The holidays bring snow days, houseguests, festive chaos, and every system in your home working overtime. Before the kids are home from school and Aunt Mildred stakes out the guest shower, make sure your home is ready for the extra traffic, extra cooking, and extra cozy vibes.

Below is your Godby-approved, holiday-ready, whole-home checklist to help you keep everything running smoothly, warm, safe, and stress-free.

1. Heating: Keep Everyone Cozy & Warm

Nothing kills the holiday spirit like a furnace that quits when the house is full.

✔ Schedule Furnace Maintenance

Annual maintenance keeps your system safe, reliable, and ready to run nonstop through the holiday season. Club Godby members get this automatically, set it and forget it.

✔ Replace Your Air Filter

With more people in your home, your filter fills up faster. Swap it out to keep airflow strong and the house feeling just right.

✔ Check Your Thermostat Settings

With extra people in the house, someone is guaranteed to complain they’re too hot or too cold. A few thermostat adjustments can help, especially for Grandma, who’s freezing no matter how many of her hand-knitted sweaters she’s bundled in.

2. Just-Right Comfort: Fix Rooms That Never Feel Right

✔ Just-Right Comfort: Take a cue from Goldilocks and install a ductless mini-split to finally make that room that’s never the right temperature… just right.
Perfect for bonus rooms, lofts, sunrooms, over-the-garage spaces, or guest rooms that always run too hot or too cold.

3. Water Heater: No Cold Showers for Aunt Mildred

Holiday traffic = hot water chaos.

✔ Have Your Water Heater Checked

Ensure it can keep up with showers, dishes, laundry, and all the extra activity in your home.

✔ Flush the Tank

Sediment reduces capacity, especially noticeable when you have a full house.

✔ Upgrade if Needed

Tankless, larger capacity systems, or a Navien Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater can ensure you never run out of hot water, even with a house full of guests and back-to-back showers.

4. Plumbing: Holiday Meals Are Great, Holiday Clogs Are Not

The garbage disposal is the unsung hero of the holiday season.

✔ What NOT to Put in the Garbage Disposal

❌ Grease
❌ Potato peels
❌ Eggshells
❌ Pasta or rice
❌ Celery/onion skins
❌ Bones
❌ Anything stringy, sticky, or expandable

✔ What You Can Put Down It

✔ Soft scraps
✔ Small citrus peels
✔ Always run cold water while operating it

✔ Check for Slow Drains

If a drain is sluggish now, it’ll definitely cause problems once guests arrive.

✔ Sump Pump Check

Because winter gatherings + groundwater surprises = not festive.

5. Electrical: Keep Holiday Lights & Devices Running Smoothly

Everyone’s plugging in phones, gaming systems, heated blankets, hair dryers, and decorative inflatables.

✔ Check Your Electrical Panel

Make sure it’s up to the challenge of holiday lighting, extra appliances, and increased usage.

✔ Test GFCI Outlets

Especially in bathrooms and kitchens with lots of guests.

✔ Whole-Home Surge Protection

Winter weather + holiday lighting = an ideal time for power surges.

✔ Weatherproof Outdoor Outlets

Avoid sparks, shorts, and other holiday “magic” you don’t want.

6. Generator: Because Winter Weather Has Terrible Timing

If ice takes out the power, your holiday shouldn’t come to a freezing stop.

✔ Schedule Generator Maintenance

Ensure it’s ready for heavy snow, ice, and windstorms.

✔ Install a Standby Generator

A Kohler or Generac unit automatically powers on to keep heat, lights, sump pump, fridge, and holiday plans intact.

✔ Have a Portable Generator? Add a Champion Transfer Switch

If you rely on a portable generator, a Champion transfer switch is the safe and efficient way to power essential parts of your home during an outage.
It prevents dangerous backfeeding, lets you power critical circuits like your furnace, fridge, sump pump, and lights, and keeps everything running smoothly without juggling extension cords.

7. Indoor Air Quality: More People = More Germs, Odors & Allergens

Your home is closed up, the house is full, and winter viruses are everywhere.

✔ Air Purification for Guests

Whole-home air purification, such as the Reme Halo or Phenomenal Aire, helps reduce winter germs and funky odors. A must-have when the kids are sneezing nonstop and Aunt Mildred is blowing her nose like she’s auditioning for a brass section.

✔ Humidification

Proper humidity makes the home feel warmer, helps you breathe easier, and keeps static shocks off holiday sweaters.

✔ Keep Vents Clear

Extra décor can block airflow, especially around trees and big décor pieces.

8. Final Quick Checks Before the Holiday Rush

✔ Replace smoke & CO detector batteries ,  or have Godby install new ones
✔ Test exterior lights for guests arriving after dark ,  or have Godby add or update your outdoor lighting
✔ Clear space around your furnace, panel & water heater
✔ Stock up on filters
✔ Check extension cords and avoid overloading outlets
✔ Get an electrical inspection on your panel to avoid overloading outlets that are already working overtime with extension cords and charging cables

Make the Holidays Cozy, Bright & Stress-Free with Godby HPE

Let the experts at Godby Heating Plumbing Electrical help you prep your home so your holidays go exactly as planned, warm, safe, and just right.

👉 Schedule your holiday prep service
👉 Ask about Club Godby for annual maintenance & priority care

Big enough to do it right. Small enough to care.
It’s Gotta be Godby!

Nothing’s worse than crawling into bed, cozy under your blankets, only to realize your furnace has decided tonight’s a great night to quit. If you’re in Indiana, you know a cold snap can hit fast, and a cold house can go from mildly annoying to full-blown panic in minutes.

Before you panic (or wrap yourself in every blanket you own), there are a few quick things you can check at home. These troubleshooting tips can save you time, frustration, and maybe even a frozen toe or two.

1. Check the Thermostat (The Obvious First Step)

Sometimes the problem isn’t your furnace, it’s the thermostat.

• Make sure it’s set to “Heat” (not “Cool” or “Off”).
• Check that the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature.
• If your thermostat uses batteries, swap them out, it’s easy to forget, and dead batteries can keep your furnace from firing up.
• Look for error codes on your thermostat and write them down. If you need to call Godby, knowing the code can help our technicians diagnose the issue faster and get your home warm sooner.

Tip: If it’s a smart thermostat, make sure it’s still connected to Wi-Fi. Nothing fancy about a Wi-Fi furnace when the app can’t talk to it.

2. Check the Power (Yes, Really)

Your furnace is an electrical system. If the circuit breaker tripped, it’s as dead as your Wi-Fi during a thunderstorm.

• Locate the furnace’s breaker in your electrical panel. Flip it off, then back on.
• Make sure the switch on your furnace itself is in the “On” position. Sometimes the switch near the unit gets flipped off during cleaning, maintenance, or by accident.

Sometimes the “problem” is as simple as a switch being off or a breaker tripping, and suddenly your house is warm again without a technician visit.

3. Inspect the Air Filter

A clogged filter can starve your furnace of airflow, causing it to overheat and shut down, or just not turn on at all.

• If it looks grimy, swap it out for a fresh one.
• Aim to check your filter every 1–3 months, especially during the heating season.

Think of it as feeding your furnace the clean air it craves, it’ll reward you with toasty rooms instead of cold shoulders.

4. Check the Vents

• Make sure all supply and return vents are open and unobstructed.
• Furniture, rugs, or curtains blocking airflow can make your furnace work harder or fail to distribute heat.

You’d be surprised how often a simple vent adjustment can save the day.

5. When to Call a Pro

If you’ve gone through these steps and your furnace is still refusing to cooperate, it’s time to call a licensed technician.

• Strange noises (bangs, clanks, rattles)
• Furnace turning on and off repeatedly
• Gas smell 
• Ignition problems or error codes you don’t understand

At Godby Heating Plumbing Electrical, we’re ready for Indiana’s coldest nights, and we promise to show up fast, figure it out, and get your home warm again.

Stay Warm, Stay Calm

Nothing ruins a night like a cold house, but a little troubleshooting can save the day. And if all else fails, remember: big enough to do it right, small enough to care, that’s why calling Godby is always a smart move.

Your furnace may have quit on you tonight, but we won’t.

(Why standby generators matter, safety tips, and maintenance)

When the wind starts howling and the snow begins to fall sideways (because, well, Indiana), you can almost count on a power outage showing up uninvited. The lights flicker, the furnace sighs, and suddenly your cozy evening turns into a camping trip you didn’t sign up for.

That’s when having a whole home standby generator becomes more than a luxury, it’s peace of mind on standby.

Why a Whole Home Standby Generator Matters

A Kohler whole home generator doesn’t just power a lamp or keep your phone charged, it powers your life. It automatically senses when the electricity goes out and kicks on within seconds, restoring power to your entire home: lights, heat, refrigerator, Wi-Fi, sump pump, and yes, even your coffee maker.

No need to drag out cords or mess with gasoline like you would with a portable unit. A Kohler generator runs on your home’s existing natural gas or propane, so it’s clean, quiet, and dependable. When the utility power returns, it turns itself off and goes back to standby mode, all without you lifting a finger.

What Would You Miss Without One?

Let’s paint a picture. The forecast calls for “a little snow,” and next thing you know, you’re in the middle of a whiteout. The power drops, and suddenly...

• No heat – The furnace goes silent, and your house starts feeling like an igloo.
• No sump pump – That melting snow could turn your basement into a wading pool.
• No Wi-Fi – If you work from home, your productivity takes a nosedive.
• No fridge or freezer – Hundreds of dollars in groceries could go to waste.
• No comfort – No lights, no chargers, no coffee, no fun.

Now imagine instead… the lights stay on, the heat hums, your kids stream their favorite shows, and you sip hot cocoa while the storm rages outside. That’s the Kohler generator difference.

Why Choose Kohler, and Why Choose Godby?

Not all generators (or installers) are created equal. Sure, you can grab one from a big box store, but here’s the difference:

• Professional Installation – Whole home standby generators must be installed correctly to work safely and efficiently. Our licensed electricians and technicians handle the entire setup, electrical, gas line, and startup, so you know it’s done right.
• No DIY Headaches – A Kohler generator is integrated into your home’s system. That means no hauling cords through windows or worrying about fumes. Once it’s installed, it runs automatically.
• Quality You Can Trust – Kohler has been a leader in reliable power for over 100 years. Their generators are built to last, tested for extreme weather, and backed by solid warranties.
• Godby Expertise – We don’t just drop off a box, we guide you to the right size and model for your home, provide maintenance to keep it ready year-round, and service what we sell.

At Godby, we’re big enough to do it right, but small enough to care. That means you get expert installation and hometown service from a team that treats your home like their own. We know our neighbors, and we take pride in keeping Indiana families comfortable, safe, and powered up, no matter what the forecast brings.

Maintenance and Safety Tips

Even the most reliable generator needs a little love. Here’s how to keep yours in tip-top shape:

1. Keep it clear – Clear away snow, leaves, and debris from around the unit.
2. Test monthly – Run it for a few minutes to make sure it’s ready for action.
3. Annual service – Schedule regular maintenance with a certified technician (hey, that’s us!) to keep it running smoothly.
4. Always run outdoors – For portable units, remember: never use them inside or near windows due to carbon monoxide risks.

Don’t Get Left in the Dark

Indiana winters don’t mess around, but with a Kohler whole home standby generator, you don’t have to either. Stay warm, stay connected, and keep life running no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

When the power goes out, you’ll still be in control, because you planned ahead.

Stay cozy. Stay connected. Stay powered, It’s Gotta be Godby!
Big enough to do it right. Small enough to care.

Pumpkin spice, Colts football, and cooler temps, fall in Indianapolis is pretty great. But before you get too cozy, there’s one more thing you should check off your list: making sure your home is ready for winter. Cold weather puts extra pressure on your plumbing, heating, and electrical systems, and the last thing you want is a burst pipe or a furnace that gives up in mid-January. (Nothing ruins chili night like no heat.)

Here’s your ultimate fall maintenance checklist to keep your home safe, comfortable, and running smoothly all season long.

HVAC: Prep Your Furnace Before the Freeze

Your furnace is about to go from zero to hero. Make sure it’s up for the job:

• Schedule your maintenance. Think of it like your furnace’s annual physical, only less awkward and with no paper gowns.
• Replace your air filter. A clogged filter makes your system work harder and your air dirtier. It can also completely shut it down.
• Check your thermostat. Test it now, before you’re wrapped in three blankets and wondering why it’s still 62 degrees inside.
• Consider your indoor air quality. Winter means sealed-up homes, stale air, and dry everything. A whole-home humidifier, Reme Halo®, or Phenomenal Aire™ system helps keep the air fresher and your skin will be thanking you for it.

Plumbing: Protect Pipes and Fixtures from the Cold

When the temperature drops, plumbing problems can pop up fast. Here’s how to stay ahead of them:

• Insulate exposed pipes. Because nothing says “fun” like discovering a frozen pipe at 7 a.m. on a workday.
• Disconnect garden hoses. Leaving them hooked up is an open invitation for cracked, leaky pipes. (Your hose deserves a little winter vacation anyway.)
• Check your water heater. Cold weather makes it work harder, so flushing out sediment now means fewer cold showers later.
• Inspect sump pumps. Fall rains can be heavy. Test your Glentronics sump pump so it doesn’t surprise you by napping just when you need it most.

 Electrical: Keep Your Home Powered and Safe

Indiana winter storms can be unpredictable. A little prep goes a long way:

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you can’t remember the last time you changed the batteries, that’s your answer: do it now.
• Check outdoor lighting. The days are shorter, which means more time spent stumbling around in the dark if your lights don’t work.
• Prepare your generator. If you’ve got a Kohler standby generator, give it a test run. If you don’t, consider one, because playing board games by candlelight is only fun until the food in the fridge goes bad.

Wrap-Up: One Call, Three Trades

Fall is busy enough without juggling multiple contractors. The good news? At Godby Heating Plumbing Electrical, you get 3 trades, 1 team. We can handle your heating, plumbing, and electrical prep in one go, saving you time, hassle, and maybe even your sanity.

So, before winter really sets in, check “home maintenance” off your honey-do list and relax knowing your house is ready for whatever Indiana weather throws your way.

Because when it comes to comfort, safety, and peace of mind… It’s Gotta be Godby!

When winter rolls into Indiana, most of us hunker down inside where it’s warm and cozy. Those gray skies aren’t doing anyone any favors! But here’s the catch: while your home is keeping out the cold, it may also be trapping something else, unwanted air pollutants. From dry air to allergens that just won’t quit, winter is prime time for indoor air quality (IAQ) issues. The good news? You don’t have to suffer through a season of scratchy throats, chapped lips, and stale air. Let’s break it down.

Why Does Indoor Air Quality Get Worse in the Winter?

1. Sealed Homes = Stale Air
In the summer, windows and doors open more often, and fresh air circulates through your home. In the winter? Everything’s sealed tight to keep the heat in. That means dust, pet dander, cooking smells, and other indoor pollutants just keep recirculating. We all love bacon, but do we all want to smell like bacon days later? Probably not.

2. Dry, Dry, Dry Air
Indiana winters are no joke, and when the cold, dry air outside combines with heated indoor air, your home’s humidity levels plummet. Low humidity can make your skin itch, your nose stuffy, and even your wood furniture and floors crack. Bonus: it also turns your hair into a static electricity experiment that no one asked for.

3. Allergens and Germs on the Loose
You’d think allergies take a break in the winter, but dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are still hanging around. Add in the fact that more time indoors means closer contact with germs, and your immune system gets a workout. Kids are back to school and back to bringing home germs… plus the crumpled permission slip you were supposed to sign two weeks ago.

4. Your HVAC System Needs Backup
Even the best heating system wasn’t designed to take on air quality issues by itself. That’s where some extra tools come in handy. Think of it like a superhero sidekick, your HVAC handles the heat, but it needs a partner to battle germs, dust, and dry air.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality This Winter

Luckily, you don’t need to choose between warmth and clean, healthy air. Here are some of the best whole-home solutions:

• Reme Halo® Air Purifier
  This powerful system is installed right into your ductwork and uses advanced technology to reduce airborne pollutants like bacteria, mold, and viruses. It helps keep the air fresher and healthier in every room, kind of like hitting “refresh” on your entire house.
• Phenomenal Aire™ Cold Plasma Generator
  Think of this as a “fresh air machine” for your HVAC system. It generates ions that neutralize contaminants and reduce allergens, helping your home smell and feel cleaner without added chemicals or artificial “mountain breeze” sprays.
• Whole-Home Humidifier
  Balance is key. A whole-home humidifier works with your furnace to put just the right amount of moisture back into the air. No more static shocks, desert-dry throats, or skin so flaky it could double as confetti. Just comfortable, healthy air throughout your home.

Why This Matters

Cleaner indoor air isn’t just about comfort — it’s about health. Better humidity levels can help protect your skin and respiratory system, while advanced air purifiers reduce the stuff floating around that can make you sick or trigger allergies. Plus, investing in your indoor air quality helps protect your home itself, from your hardwood floors to your furniture.

Ready to Breathe Easier?

Winter in Indiana doesn’t have to mean dry, stale, allergen-filled air. With solutions like the Reme Halo, Phenomenal Aire, and a whole-home humidifier, you can keep your home cozy and healthy all season long. Because when it comes to comfort and clean air, It’s Gotta be Godby!

A sump pump is one of those household heroes you rarely think about—until it stops working and your basement is in danger of flooding. When that happens, the big question is: Can it be fixed, or should it be replaced?

We’ve updated this guide to reflect the latest best practices and technology, including our recommended choice: Glentronics Basement Watchdog sump pumps.

Common Sump Pump Problems You Might Be Able to Repair
1. The Float Switch Isn’t Engaging
Your pump’s float switch is like a water-level sensor. If it’s stuck, blocked by debris, or positioned incorrectly, it won’t activate. Try cleaning the pit, removing any obstructions, and gently moving the float to see if it triggers the pump.

2. No Power to the Pump
If your pump isn’t running, check that it’s plugged directly into a grounded outlet—not an extension cord. Then check your breaker or fuse box. If you experience frequent power outages, a battery backup system is a must.

3. Clogged or Frozen Discharge Line
The discharge pipe can get blocked with dirt, gravel, or even ice in the winter. Clear any debris and make sure the line slopes away from your home.

4. Incorrect Sizing or Internal Wear
A pump that’s too small for your water volume will wear out faster. And if you’re hearing grinding noises, or the impeller isn’t moving water, parts may need to be replaced—or the pump itself may be at the end of its life.

When Replacement Is the Smarter Choice
Even with maintenance, most sump pumps last about 10 years. If yours is approaching that age—or if repairs are becoming frequent—replacing it can save money and stress in the long run.

That’s where Glentronics Basement Watchdog sump pumps shine. These systems are built for reliability, with energy-efficient motors, solid construction, and options for both primary and backup protection.

Why We Recommend Glentronics
- Multiple Protection Options – Choose from primary pumps, battery backups, or combination systems.
- Proven Reliability – Designed to handle heavy water volumes without overworking the motor.
- Peace of Mind – Built-in alarms alert you to maintenance needs before problems become emergencies.

Preventive Maintenance for Longer Pump Life
- Test it twice a year by pouring water into the pit to activate the pump.
- Inspect the float to make sure it moves freely and activates the motor.
- Keep the pit clean to prevent clogs and wear.
- Check your backup system so it’s ready when you need it most.

Quick Reference: Repair vs. Replace
| Issue | Repair Possible? | Best Solution |
| Stuck or blocked float switch | Yes | Clean/adjust |
| Power outage or tripped breaker | Yes | Restore power / add backup |
| Clogged or frozen discharge pipe | Yes | Clear obstruction |
| Undersized pump or heavy wear | No | Replace with Glentronics |
| Over 10 years old, frequent breakdowns | No | Replace with Glentronics |

Bottom Line
If your sump pump problem is minor—like a stuck float or clogged pipe—repairs may be all you need. But if the pump is aging, undersized, or unreliable, replacing it with a Glentronics Basement Watchdog system is the best investment for protecting your home from water damage.

Need help now? Contact Godby Heating Plumbing Electrical for a professional inspection and sump pump upgrade.