Your December Guide to a Safe, Warm, and Stress-Free Holiday Season
December in Northeast Ohio brings freezing temperatures, holiday gatherings, and the final push toward the New Year. It’s a busy season, and one of the most important times to protect your home from winter wear and tear.
To help you finish the year strong, Jackson Comfort Services created this End-of-Year Home Maintenance Checklist, designed specifically for Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and all of Northeast Ohio.
1) Make Sure Your Furnace Is Ready for Deep Winter
Your furnace has been running for weeks now, and December is when hidden problems finally reveal themselves.
Before Christmas arrives, make sure to:
- Replace or upgrade your furnace filter
- Listen for unusual noises
- Look for uneven temperatures or cold spots
- Test your thermostat
- Check carbon monoxide detectors
Need help? Jackson Comfort offers same-day service, 24/7 support, and next-day installs.
2) Prevent Frozen or Burst Pipes
December cold snaps can freeze exposed pipes fast — especially in basements, garages, or crawl spaces.
Protect your plumbing by:
- Insulating exposed pipes
- Opening cabinet doors on freezing nights
- Letting faucets drip slowly
- Sealing up drafts
- Knowing your main shut-off valve
If you experience a freeze or burst, our plumbing team is here 24/7.
3) Check Your Drains Before Holiday Cooking
Holiday hosting puts extra strain on your drains.
Before guests arrive:
- Don’t pour grease down the sink
- Run hot water after heavy kitchen use
- Ensure your garbage disposal is running properly
- Schedule a pre-holiday drain cleaning if you’ve had past issues
4) Inspect Your Water Heater
December means colder incoming water and more demand, especially with holiday guests.
Check for:
- Less hot water than normal
- Strange noises
- Leaks or rust
- Water taking too long to heat
We repair and replace all water heater types, including tankless systems.
5) Improve Indoor Air Quality for Holiday Gatherings
Homes stay sealed tight in winter. Combine that with holiday cooking, pets, candles, and guests, and air quality drops fast.
Improve your air by:
- Installing a whole-home humidifier
- Upgrading your filter
- Considering an iWave air purifier
- Running a fan to circulate air
6) Seal Drafts and Reduce Heat Loss
If your home feels colder this holiday season, you may be losing heat through drafty windows, poor insulation, or leaky ductwork.
A quick inspection can reveal problem areas, and our HVAC team can help ensure your system is running efficiently all winter.
7) Prep Your Home for Holiday Travel
If you’re heading out of town for Christmas or New Year’s:
- Set your thermostat to 62–65°F
- Shut off the water if gone for an extended time
- Keep interior doors open
- Have someone check in during extreme cold
8) Schedule Year-End Maintenance Before January
The slow days between Christmas and New Year’s are perfect for:
- Furnace tune-ups
- Boiler checks
- Plumbing inspections
- Smart thermostat installs
- Drain cleaning
- Water heater evaluations
Start the New Year safe, warm, and efficient.
Start the New Year Right with Jackson Comfort Services
Whether you’re hosting guests or preparing for a quiet holiday at home, Jackson Comfort is here to keep your home safe and comfortable.
Book heating, plumbing, or drain service today at www.jacksoncomfort.com or call (330) 468-3111.
