Wintertime Cheat Sheet For NJ Homeowners: Heat, Appliances, Pipes, Carbon Monoxide

Owning a home isn’t easy, and the wintertime brings an entirely new set of challenges. But as usual, a little bit of preparation can go a long way.

Here are some holiday season tips for New Jersey homeowners that might help save money, warm your house, prevent a fire or burst pipes – or possibly even save your life, experts say.

WINTERIZE APPLIANCES

Whether customers rely on a gas fireplace, boiler, or furnace, winter is the season when small issues can quickly turn into big problems, according to PSE&G.

The good news? A few simple checks can help families stay safe, save energy and avoid emergency repair calls.

PSE&G shared the following advice:

• Change Your HVAC Filter – “A clogged filter strains your furnace and reduces airflow, making your home feel colder. Replacing it improves efficiency and helps prevent breakdowns.”
• Check Your Water Heater – “No one wants cold showers in the winter. If your water heater is old or underperforming, consider replacing it before it fails. Newer models are more efficient and reliable.”
• Clear Snow from Furnace Vents – “Blocked furnace exhaust pipes can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. After each snowfall, check and clear furnace vents, chimneys, and boiler outlets to keep your family safe.”
• Check Your Thermostat Settings – “If the heat isn't working, make sure your thermostat is set to ‘heat’ and the temperature is turned up.”
• Clean Your Dryer Vent – “Lint buildup is a fire hazard, especially in winter when drying heavier clothes and bedding. Clear dryer vents regularly and schedule service if your dryer isn't heating properly.”

“A few proactive steps can make all the difference during heating season,” said Brian Clark, senior vice president at PSE&G.

FROZEN PIPES

Frigid temperatures have arrived earlier than usual across the Northeast, and New Jersey American Water is reminding customers to take steps to protect their plumbing and avoid costly repairs.

Preparing pipes before freezing conditions set in can help prevent damage and keep water bills manageable during the holiday season, the company said.

“Cold snaps can catch anyone off guard,” vice president of operations Ben Morris said. “That’s why taking simple steps now helps avoid costly repairs and keeps water bills lower, especially during a time when every dollar counts.”

According to New Jersey American Water, here are some simple ways homeowners can prevent frozen pipes:

• Locate and test your main water shut-off valve, and tag it for quick access in emergencies
• Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or heat tape (even fabric or newspaper can help)
• Drain irrigation systems and disconnect hoses
• Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, garages and exterior walls
• Let a small trickle of water run overnight to keep water flowing though the pipes
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate

Homeowners can also take preventative measures when they’re away, New Jersey American Water said:

• Set your thermostat at 55 degrees to prevent freezing
• Ask a friend, relative or neighbor to check the property regularly to ensure the heat is working and pipes have not frozen
• Consider purchasing a freeze alarm that calls a user-selected phone number if the inside temperature drops below 45 degrees

Oops! Pipes frozen? Here’s what to do now, New Jersey American Water says:

• Shut off the water immediately. Do not attempt to thaw pipes without turning off the main water shut-off valve.
• Warm the air around the frozen pipe using a hair dryer, space heater or hot water. Do not leave space heaters unattended and avoid using kerosene heaters or open flames.
• Slowly turn the water back on once pipes are thawed, and check for cracks or leaks

CARBON MONOXIDE

As families gather for the holidays, experts at the New Jersey Poison Control Center are reminding homeowners and renters that carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a “serious, life-threatening hazard that can strike without warning.”

Known as “the silent killer,” carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and deadly. From infants to older adults, no one is safe from its effects, which range from flu-like symptoms to death, the center said.

So far during this year’s holiday season, the poison center assisted in the medical care of 58 people – including children – who were exposed to carbon monoxide, spokespeople announced earlier this week.

These cases highlight the ongoing risk of CO exposure during winter months when families rely on portable generators, heaters, and other fuel-burning devices, the center said.

“These numbers remind us that carbon monoxide poisoning is not rare—it’s a real and present danger in every home,” said Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Here are some things to know about carbon monoxide poisoning, the center said:

1. Everyone is at risk: Anyone from babies to older adults can be poisoned by carbon monoxide.
2. Symptoms can be difficult to recognize: They often resemble common illnesses such as the flu or COVID-19
3. You can’t see it: CO is colorless.
4. You can’t smell it: CO is odorless.
5. It gives no warning: That’s why it’s called the silent killer.
6. Vacation rentals are a risk: Bring a portable carbon monoxide detector; not all vacation rentals have working detectors.
7. Detectors save lives: Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level (including basements) and outside each separate sleeping area, ideally. Have at least one detector at home.
8. Dead batteries don’t save lives: Test and replace batteries (if needed) twice a year when changing clocks for Daylight Saving Time.
9. Beware of clocked vent pipes: Keep vents clear for safe airflow, especially with high snow accumulations.
10. Check for clogged chimneys: They should be professionally inspected and cleaned before use each winter.
11. Don’t misuse portable heaters: Follow instructions carefully. Only use space heaters that are designed for indoor use.
12. Generators must stay outdoors: Never under any circumstance should generators or other gas-powered equipment be used indoors. Keep generators at least 20 feet away from homes with their exhausts facing away.

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