The holiday season often turns your home into a joyful revolving door of visiting relatives, festive gatherings, and cozy nights in. With so much activity, keeping your home consistently warm and comfortable for everyone can be a challenge. Here are a few simple ways to maintain reliable heat, improve indoor air quality, and keep your home inviting all season long.

Pre-Party Comfort Tips

Are you hosting a holiday gathering? A little planning can make a big difference in keeping your home comfortable.

Start with adjusting the thermostat in advance. Don’t wait until guests arrive to turn up the heat. Warm your home gradually by adjusting the temperature an hour before your event. This prevents your HVAC system from overworking and helps avoid any chilly surprises.

Seal the cracks to reduce drafts. Cold air loves to sneak in through under-door gaps and aging window frames. Quick fixes like draft stoppers, rolled towels, or temporary weatherstripping can help your heating system maintain a steady temperature during a busy gathering.

Holiday cooking naturally warms your home. If you’ll be baking or roasting throughout the day, you may want to lower your thermostat slightly to avoid an overheated living space once guests fill the room.

Keep Indoor Air Fresh and Healthy

With more people inside and doors opening and closing constantly, indoor air quality can dip this time of year. Be sure to keep your air filters changed, filter fumes out of your home, and keep proper humidity levels.

• Be sure to change your air filters. A clean filter helps your system run efficiently and traps dust, pet dander, and other airborne irritants especially important with lots of people moving throughout your home.
• Don’t forget to use the exhaust fans in your home when cooking and cleaning. Cooking fumes and cleaning products can quickly make a house feel stuffy. Run kitchen and bathroom fans to keep fresh air circulating.
• Winter air is dry, and a packed house only makes it more noticeable. Consider a whole-home humidifier or portable units in gathering spaces to make the air feel warmer and more comfortable without raising the thermostat.

Smart Thermostat Suggestions for the Busy Season

Balancing heating needs during the holidays often comes down to small adjustments that keep everyone comfortable.

If you have a smart or programmable thermostat, take advantage of scheduling. Set a “comfort mode” for hosting hours and lower temperatures overnight or when the house is empty.

Turning the heat up and down constantly can make your system work harder and lead to uneven temperatures. Choose a comfortable setting and allow your thermostat to manage the rest.

Make sure holiday décor like trees, gifts, and furniture aren’t blocking vents. Even partially obstructed airflow can make rooms feel cooler than they should.

A Warm Home Makes for Warm Memories

With a little preparation and mindful heating habits, you can create a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere for every guest who walks through your door this holiday season. Whether you're hosting a big celebration or enjoying quiet nights with family, these small steps help ensure your home stays cozy, efficient, and ready for all the festivities ahead.

We at Full Comfort Heating and Air want to help you maintain your HVAC units so that they will last long. We are happy to provide tips on optimizing your unit to reduce electric and gas costs. If you are looking into a smart thermostat, let us help you; we are the experts after all! Please reach out to us to schedule a routine maintenance or help you with any repair issues.