The holidays are one of the best times of the year — family in town, big meals, and homes full of laughter. But they’re also the time when your HVAC system and plumbing work the hardest. More showers, more dishwashing, more people opening doors, more cooking… it all adds up.
To help you avoid mid-celebration breakdowns, unexpected repairs, or cold rooms your guests will definitely comment on, here’s Mowery Heating, Cooling & Plumbing’s complete checklist for getting your home guest-ready.
1. Make Sure Your Furnace Is Ready for Extra Work
When your home fills up with people, your heating system has to run longer and more often. A quick tune-up or maintenance check can prevent common holiday-weekend emergencies.
Before guests arrive:
- Replace your furnace filter
- Make sure vents are open and unblocked
- Check for cold spots or inconsistent airflow
- Verify your thermostat schedule and temperature settings
If your home runs cool even when the furnace is working, give us a call — small issues now can turn into big issues when temperatures drop.
2. Keep Indoor Air Comfortable with Humidity Control
Winter air in Indiana can get dry fast, especially when the heat is on all day. Add a house full of people, and you’ll feel it even more.
Proper humidity makes your home feel warmer, protects wood furniture, and helps guests avoid dry skin and scratchy throats.
If you use a whole-home humidifier, make sure it’s set correctly and the water panel is clean. If you don’t have one, this season is a great time to consider it — it can make a huge difference in winter comfort.
3. Give Your Water Heater a Quick Health Check
More guests = more showers, more laundry, and more dishes. Your water heater needs to keep up.
Here are a few guest-prep tips:
- Check the temperature setting (120–125°F is ideal)
- Listen for rumbling noises that might indicate sediment buildup
- If it’s been over a year, consider a water-heater flush
- Make sure the area around the water heater is clear and accessible
If your water heater struggles on normal days, it won’t make it through a full house. We can inspect it and recommend the best fixes.
4. Prevent Clogged Drains and Kitchen Mishaps
Holiday cooking is prime time for drain issues — especially if food scraps head into the sink instead of the trash.
Remind your household (and guests!):
- Never pour grease or oils down the drain
- Don’t put eggshells, pasta, peels, or coffee grounds in the disposal
- Run cold water before and after using the disposal
- Keep a trash bowl nearby while prepping food
If a drain starts slowing, don’t wait. Call us early and we’ll take care of it before guests arrive.
5. Check Your Main Plumbing Lines Before Company Arrives
A small issue can turn into a very big problem when your home is at max capacity.
Walk through these quick checks:
- Test toilets for slow refills or weak flushes
- Run water in lesser-used bathrooms to ensure proper flow
- Look under sinks for drips
- Make sure the sump pump is plugged in and unobstructed
If something feels “off,” we’re here to help get everything running smoothly again.
6. Use a Smart Thermostat to Keep Everyone Comfortable
The more people you have in your home, the warmer the space gets. A smart thermostat can automatically adjust heating levels to avoid big temperature swings.
Plus, you can:
- Pre-heat rooms before guests arrive
- Lower temps overnight for better sleep
- Save money on energy during holiday travel
If you need help choosing or installing one, we can walk you through the best options.
7. When in Doubt, Schedule a Pre-Holiday HVAC & Plumbing Check
If you want true peace of mind before hosting, a quick whole-home check is the best way to avoid surprises.
We can handle:
- Furnace tune-ups
- Water heater inspections
- Drain clearing
- Humidifier adjustments
- Thermostat programming
- General plumbing and HVAC troubleshooting
A little preparation goes a long way toward a stress-free holiday season.
Need Help Getting Your Home Guest-Ready? We’ve Got You.
Mowery Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has been helping families in Brownsburg and across Central Indiana stay safe, warm, and running smoothly for decades. If you’d like a preseason checkup or need help with a specific issue, our team is here and ready to jump in.
Call us anytime or schedule service online — and enjoy a warm, comfortable, worry-free holiday season.
