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Thanksgiving Prep: Tips for a Cozy, Warm, and Safe Home

Thanksgiving Prep: Tips for a Cozy, Warm, and Safe Home

October 25th, 2024

Thanksgiving is around the corner! As families come together to share good food and celebrate, preparing your home for comfort and safety is key. Here are some expert tips from Dayco Systems to help make this Thanksgiving unforgettable and stress-free.

1. Check Your Attic Insulation

  • Tip: Attic insulation plays a huge role in your home's warmth by keeping heat from escaping. If you're noticing any drafty spots in your home or that your heating system runs more often than usual, it could be due to a lack of insulation.
  • Our Help: To keep your home cozy and efficient, we offer free attic insulation inspections. We'll check your attic and help you decide if it needs an upgrade, potentially lowering energy costs and increasing indoor comfort this winter.

2. Set Up a Smart Thermostat Schedule for the Holidays

  • Tip: As guests arrive and cooking ramps up, your home will naturally get warmer. Set your smart thermostat to gradually reduce heating during peak kitchen hours to save energy and avoid overheating. Smart thermostats also help regulate temperatures when guests are in various rooms.
  • Our Help: If you're considering an upgrade to better control your home's temperature, we offer free estimates on HVAC replacements and can recommend systems that work with your smart thermostat for seamless comfort.

3. Check Your CO2 Detectors for Extra Safety

  • Tip: With more people in the home and more cooking happening, Thanksgiving is an ideal time to ensure your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Check the batteries, test the alarm, and place one near the kitchen if you don't have one there already.
  • Our Help: For additional safety, our furnace tune-up special includes a free CO2 detector to keep your home safe during the holiday season. Check out our promotions tab for more details.

4. Freshen Up Your Home with Seasonal Scents (Without Overpowering!)

  • Tip: Keep your space welcoming by avoiding heavy sprays or strong plug-in scents, as these can be overwhelming for guests. Instead, try simmering cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices in water on the stovetop for a naturally festive scent that's light but inviting.

5. Clear the Way for Guests

  • Tip: With extra people coming in and out, take a moment to clear outdoor walkways and entryways of leaves, debris, or ice to keep guests safe. If you're decorating, avoid tripping hazards near doorways or high-traffic areas.

Bonus Recipe: Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole

Add a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving table with this easy and crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot until tender. Drain and mash them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Stir in brown sugar, butter, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. Spread the mixture into a baking dish, top with marshmallows, and bake for 25-30 minutes, until marshmallows are golden and gooey.

This Thanksgiving, let's make the holiday cozy, safe, and delicious! At Dayco Systems, we're here to help you prepare your home so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying time with loved ones.