The holidays tend to arrive in a blur of twinkling lights, visiting relatives, and ongoing celebration. But while you’re enjoying the season, your home is quietly working overtime: hosting guests, battling cold weather, and keeping all those festive plans running smoothly.

Here are the top homeowner holiday reminders every homeowner should keep in mind to avoid mid-celebration surprises and keep your home merry and bright.

Give Your Heating System a Quick Check Before the real cold settles in, make sure your furnace or boiler is ready; and if anything seems off, place a service request before temperatures plunge: it’s the busiest time of year for HVAC pros:

• Replace the air filter
• Listen for unusual noises
• Make sure vents aren’t blocked by decor (or gift wrapping sprawl)

Be Kind to Your Kitchen Appliances Your appliances are the unsung heroes of the season. Remember”

• Don’t overcrowd the fridge (airflow matters!)
• Avoid using the oven as a storage unit (we’re looking at you, baking sheets)
• Let the dishwasher cool between cycles
• And never, ever pour cooking grease down the drain. Like, ever.

Protect Pipes From Overnight Freezes We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again:

• Keep cabinet doors open beneath sinks
• Allow a slow drip from faucets on extra-cold nights
• Know where your main shutoff valve is located

Test Your Home Safety Devices The holidays often mean candles, fireplaces, and lots of electrical decorations so make sure your safety essentials are in top shape:

• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Replace batteries if needed
• Keep fire extinguishers accessible

Don’t Overload Outlets Electrical overloads can cause blown fuses or worse.

• Check cords for wear
• Use power strips with surge protectors
• Unplug décor before bed

Prepare for Extra Wear and Tear When more people are opening doors, running water, adjusting temps, and flushing toilets, little problems can escalate quickly.
If something starts acting strange — a noisy fridge, a slow drain, a rattling heater — submit a service request early so small issues don’t become emergencies.

Make Space, Literally Before guests arrive, give your mechanical areas a once-over:

• Clear items away from your water heater
• Declutter furnace rooms
• Ensure outdoor units are free from snow and debris