It’s pumpkin spice season – time to pack away the flip flops and bring out the flannel! Well, maybe…New Jersey weather can be unpredictable. But one thing is for certain – colder temps are on the way. Is your home’s heating system ready to tackle whatever Mother Nature has in store?

While there are many factors to consider when prepping your home comfort system for colder months, one thing is for certain: you should not wait until winter hits to get started. Here are 7 things you can do to make sure your home stays toasty warm all season long,

 1. Change your HVAC filter. This is the single most important (and easiest) thing you can do to improve the quality of your indoor air and help your heating system run more effectively and efficiently. As a general rule, replace the filter every season or more frequently if someone in your home suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems.

 2. Clean all vents and registers. Do you remember the last time you vacuumed or dusted your vents? They’re easy to forget yet likely to accumulate dirt, dust, and other debris over time, which can impede their performance. The cleaner they are, the less your heating system will have to work to push heat evenly throughout your home. Additionally, check to make sure that nothing is obstructing the airflow from your vents and make sure they are open all the way.

 3. Seal cracks and gaps. If you have drafty windows and exterior doors in your house, you may be fighting a losing battle with Mother Nature. Even the smallest cracks can let in a substantial amount of cold air and force you to pay more to heat your home.

 4. Examine and replace insulation. Similar to sealing cracks and gaps, having an adequate amount of insulation in key areas of your home helps keep conditioned air in and heating costs down. Inspect your attic, basement, and crawlspace and add insulation if needed.

 5. Clear the space around your heater. Remove any boxes, furniture, or other objects that may be crowding the area around your heater. Having objects nearby increases the risk of a fire and may impede the system’s operations. While you’ll there, give the system a quick scan for visible signs of damage or corrosion and any chewed, frayed, or damaged wires.

 6. Do a test run. The simplest way to find out if your heating system works is by turning it on before you need to use it on a regular basis. You should hear the unit click on and notice warm air being pushed out of the vents. If for some reason your heat doesn’t come on, contact our heating maintenance company.

 7. Schedule an annual inspection and tune-up. It’s a good idea to have your heating system inspected and tuned up every fall before winter’s arrival. Annual maintenance helps ensure your system is operating safely and at max efficiency, helps keep heating costs down, and extends the equipment’s lifespan. Plus, properly maintained systems are far less likely to fail in the dead of winter compared to units that don’t receive annual maintenance.

If it’s been a year or longer since your heating system was inspected, contact the HVAC specialists at C&D Cooling & Heating today. We’ll make sure all components are in top working order as well as offer advice on how best you can save money and remain comfortable all winter long.