Get Yourself and Your Home Ready for the Season

It seems like this time of year things speed up just a little bit. The fact of the matter is, the holiday season can be a stressful season. So the less you have to worry about, the better. Last month, we shared some tips for celebrating Thanksgiving safely—and they’re just as relevant during the holiday season. But this month we’d like to help make sure your home is ready for the holiday cheer and everything after.
While this year has seen its own share of challenges, the last thing you want is a heating system that just can’t keep up. So the same advice that’s true for you this time of year is also true for your HVAC system.

Make Sure You’re Not Too Stuffed
Overeating during the holidays can make you feel less than your best. You may find it difficult to do your thing well—or at all. The same is true for your HVAC system if you let your filter get too stuffed with dust, debris and pet hair. Rheem recommends changing your furnace filter every three months. But we know that everybody forgets every now and again. So if you don’t remember when the last time you changed your filter was, now’s a great time to do it as the season’s changing. It’s a job that’s easy enough to do yourself, or you can seek the help of a Rheem Pro. A clogged filter can make the fan in your air handler or furnace have to work twice as hard to move air. That can cause the motor to overheat and fail. And if it stops working, it can lead to a chilly night when you’d really rather be concentrating on a warm slice of pie.

The More the Merrier
That old saying is still true. Having people around really does make the home feel more home-y. And while this year may be an exception—depending upon whether or not you feel it’s a good idea to have family gatherings, it’s still a great time to invite over your friendly neighborhood Rheem Pro. He or she can perform a system tune-up to make sure that your furnace or heat pump is ready to handle the cooler weather. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to get your system checked before you turn on the heat (or switch from heating to air conditioning in the spring, of course). But it’s never too late to make sure your system is performing its best. 

And if you’re concerned about having someone in your house due to Covid-19, you can rest assured that your Rheem Pro will be taking all necessary precautions as recommended by the CDC. From booties and gloves to sanitizing surfaces, we’re doing everything in our power to help keep both you and your HVAC contractor safe.

Don’t Let Unimportant Stuff Get in the Way
This season is about giving and sharing and love. It’s about reflecting on the good times, and yes, even a few of the less-than-good times. But the key is to stay open to the important stuff in life. The same can be said about your HVAC system’s vents, and perhaps even more important, the returns. Blocking the return registers with furniture, artwork—or yes, holiday decorations–can block the airflow. And just like a blocked filter, an air handler trying to move air with blocked returns is very much like trying to breathe through a straw. It may seem like it’s working fine, but it won’t be too long before you end up with a big headache.

Make New Friends
Don’t have a favorite heating and cooling company? You can always find a Pro. Whether it’s time for a tune-up or a new, more efficient HVAC system, your Rheem Pro can help ensure your winter is warm and cozy.