A Holiday Hosting Checklist: Heating, Plumbing and Electrical
This holiday season you will have a house full of guests; is your home in order? You may not have considered what to do should the furnace give out on the year’s coldest night. Or perhaps there is that kitchen drain which has been slow and you have put off addressing it.
There is no denying the holidays are hard on a home. With more people comes more use of hot water and lights, more cooking, and in general more of a toll on systems one does not usually think of until they are at fault. We of Pioneer Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical can tell you where things are apt to break down under pressure, having put Tennessee homes in good running order for our clients since 1981. Give us a ring at (615) 933-2288 and we will have a professional come by prior to your guests’ arrival.
Some preparation is all it takes to avoid an emergency at the eleventh hour. The room-by-room checklist that follows should be of assistance.
Heating System
A non-functioning furnace will empty a room quicker than anything else, even in the middle of a holiday meal. Your system is put to its test in cold weather and any problems left unattended will make themselves known. Before your visitors come, we suggest you:
- Put in a new filter for the furnace to keep the air moving and spare the system from overworking
- See that the thermostat is doing its job and holding to the set temperature
- Be on the lookout for odd sounds, be it a bang or a squeal
- Put some distance between vents and any furniture or boxes
- Note if some rooms fail to warm up as they should
Should you sense something is amiss, do not put it off. It is better to have an inspection done now than to have a cold abode with relatives in it. For geothermal systems our team has particular expertise.
Plumbing
The demands of holiday entertaining and extra traffic in the bath can be a strain. A water heater on the fritz or a clogged drain is enough to make a nice get together a mess in short order.
Do a walk through on the following:
- In the bathrooms and kitchen run the hot water to catch a sluggish drain
- Do not put fibrous food or grease in the disposal
- Look for moisture or drips under the sink
- Verify the water heater can handle it when everyone wants hot water
- Make sure you know the location of the main shutoff valve for a leak
Drains have a way of clogging at the worst time. If you see water backing up, get it sorted before dessert is served.
Electrical
Between the space heaters, the array of kitchen appliances and the holiday lights, your electrical system can be pushed. An overloaded circuit is frustrating this time of year and sometimes a safety issue.
- Refrain from overloading a power strip or outlet with high-draw items
- See if switch plates and outlets are warm
- Any light strings or extension cords with fraying should be replaced
- GFCI outlets in the kitchen and bath need testing
- A breaker that will not stay put is indicative of a problem
When the oven comes on and the lights go out, or a breaker is always flipping, we would recommend a pro take a look. We are a Generac dealer and can discuss backup power options so a winter storm does not put an end to your evening.
Indoor Air Quality
Doors are shut against the cold and the house is crowded; the air inside can become stuffy. Good humidity and clean filters are a comfort to all, particularly those of your guests who are prone to allergies.
Pioneer is the choice of homeowners in Tennessee
Our service extends to the whole state but you will find us most in Middle Tennessee and the Nashville vicinity as well as Knoxville, Chattanooga and Cookeville. Licensed and insured, we have an A+ with the BBB and over 9,700 reviews to our name. Our credentials include PHCC National Contractor of the Year, HomeAdvisor Elite Service and Cityview Best of the Best among others.
We are here 24/7 to answer if trouble strikes. We provide free estimates and financing, and members of our Crockett Club receive priority scheduling, a $100 anniversary credit, yearly inspections and 10 percent off.
Call Pioneer at (615) 933-2288 and make sure a heating or plumbing matter does not ruin your holiday.