During the Thanksgiving season, you’ll often have a host of friends and family visiting your house. Make sure your Dallas, Texas, home is prepared for all the warm harvest happenings. A thorough fall cleaning and maintenance routine will get everything ready for your guests, so you can host a flawless holiday.
Wash the Window Hangings
Your window hangings are a magnet for dust and dirt, particularly if you’ve had your windows open to the moderate fall temperatures. Carefully dust your blinds to remove the hidden buildup that can harm your indoor air quality. Remove curtains, drapes, and valances, and launder them if you can. If you don’t have washable window hangings, vacuum them thoroughly.
Change the Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
You should change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year. The beginning of the holiday season is a prime time for this job. Changing the batteries and testing these warning devices now will ensure that they’re in prime condition if someone should overcook a turkey, overturn a candle, or have another accident.
Take Care of Your HVAC System
You should change the HVAC filter in your furnace every one to three months. Make sure you change your filter before the holiday festivities so all your visitors can enjoy fresh, breathable air. Having a slew of guests come through the house can increase the amount of dust and dander that you’re dealing with, so you may want to opt for more frequent filter changes during this season.
If you haven’t scheduled furnace maintenance within the last 12 months, it’s time to book a tuneup. You should have your system serviced at least once a year for optimal operation and a longer life span for your appliances.
Clean Your Refrigerator
Your refrigerator will be filled to the maximum. You want to make sure all your casseroles have a chilled place to wait for their big presentation. That same refrigerator will likely be bulging with delicious leftovers later. Make sure it’s up to the task by cleaning it thoroughly. Empty the fridge and dispose of any expired foods. Wipe down the shelves and drawers.
Unplug the appliance and locate the condenser coils. These may be on the front or back of the refrigerator depending on your model. Vacuum the coils and fan. Wipe away lingering dust with a clean paint brush. Replace the refrigerator and carefully plug it back in when you’re finished.
Clean the Tops of Cabinets
If your kitchen cabinets don’t go all the way to the ceiling, there’s probably a thick layer of dust, grease, and grime up there. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to climb up and clean it off.
If you keep decorative greenery or nick knacks on top of your cabinets, this is a good time to pull them down and clean them off. You may even want to replace these items with more seasonal features, like gourds or autumnal garlands.
Update Your Home Fragrances
The fragrances that you use in your home can set the stage for a festive fall event. Floral spring and summer aromas are out of place for Thanksgiving. Instead, opt for something more appropriate for the season. Cinnamon, clove, orange, sage, apple, bergamot, birch, pine, and rosemary are all ideal choices for the season.
You can incorporate these scents by simmering dried fruits or fruit peels and spices in a slow cooker or using drops of essential oils in a diffuser. Create your own signature blends for a distinctive fall aroma that your Thanksgiving diners will associate uniquely with your home.
Is your furnace prepared to handle the added strain of a house full of visitors? Make sure your HVAC system is clean and operating efficiently by scheduling a timely fall maintenance visit. Contact Bill Joplin’s at 888-414-4655 to schedule your visit. Our experienced HVAC professionals can help you trim your energy expenses during this busy season.
