Christmas is coming...SOON!  For many homeowners, it means hosting family gatherings, parties, and overnight guests. While this time of year is filled with joy and excitement, it can also bring added stress to your home’s HVAC and plumbing systems. Preparing ahead of time can save you from costly repairs and ensure your home is comfortable, efficient, and ready to handle holiday demands. Guarantee a great holiday by preparing your home BEFORE guests arrive!  

Question #1:  Have you had a Precision Tune-Up Lately?   

Your HVAC system works hard to maintain a comfortable temperature during colder months. If it’s a hot Christmas – and sweltering Christmases have happened in the past -  your air conditioning needs to be ready.  If you haven’t already had your Precision Tune-Up, schedule it now. ServiceOne techs can check your HVAC equipment, ensuring it’s operating efficiently and eliminating the risk of breakdowns. A tune-up typically includes cleaning the system, inspecting parts for wear and tear, and ensuring the thermostat works correctly. 

Not only will a Precision Tune-Up prevent problems, but it will also save you money. According to Energy Star, properly maintaining your HVAC system can reduce energy bills by up to 30%.   

With Florida’s unpredictable winter weather, your HVAC system may need to switch between heating and cooling frequently. Our technicians will check both your heating and cooling components making sure your Christmas is cozy!  

Question #2: When did you last change your air filter?    

Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your HVAC system work harder and less efficiently. 

 How often should you change your air filter? The more often you change it, the more efficient your system is. The Department of Energy states that replacing a clogged filter can lower your HVAC system's energy consumption by 5% to 15%. 

The cleaner your filter, the healthier the air you breathe, and the better it isfor all your Christmas company. 

Question #3:  Is your thermostat acting correctly?  

How do you know if your thermostat is working correctly?  

To avoid holiday hang-ups with your heating and air equipment, you need to be sure your thermostat is working. Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat so that your home is the perfect temperature at all times!    

Smart thermostats can save homeowners an average of $131 to $145 annually, according to Consumer Reports.  

They also make you comfortable every day of the year, programming your perfect temperature and guaranteeing that the house is the temperature you want – when you want it! 

Question #4: What do you know about your garbage disposal?  

Many families have holiday horror stories.  From clogged toilets, backed-up drains, and jammed garbage disposals, a plumbing problem can be a downer for your holiday gatherings.    

Your garbage disposal will likely get a workout during holiday meal prep. Cleaning mountains of plates after dinner may cause issues too if your elderly aunt Betty is pouring grease down the drain!  Ensure you know where the reset button is and have the reset wrench handy in case of a jam. 

Reset wrenches are included with the purchase of garbage disposals, but many people lose track of them. Their purpose is to manually turn the grinding plate and dislodge the blockage by putting the wrench into a hole in the bottom of the disposal.     

 Avoid putting grease, bones, or fibrous foods like celery down the disposal. Run cold water while using it to prevent clogs, or try these other tips! 

Remember to call ServiceOne for help! 

Question #5: Have you visited your water heater lately?    

Water heaters are often situated in utility rooms, garages, and basements.  Out of sight. Out of mind. Their out-of-the-way location means you probably don’t think about flushing it regularly. You probably don’t check it daily or even weekly to make sure no leaks have developed or that no rust appears.  

Calling ServiceOne for a plumbing inspection could prevent problems during the holidays. 

A house full of guests means more hot water usage. All that cooking requires more dishwashing. Your water heater must work. 

Flushing your water heater removes sediment buildup, improving efficiency and extending its lifespan. A flush will prevent problems during the holidays and throughout the coming months. The Department of Energy recommends flushing water heaters annually to maintain efficiency. Doing so can improve efficiency by 12% to 15%. 

Question #6: Do you have any dripping faucets?  

Even a small drip from a faucet or pipe can waste water and lead to bigger issues. In fact, household leaks waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water annually. Fixing leaks can save you about 10% on water bills and save you from stress of problems caused by dripping water and excess moisture in hidden places. 

Inspect under sinks, around toilets, and in your basement for signs of leaks or moisture before your holiday season company arrives. Checking for leaks is especially important because high humidity levels in Florida can worsen mold growth around leaks. Address leaks quickly to avoid health hazards. 

Question #7: Are you prepared for electrical outages?    

Florida storms can happen year-round, even on Christmas. Did you know Florida experiences more lightning strikes than any other state, with an average of 1.2 million strikes annually? 

We are no stranger to outages. 

Ensure you have backup air-conditioning and heating options and consider installing a whole-house generator for peace of mind.  At the very least, have battery-operated flashlights or candles handy.  Power outages during the winter can be particularly stressful when it’s cool outside.  

Question #8: Do you have ServiceOne’s Number in your phone?     

ServiceOne has more than twenty years of experience working with air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and drain-cleaning. We understand the high humidity, changing temperatures, and frequent storms of living in Central Florida in every season and holiday!  

Ensure your home is not only holiday-ready but also more efficient and resilient by answering these 8 questions. Taking the time to prepare your HVAC and plumbing systems will help you avoid stress, save money, and focus on what matters most: creating joyful holiday memories with family and friends.  

Cheers to a warm, happy, and disaster-free holiday season!8  

But if the worst happens, we answer emergency calls 365 days a year, holiday or not! 

407-499-8333.