attic or crawlspace to enter. In addition to reducing the quality of your indoor air, leakages mean you’re paying for air that you never receive.

Stay Safe and Warm

Combustion appliances and holiday decorations can present a number of safety hazards, but you can reduce your risks and stay safe with these tips:

Go flame-less – Reduce your risk of fire by using flame-less candles, and, if you use a wood-burning stove or fireplace, never leave it unattended.
Check your batteries – Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors can save lives, but only if they’re in good working order.
Water the tree – A dry Christmas tree is a fire hazard. Once it stops taking water and drops more needles, it should be removed from your home.

Schedule Services in Cincinnati, OH

The experienced team of professionals at National Heating and Air Conditioning has been helping homeowners in the Cincinnati area improve the comfort of their homes for more than 85 years. Call us today at (513) 621-4620 to schedule services, and discover how to reduce your energy usage this holiday season—and all year round.