HVAC Tips for Hosting Guests During the Holidays

Nov 10, 2023 | HVAC System

HVAC Having friends and family over during the holidays is a wonderful way to celebrate together. As a host, you put in a lot of effort to make your loved ones’ visit special. You plan fun activities, prepare delicious meals, decorate your home, check your HVAC system, and ensure there are cozy blankets and pillows in the guest room. However, hosting during the holiday season can also bring some challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining the right temperature in your house.

The temperature inside your home can sometimes lead to disagreements among your guests, no matter how well you all get along. Uncle Virgil may want the thermostat set at a chilly sixty-four degrees all day and night, while Great-Grandma Carol secretly cranks up the heat to a toasty seventy-eight degrees.

These battles over the thermostat can leave everyone feeling uncomfortable and result in high energy bills. So, what can you do to keep the peace when it comes to your home’s temperature? While it may seem daunting, there are several ways to adjust your heating and cooling to keep everyone happy.

HVAC Tips For The Upcoming Holidays

1. Ductless Heating for Room-by-Room Comfort

If your guests want different temperatures in their rooms, their options may be limited. Opening windows in the winter isn’t practical due to the weather, and standalone fans or portable heaters may not be available. This is where ductless heating comes in.

There are two main types of heating and cooling systems: central and ductless. Central systems use a single unit to control the temperature throughout the entire house through hidden ductwork.

Ductless systems, on the other hand, have multiple smaller units placed throughout the house, each capable of independent temperature control. This means you can set different temperatures in different rooms, making it a great solution for keeping everyone comfortable.

2. Seal Drafts for a Cozier Home

HVAC Upgrading your entire Knoxville HVAC system may not be feasible, but there are still ways to ensure your home’s air doesn’t escape through gaps and leaks. Before hosting during the holiday season, take a moment to check for any areas where air might be entering or leaving your home. Common culprits include gaps around windows and doors, which can develop over time.

The solution is simple: replace old, dried-out caulk or weather stripping with new material. You can also use “draft blockers” under doors that don’t quite touch the floor. These solutions are readily available at home improvement stores and come in various colors to match your home’s decor.

3. Provide Comfort Items

Making your guests feel comfortable can be fun and festive. Offer extra blankets in each room, as well as throw blankets around the house for those who get chilly. You can even get creative with early gift-giving by providing slippers, non-slip socks, and warm robes. For those who prefer cooler temperatures, opt for cotton or bamboo fabrics that offer coziness without overheating.

4. Offer Food and Drinks

Keep your guests happy by providing warming or cooling options. A crock-pot filled with a hot drink like apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices can be a self-serve treat. To cool down, offer refreshing drinks or store cold beverages in the garage to keep them chilled without crowding the fridge.

5. Consult HVAC Professionals

Finally, if you want to ensure everyone is comfortable during your holiday gatherings, talk to your guests in advance to understand their indoor temperature preferences. You can also reach out to your local licensed HVAC contractor, who can assess your home and offer suggestions for improving comfort and energy efficiency.

In the end, hosting during the holiday season should be about creating happy memories, and with a little planning, you can keep everyone comfortable and content.