As the holidays start to approach, many homes play host to additional family or friends. Or, they leave their home altogether to enjoy some vacation time. Whether it's a packed or empty home, you should prepare your HVAC system to avoid any surprises during the rest of the season. After all, the last thing you want to deal with during the holidays is the need for emergency heater repairs.

To help get you ready for the holidays, Bloomington Heating & Air provides these HVAC preparedness tips. Schedule an appointment with our HVAC company today to ensure no issues could cause you grief later!

4 Ways To Prep Your HVAC System For The Holidays

Replace Air Filters

With more people in your home, there's bound to be more dust and other microscopic debris floating around in the air, getting filtered out by your HVAC unit. And while you may think the worst of a clogged air filter is just dirtier air, the limited airflow can cause your HVAC system to stop working. Additionally, with all of those extra people in your home, you'll want to keep the air quality at its best. Even if you plan to leave for vacation, a clogged air filter can still spell problems for you when you return, so it's important to change it before you leave.

Clear The Heater & Vents

Just like with a clogged air filter, crowding the spaces where the air is released can also cause issues with the HVAC system as a whole. While you should be mindful of keeping the areas around your heater and vents clear all year, furniture is often moved around during the holidays to make room for family events and overnight guests. Even boxes from presents can absentmindedly be stashed in front of heaters or vents, taxing the HVAC unnecessarily. Just do a quick once over before the festivities begin to ensure that nothing is blocking you from the perfect temperature!

Try A Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat can ensure that the HVAC is only running when it's supposed to be. While newer models may be more user-friendly and have the added benefit of being remote so you can set the temperature for your arrival, most people don't realize that older models still have scheduled HVAC functions. If you're unsure how to set it, an HVAC technician can help you get things situated during your seasonal tune-up.

Seasonal Tune-Up

The best way to ensure that your HVAC system is working is to invest in HVAC maintenance. Routine maintenance can uncover minor heater repairs before they become expensive and can even extend the life of your HVAC system. In addition, scheduling HVAC maintenance before the family comes over or before you leave on your vacation is the best way to ensure that there are no surprises.