The holiday season is a special time of year, filled with joy, festive lights, and, for many of us, a house full of family and friends. While you’re planning the menu and dusting off the guest linens, there are a few important things you might be forgetting to check off your list: your home’s HVAC and plumbing systems. These two unsung heroes are about to get a major workout.

A proactive check now can help you avoid a holiday headache later. No one wants to be huddled in a cold living room or dealing with a clogged toilet when the family is over. We’ve put together a simple, friendly checklist to help you get your home in top shape before the guests arrive.

Facing a home comfort emergency with guests arriving? Don't panic—contact our team by calling us at (972) 201-3253. We are available 24/7 to take your call!

Step 1: Prep Your HVAC System for the Crowd

When you have a house full of people, your heating system has to work overtime to keep everyone comfortable. More bodies mean more warmth, but also more humidity and a greater need for fresh, conditioned air. Giving your heating system a little TLC now can prevent a breakdown when you need it most.

Change the Air Filter: This is the easiest and most important thing you can do for your HVAC system. A clean filter allows air to flow freely, which means your system doesn't have to work as hard to heat your home. A clogged filter can lead to higher energy bills and, worse, a system breakdown.
Clear the Vents and Returns: Take a quick walk around your home to make sure all your air vents and return grilles are clear of furniture, rugs, or anything else that might block the airflow. This simple step ensures that the heated air can circulate properly, keeping all of your guests comfortable.
Check Your Thermostat Settings: It's a good idea to set a comfortable temperature that works for everyone and then leave it alone. Constantly adjusting the thermostat can cause your system to cycle on and off more frequently, which is less efficient. Consider a smart thermostat if you want to be able to control the temperature from your phone, even when you’re out.

Step 2: Get the Plumbing Ready for the Extra Traffic

Your home’s plumbing is about to handle a major increase in usage. From extra showers and flushes to all that cooking in the kitchen, a small problem can quickly become a big one. Here’s how to make sure your pipes and drains are ready for the extra workload.

Address Any Slow Drains: Have you noticed a sink or shower that drains a little slowly? Now is the time to tackle it. A slow drain is a sign of a partial clog, and the extra use from holiday guests can turn that partial clog into a full-blown backup. You can try a simple DIY fix like a plumber's snake, but if the problem persists, it's best to call in a professional.
Test All Your Toilets: Make sure every toilet in your home is flushing correctly and that none of them run continuously after a flush. A continuously running toilet can waste a lot of water and could be a sign of a faulty flapper or fill valve.
Check for Any Leaks: While you’re walking around, take a peek under all your sinks and look for any drips or water stains. Even a tiny leak can become a bigger problem with increased use. Catching it now can save you from a major mess later.
Remind Guests What to Flush: This one might sound a little awkward, but a small, friendly reminder note in the bathroom can save a lot of trouble. A simple note about only flushing toilet paper can prevent major clogs caused by flushed paper towels or hygiene products.

Step 3: Don’t Forget About the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home during the holidays, and its plumbing system works especially hard. From the sink drain to the garbage disposal, it all needs to be in good working order.

Give the Garbage Disposal a Tune-Up: Before the big feast, it’s a good idea to clean your garbage disposal, and you can do it easily with ice cubes! The ice helps knock debris off the grinding chamber and can even sharpen the impellers slightly, leaving your disposal clean and ready to handle holiday scraps. Simply:
- Fill an ice tray with plain water—or use vinegar or lemon juice for extra cleaning power and a fresh scent.
- Once frozen, turn on your cold water and the disposal.
- Drop the cubes in a few at a time.
Avoid Clogs in the Kitchen Sink: Remind yourself and your guests to scrape all food scraps into the trash before loading dishes into the sink. The most common cause of kitchen drain clogs is grease, so be sure to pour any cooking oil or grease into a container and dispose of it in the trash, not down the drain.

Step 4: Consider a Professional Check-Up

For ultimate peace of mind, there’s no substitute for a professional tune-up. A certified HVAC technician can inspect your furnace to ensure it's running safely and efficiently. A plumber can inspect your home's water pressure and check for any hidden issues that could cause problems later (like leaks or a slow drain).

How to Stay on Top of Home Maintenance

Getting professional check-ups for your home's HVAC and plumbing is the best way to ensure your systems are ready for whatever the unpredictable DFW winter weather brings. Many homeowners find that a regular maintenance plan is the easiest way to stay on top of these tasks.

Our Club Membership is a convenient way to make sure your home's systems are always in good shape without having to think about it. It’s designed to help you save on energy costs and avoid expensive, unexpected repairs down the road.

Get Ahead of Holiday Home Problems in DFW with Rescue Air and Plumbing

The last thing you want to worry about when you have a house full of holiday guests is a plumbing or HVAC emergency. By taking a little time to prepare, you can focus on what really matters: spending time with the people you love. Our simple checklist can help you get started, and our team is always here to help with any larger issues that might pop up.

If you need help with a clogged drain, a furnace tune-up, or just want to make sure everything is in tip-top shape, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are ready to help you get your home prepared for the holidays.

Contact Rescue Air and Plumbing through our online contact form or by calling us at (972) 201-3253.