Thanksgiving is one of the most joyful—and busiest—times of the year. With extra guests in your home, more cooking than usual, and a full day of activity, your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems all work overtime. For Memphis homeowners, a little preparation can go a long way toward ensuring a comfortable, stress-free holiday. By taking steps to support your heating, cooling, and indoor air systems, you can keep your home running smoothly and focus on what matters most: enjoying time with loved ones.

Prep Your HVAC System for Holiday Guests
A house filled with people, warm ovens, and constant foot traffic can affect the way your heating and cooling system performs. Before Thanksgiving arrives, give your HVAC system some attention to make sure it can handle the increased demand.
Check and Replace Your Air Filter
A clean air filter helps your HVAC system operate efficiently and keeps the air inside your home fresh. With guests coming and going, replacing your filter ensures better airflow and reduces strain on your system.
Test Your Thermostat in Advance
Many Memphis homeowners like to preheat the home ahead of holiday gatherings. Make sure your thermostat is responsive and programmed properly. Since extra body heat and cooking appliances can warm the space quickly, you may need to adjust the temperature throughout the day.
Clear Vents and Registers
Make sure vents are open, unobstructed, and clean. If furniture or décor is blocking airflow, your HVAC system has to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures. A quick walkthrough helps prevent hot and cold spots while hosting.
Prevent Plumbing Strain on Thanksgiving Day
With more dishes, more cooking, and more people using your bathrooms, your plumbing system faces added stress. Fortunately, a few simple steps can help prevent avoidable issues.
Prep Your Kitchen Sink and Dishwasher
Thanksgiving meals create extra food waste, but your sink isn’t the place for it. Avoid putting bones, fibrous vegetables, fats, oils, or grease down the drain. These can create clogs or strain your disposal. Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing, and run your dishwasher only when it’s properly loaded to avoid unnecessary water use.
Check for Slow Drains Before Guests Arrive
If your sink, tub, or shower drains slowly, now is the time to address it. Small blockages can quickly grow into bigger issues when your plumbing sees heavy use. Clearing slow drains ahead of time helps keep your home running smoothly.
Encourage Smart Bathroom Use
With extra guests, your bathrooms will see more traffic. Make sure toilet paper is the only paper product going into the toilet, and consider placing a small sign and wastebasket nearby to avoid accidental clogs.
Make Thanksgiving Easy With the Right Preparation
With a little planning, you can enjoy a smooth, comfortable, and stress-free holiday. Preparing your HVAC and plumbing systems ensures your home is ready for guests and helps you avoid surprises on the busiest cooking day of the year.
Contact Automatic Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric for all your home comfort needs. Since 1943, it’s been Automatic in Memphis!