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Thanksgiving is nearly here, and it’s the time of year when family, friends, and feasts take center stage. But if you’re the one hosting, you know it also means keeping a crowd warm and comfortable without seeing your energy bills soar.
With the right tricks, you can keep your home cozy for everyone without breaking the bank so that you can save your budget for the turkey and pumpkin pie!
- Put Your Oven’s Heat to Work: Thanksgiving is one of those rare times of year when your oven is working overtime—and that’s actually a plus! When you have a feast cooking for hours, you’re generating a lot of warmth in the kitchen, so let it flow through the house.
If you’re tempted to turn the thermostat up, consider lowering it a notch or two. With the oven on and a crowd in the house, the extra body heat will likely raise the temperature naturally. - Reverse Your Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans aren’t just for keeping cool in the summer. They have a “reverse” function that helps circulate warm air during winter. When a fan spins clockwise at a low speed, it pushes warm air that naturally rises back into the room, helping keep guests comfy.
Just switch the fan to its “winter” setting (typically clockwise) before guests arrive. And if you’re not sure how to switch it, check for a small switch on the fan or consult the manual. - Seal Windows and Doors: Birmingham may not be the coldest city, but that doesn’t mean drafts aren’t sneaky! A bit of air escaping here or there can add up, especially when the house is full of people. Check the windows and doors for drafts to prevent the warmth from slipping away.
Additionally, consider installing thicker curtains on windows or using draft stoppers on doors that lead outside. This will help keep the heat in and the chilly November air out, making it easier to keep everyone cozy. - Close Doors in Unused Rooms: Most of the action happens in the living room, dining room, and kitchen when hosting. If you have a room or two that won’t be used, close the doors to keep heat where needed. Your heating system will have to work less to keep your main areas warm, meaning lower energy usage. It’s an easy win for both comfort and savings!
- Schedule a Pre-Holiday Tune-Up: No one wants to troubleshoot a heating issue while a house is full of guests. A quick, pre-holiday tune-up is a wise move to ensure your system is in top condition and running efficiently. Regular maintenance keeps your system working optimally and extends its lifespan, which can mean significant savings in the long run.
Keep Warm and Save with Standard Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
Hosting Thanksgiving is a wonderful way to spend quality time with friends and family. These energy-saving tips will help keep your guests warm and comfortable without overworking your system.
At Standard Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we know the ins and outs of keeping Birmingham homes comfortable and efficient. Whether you need a quick tune-up or have questions about winterizing your system, give us a call at (205) 578-6405
From our family to yours, we hope you have a warm, welcoming Thanksgiving filled with joy and great food!
