Fall is in full swing here in Long Island, but not for long – before you know it, temperatures will send you running for the thermostat to turn up your oil-fired furnace or boiler. But before all of that happens, it’s a good idea to take prepare your Suffolk County home for the cold weather to come. Here’s a checklist of tasks to tackle in the weeks ahead.
Weatherize – Installing caulk, door seals and door sweeps will more than pay for itself by reducing air leaks and keeping your family more comfortable. Consider plastic window coverings for more substantial air leaks.
Shut of outdoor water – No one wants a frozen pipes – or any other plumbing problems. Detach your garden hoses, close the inside shut-off valve(s) and drain the faucet fixture before freezing temperatures hit.
Replace your air filters – Clogged air filters make your heating system work harder than it needs to, which reduces efficiency and could lead to costly – and avoidable – heating system repairs. Check air filters once a month, cleaning or replacing it if needed.
Keep vents clear – Good airflow is a key to winter comfort. Wipe down heating vents to keep dust and debris out of your heating ducts, and move any furniture or objects that impede air flow from your baseboards and radiators.
Reverse your ceiling fan – Adjust your ceiling fan blades so they push rising warm air back down into the room (see your owner’s manual for instructions on how to reverse the rotation of your fan).
Listen for unusual noises – Noises in your heating system can indicate vent blockages or debris, loose or broken parts, or other problems – contact us for service if you hear something unusual.
Replace batteries – Check in on your carbon monoxide, smoke, and propane detectors.
Get a heating oil fill-up – We’ve been lucky with weather so far this fall, but when temperatures drop, the cost of fuel is likely to rise. If you need a heating oil delivery, now is the time to get it.
