Heating & Cooling Service Tips R.A. Nichols Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Proudly Provides Heating & Cooling Service Tips
Know the Essential Heating Repair Tips – Cranbury, NJ
The last thing a homeowner wants to experience at this time of year in Cranbury, NJ is a heating system breakdown, but they can still happen, and you need to take action with these heating repair tips.
You’ll most likely call up your local heating company to get it fixed so a professional will be on their way to your home as soon as possible. In the meantime, you need to make sure the situation doesn’t get any worse or else you may find yourself without any heat in your home at all. If your home is exposed to cold air, it may lead to problems like:
- Frozen pipes, may eventually burst and bring plenty of water damage to your home.
- Air leaks cause spending more money on energy bills, as you’ll be paying more on heating than necessary.
- Worst of all, if your family is exposed to the cold, they may also risk falling ill.
These problems can build up and lead to even more stress. Fortunately, there are several ways you can ensure that your home doesn’t lose a single ounce of heat before a professional arrives at your doorstep. It’s best to act immediately before your home becomes a giant ice castle!
Before your home gets any colder, here are a few ways you can keep your home warm even without a working heating system:
- Wear Layers of Clothing: First and foremost, you should wear layers of clothing to reduce the chances of you getting too cold, and can make your wait to have heat restored much easier to get through. This will also reduce your chances of falling ill. Also, stock up on extra blankets in case you will be waiting for service overnight. It will make your night’s sleep much better.
- Use the Sun: If you are experiencing a heating system breakdown and it’s sunny outside, the sun can be used as a free heating source. Open up those curtains and allow the sunshine to filter through your home. Unlike a furnace, this heat won’t result in any additional costs.
- Rely on the Fireplace: Relaxing by the fireplace is one of the best things you can do during the winter, so why not use it when you are experiencing a heating system breakdown? While it won’t heat your entire home, it will provide enough heat to keep you comfortable before service arrives.
- Close Doors and Windows: Make sure doors and windows are tightly shut so cold air is kept out of your home. If you have to wait for service overnight, the last thing you want is a door or window blowing open as you’re sleeping and causing you to lose plenty of heat.
- Keep Candles Handy: Though a fireplace will provide a larger flame, candles should be used around the house in the event of total power loss. They will provide both light and heat until the power returns.
- Inspect Your Home for Air Leaks: You should give your home a quick inspection for air leaks before a heating contractor arrives, namely in basements and attics where air leaks are most likely. Also check doors and windows for any cracks.
Essential Cooling Tips
With summer temperatures regularly reaching the mid to upper eighties, keeping cool in Cranbury, NJ can be a challenge. One of the best ways to do so is to invest in quality air conditioning equipment. Of course, there are several ways to supplement your AC and even minimize its usage.:
- Stay Hydrated: It’s always a good idea to make sure that you drink enough water, but it’s especially important when temperatures start to rise. Try to avoid drinks that are high in sugar, since they can actually cause you to become even more dehydrated.
- Use Ceiling or Portable Fans: While using a fan may not lower the air temperature in the room, it does make it feel cooler. If you’re using a ceiling fan, make sure that it is set to turn counterclockwise.
- Close Blinds and Curtains: Keeping your curtains closed will help to block heat from the sunlight. Investing in blackout curtains can make a big difference, especially in areas without much outdoor shade.
- Use Attic Exhaust Fans: Unlike other fans, exhaust fans can actually help to lower the air temperature in your home. They remove the hot air that accumulates in your attic, thereby effectively cooling off the entire house.
- Cook Outside: Cooking indoors can cause the temperature inside your home to rise significantly. If you have to cook indoors, be sure to use your hood vent and try to prepare dishes that require minimal cooking times.
- Change Out Your Bedding: Flannel sheets and down comforters are a terrific way to keep warm on chilly winter nights, but they’re less than ideal in the summer. Lighter cotton sheets will help you stay cooler and sleep better.
