1. Book a pre season heating tune up
A tune up restores safety and efficiency. A trained tech checks burners, heat exchangers, gas or oil connections, blower settings, and safety controls. Small fixes now prevent breakdowns during a cold snap. In our area, fall is the sweet spot for appointments, so you are ready when the first frost hits.
Local tip: Genuine Heating and Cooling serves Central Jersey and you talk with an owner when you call. That means quicker answers and faster scheduling.
2. Change your furnace or air handler filter on time
Airflow is everything. A clogged filter makes the system work harder and that raises your bill. Check the filter every month during heavy winter use. Change it at least every three months. If you have pets or allergies, change it more often. Write the date on the frame so you know when it went in.
How to pick a filter: Use the size listed on your current filter or in the equipment manual. Pleated filters trap more dust. If a high efficiency filter reduces airflow, step down to a mid grade option and change it a little more often.
3. Set your thermostat for savings
Aim for about sixty eight degrees when you are home and awake. Drop it by seven to ten degrees when you sleep or when the house is empty for the day. A smart or programmable thermostat makes this easy. Create a weekday and a weekend schedule that matches your routine. Keep the thermostat away from drafts and direct sun so the readings stay accurate.
Simple schedule idea
- Wake time heat to sixty eight
- Work or school time setback by seven to ten
- Evening heat to sixty eight
- Sleep time setback by seven to ten
4. Seal drafts and stop heat leaks
Warm air that you already paid for should stay inside. Use weatherstripping on doors and operable windows. Use caulk for small steady gaps around trim, pipes, and cable or dryer penetrations. Close your fireplace damper when it is not in use. Add door sweeps where you feel cold air at the threshold. Heavy curtains help at night. These small chores add up to steady comfort and lower run time for your furnace or heat pump.
Weekend checklist
- Walk the house with a stick of incense to find leaks at outlets, baseboards, and window frames
- Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on exterior walls
- Re caulk the leaky spots you found
5. Reverse and use ceiling fans the smart way
In winter, set ceiling fans to turn clockwise on low. This nudges warm air down from the ceiling without a breeze. Use fans only in occupied rooms. You may feel comfortable at a slightly lower thermostat setting when fans are on. That cuts run time and helps with even temperatures.
6. Keep humidity in the comfort zone
Dry winter air can make sixty eight feel colder than it is. Keep indoor humidity around thirty to fifty percent. Use a small humidifier where needed, but do not overdo it. Too much moisture causes window condensation and invites mold. If your home feels muggy, use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans for a few minutes after showers or cooking.
7. Safety first with carbon monoxide and smoke alarms
If you have a gas or oil furnace, you need working carbon monoxide alarms. Place at least one near sleeping areas and test alarms every month. Replace batteries at the start of the heating season. If your furnace is in a closet, keep the door louver clear so it can pull the air it needs for proper combustion. If you ever smell gas, leave the home and call for help.
8. Show your ducts some love
Leaky or uninsulated ducts waste energy and create hot and cold spots. Seal visible joints with mastic or foil tape. Avoid cloth duct tape. Insulate ducts that run through garages, crawl spaces, and attics. Open and clear supply and return grilles. Do not block them with rugs or furniture. If some rooms still lag, ask for a duct inspection during your tune up.
9. Heat pump owners, keep the outdoor unit clear
If you heat with a heat pump, check the outdoor unit after storms. Clear leaves, snow, and ice so air can flow freely. Keep at least two feet of open space around the cabinet. Make sure the unit sits level and drains well. If ice builds up and does not melt on its own during a defrost cycle, call for service.
10. House habits that cost nothing and work
- Open south facing blinds on sunny winter days and close them at dusk
- Close doors to rarely used rooms so you heat the spaces you live in
- Run bathroom fans only as long as needed so you do not vent heat outside
- Cook and bake when you are home in the evening for a little extra warmth
11. Know when repair or replacement makes sense
If your furnace is older than fifteen years, has frequent repairs, or runs loud and uneven, a replacement may cut bills and improve comfort. Look for high AFUE furnaces or cold climate heat pumps. Size matters. Bigger is not better. The right size system runs longer cycles that heat evenly and control humidity. Ask for a load calculation, not a rule of thumb.
12. Your local partner in comfort
Genuine Heating and Cooling is based in Point Pleasant and serves Central New Jersey communities including Howell Township, Jackson Township, Manasquan, Wall Township, Brick, Toms River, Manchester Township, Freehold, and Ocean Township. When you call, you talk with the owner. That personal touch speeds up decisions and keeps your project on track. If you want help making your home winter ready, explore our hvac services and book a visit that fits your schedule.
Quick grab checklist
- Schedule a fall heating tune up
- Check filters monthly and change at least every three months
- Program your thermostat for wake, away, evening, and sleep
- Seal door and window leaks with weatherstripping and caulk
- Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise on low in winter
- Keep indoor humidity about thirty to fifty percent
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month
- Seal and insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces
- Keep heat pump outdoor units clear after storms
- Use free habits like sun, blinds, and door control
Call to action
Ready for a smooth season with stable bills and steady comfort in Central Jersey. Talk with the Genuine team today and we will get you set up before the first cold front hits.