How to Keep Your Idaho Home Comfortable for Thanksgiving

If you are hosting a Thanksgiving Day celebration this year, your home likely will smell great and look fabulous.

But will it feel comfortable?

Planning the festivities isn’t limited to the food and decor. A comfortable home plays a huge role in the success of your gathering.

The indoor air quality (IAQ), temperature, and cleanliness of your Eagle, ID, home all contribute to its comfort level. At Western Heating & Air Conditioning we can make your home the pinnacle of comfort and warmth this Thanksgiving Day with our indoor air quality services, heating and cooling maintenance, and lighting solutions.

We compiled a list of tips to help you achieve the perfect environment for celebration with family and friends.

Improve the Air in Your Home

Here are a few tips to make your Ada County home comfy:

• Humidify: Indoor air that lacks sufficient moisture can dry out your skin, aggravate respiratory issues, and increase static electricity in your home. Imagine your holiday guests repeatedly getting zapped by static electricity shocks and experiencing an increase in allergy and asthma symptoms!
  
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping the indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent.
  
• You can increase the humidity by stationing a few portable humidifiers throughout your home.  DIY hacks include allowing the dishwasher contents to air dry and opening the bathroom door to distribute steam after a shower.
  
• A whole-house humidifier can provide a consistent humidity level in your home and keep your family and guests comfortable from Thanksgiving Day to New Year’s Day and throughout the winter.
  
• Ask us at Western Heating & Air Conditioning about installing a humidifier on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

• Ventilation: Cooking can impact indoor air quality. Use exhaust fans to remove cooling odors and tiny particles that food preparation can produce. Open windows if weather and air pollution levels in the Treasure Valley permit, and bring fresh air inside.

• Source Control: Ban smoking indoors and store harsh chemicals in a well-ventilated area such as a shed or garage. Many items, including paints, household cleaners, and personal hygiene products, emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can jeopardize your health.

• Air Purification: Station a portable air purifier in one or two key areas where guests congregate. Consider a whole-house air purifier, filtering system, or ultraviolet (UV) lamps for your home. Our pros at Western Heating & Air Conditioning can help you select the best air cleaner to mitigate air quality issues. Air purification systems create a healthy environment by removing allergens, dust, and airborne viruses.

Give Your Heating System Some TLC

Everyone deserves a little extra attention over the holidays, including your HVAC system!

• Schedule a Tune-Up: A fall tune-up ensures your heating system operates efficiently and prevents breakdowns by identifying issues before they escalate. A maintained furnace or heat pump will keep everyone warm and cozy at your home through even the harshest winters.

• Change Air Filters: Keep your heating system and indoor air clean by replacing your air filter when it is dirty. A clogged air filter restricts airflow and can cause your heating system to overheat and shut down. Take a few moments every month to inspect your air filter. Follow manufacturer instructions on how frequently you should replace it.

• Thermostat: By replacing your manual thermostat with a programmable or smart thermostat with Wi-Fi capability, you can save on energy consumption and utility bills without skimping on comfort.
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• These upgraded thermostats enable you to schedule temperature changes. You can also adjust the temperature in real-time through a smartphone app. Some smart thermostats even self-adjust according to your comfort preferences and home occupancy.
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• If you plan to run the Boise Turkey Day 5K on Thanksgiving Day or treat overnight guests to the tree lighting at Grove Plaza, you can dial back the thermostat before heading to the events. Increase the temperature before returning home so your living space will be warm and cozy when you arrive.

Create a Comfortable Setting

A clean and decluttered home will seem more spacious and put your guests at ease, giving them space to breathe.

• Add a few pillows and throw blankets to gathering areas, and provide enough seating for everyone.

• A gas or natural wood-burning fireplace can add to the ambiance. Be sure your fireplace is clean and functional before using it.

• Consider installing smart lightbulbs that you can adjust throughout Thanksgiving Day to create a variety of lighting moods. Skip the candles and create a warm and inviting setting with smart lightbulbs at dinner.

Make Comfort a Priority on Thanksgiving Day

Western Heating & Air Conditioning is committed to improving comfort in your Eagle, ID, home. Whether you need assistance with indoor air quality or a furnace safety inspection, we can enhance your holiday entertaining. Call us at 208-319-1736 or request service online.