The holiday season in Houston may not bring heavy snow, but it does bring cold fronts, extra home gatherings, and higher demand on your heating system. As families prepare for celebrations, cozy dinners, and overnight guests, one thing becomes essential: keeping your HVAC performance at its best. A well-running system not only ensures comfort—it also protects your energy bill during a month when expenses are already higher.
Even though Houston’s winter is milder compared to northern states, December temperatures can drop into the 40s, especially during cold snaps. These sudden shifts make your HVAC system work harder than usual. And if your unit hasn’t received proper maintenance throughout the year, the holidays can quickly become the time when small issues turn into expensive repairs.
At Punbar Air, we’ve spent years helping Houston homeowners stay warm and comfortable every winter. With expert technicians like Gustavo and our highly responsive team, you can count on us for reliable service, especially during peak season when many HVAC companies fall behind. Below are our best holiday HVAC performance tips to keep your home cozy, efficient, and ready for every celebration.
1. Schedule a Holiday Tune-Up Before Cold Fronts Hit
One of the most effective ways to improve HVAC performance in December is through a professional tune-up. With our $99 tune-up and safety inspection, you can ensure your system is ready for holiday weather.
A tune-up helps:
- Prevent surprise breakdowns during family gatherings
- Improve airflow
- Boost efficiency and lower energy usage
- Extend your system’s lifespan
- Detect safety concerns like carbon monoxide risks in heating units
As one of our customers, Vanessa, shared:
“He quickly diagnosed the issue, explained everything clearly, and got things working smoothly in no time. I highly recommend his services to anyone in need of heating system maintenance or repairs.”
2. Replace Your Air Filters (Especially Before Guests Arrive)
More people in your home means more dust, more cooking particles, and more pet dander circulating in the air. Dirty filters force your system to work much harder, hurting performance and increasing utility costs.
We recommend switching to MERV 13 filters, and right now you can get $20 off with our IAQ MERV filter special.
Clean filters help:
- Improve airflow
- Reduce allergens
- Increase energy efficiency
- Reduce strain on your HVAC system
3. Optimize Your Thermostat for Holiday Energy Savings
Your thermostat settings directly affect HVAC performance. If you’re hosting dinners or celebrations, your home naturally warms up due to extra cooking and extra people.
A few smart holiday settings:
- Lower your thermostat a few degrees during gatherings
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat
- Reduce temperature during nighttime or when no one is home
And don’t forget:
With the purchase of a new HVAC system, you can get a FREE Smart Thermostat (worth $150).
4. Improve Airflow Throughout Your Home
Proper airflow is essential during colder months. Furniture, holiday decorations, and Christmas trees can accidentally block vents.
Make sure:
- Vents are open and unobstructed
- Air registers are cleaned
- Large decorations aren’t blocking circulation paths
If you suspect deeper airflow problems—like uneven temperatures or weak airflow in certain rooms—Punbar Air offers professional Air Flow Testing to identify and fix the root cause.
5. Seal and Insulate for Better Holiday Comfort
Many Houston homes lose warm air through leaky ducts and poorly insulated spaces. This forces your system to run longer and harder, affecting performance and increasing costs.
December is the perfect time to take advantage of energy-saving improvements, and you can use these specials:
- 10% Off Insulation
- Waived Dispatch Fee with Repairs
- $50 Off any heating/cooling repair
These upgrades make a noticeable difference, especially when cold fronts hit unexpectedly.
6. Consider Upgrading Before the New Year
If your system is more than 10–12 years old, struggles to heat your home, or experiences frequent repairs, upgrading before the New Year could save you money.
Holiday special:
Save up to $3,000 on a complete HVAC installation.
As David, one of our customers, shared:
“Gustavo kept me informed on what was being done and the time it would take. A true professional.”
Stay Warm, Stay Safe, and Stay Festive with Punbar Air
This holiday season, make sure your home stays cozy, efficient, and ready for every celebration. From tune-ups to airflow testing and full system upgrades, Punbar Air ensures your HVAC performance stays strong all winter long.
Call us today at 832-400-5730 to schedule your service and enjoy a worry-free holiday season.
❄️ FAQs About Holiday HVAC Performance
1. How often should I schedule HVAC maintenance during the winter?
We recommend at least one winter tune-up per year, ideally before the first cold front. December is perfect because demand increases and problems tend to surface during holiday gatherings. A tune-up improves HVAC performance, prevents breakdowns, and ensures safety.
2. Why does my HVAC struggle during colder days in Houston?
Sudden temperature drops make your system work harder. If filters are dirty, vents are blocked, or your unit has worn parts, performance can decrease significantly. A tune-up or Air Flow Testing can identify the exact issue and restore efficiency.
3. Is upgrading my HVAC system worth it during the holidays?
Yes—especially if your unit is old, inefficient, or frequently breaking down. December specials such as up to $3,000 off installations and free smart thermostats make this one of the best times of the year to upgrade.
By Calixto Armas
