Heating costs in New Jersey climb fast once the temperatures drop. If you live in Woodland Park or anywhere in Bergen County or Morris County, you feel it every winter. You want your home warm, but you also don’t want to get hit with high energy bills every month.
The good news is you have more control over your heating costs than you think. A few smart adjustments can improve your system’s efficiency, reduce strain, and keep your home comfortable without wasting money.
This guide walks you through simple changes that make a real difference.
Check Your Air Filter First
Your air filter has more impact on your heating bill than most people realize. A dirty filter makes your furnace or heat pump work harder to pull air through the system. When the system works harder, your energy usage increases.
Replace or clean your air filter every 30 to 60 days during winter. It takes less than five minutes and lowers heating costs right away.
If your home has pets, allergy concerns, or a lot of dust or construction nearby, be sure to check your filter more often.
Schedule a Professional Heating Tune-Up
Preventative maintenance is one of the most effective ways to lower your heating costs. A tune-up reduces strain on your system and makes sure every part is working efficiently.
A heating system maintenance appointment typically includes:
- Cleaning internal components
- Airflow and safety checks
- System calibration
- Checking for worn or failing parts
When your system is tuned properly, it uses less fuel or electricity to heat the same space. If it has been more than a year since your last tune-up, you are paying more to heat your home than you should.
Need heating maintenance in Woodland Park or nearby?
Call M&S Technicians at (908) 528-0535 or request service at https://mstechnicians.com/
Seal Drafts and Heat Loss Points
Most heat loss happens in places you rarely think about. Even small air leaks make your heating system run longer than necessary.
Check these areas:
- Windows
- Exterior door frames
- Attic hatch
- Fireplace damper
- Dryer vents
- Basement sill plate
Use basic weather stripping or caulk where needed. It costs very little and immediately improves comfort and efficiency.
Keep Vents Clear and Open
Closing vents does not save energy. It actually increases pressure inside the system, making it work harder and wear down faster.
Make sure nothing is blocking your vents:
- Furniture
- Curtains
- Storage boxes
Fully open all vents so air flows evenly throughout the house.
Lower Your Thermostat Strategically
You don’t need to keep your whole home at the same temperature all day. Lowering your thermostat just a few degrees when you’re asleep or away can reduce your heating bill significantly.
Try:
- 68°F while home
- 62-65°F while sleeping
- 60-62°F when out of the house
A programmable or smart thermostat makes this automatic. If your home still feels uneven or drafty, that is a sign of a system or ventilation issue, not just temperature.
Consider Upgrading to a High-Efficiency Heating System
If your furnace or boiler is old, you may be paying more to heat your home than you realize. Older systems are less efficient and cost more to operate year after year.
Replacement is worth considering if:
- Your system is older than 15 years
- You have uneven heating
- The system runs constantly
- You’ve had two or more repairs in the last year
A newer system lowers operating costs, improves reliability, and keeps your home more comfortable.
At M&S Technicians, we service and install:
- Furnaces
- Boilers
- Heat pumps
- Ductless mini split systems
We evaluate your home and make recommendations based on what actually fits your space and your budget.
Ask About Heat Pump and Hybrid Heating Options
Heat pumps are becoming more common in NJ because they are efficient, clean, and provide both heating and cooling. In many homes, a heat pump + furnace hybrid is the most cost-effective setup. You use whichever system is cheaper to run based on the temperature.
If you want to reduce energy usage long-term, it is worth getting a professional efficiency evaluation.
When to Call a Professional
If your heating bill has increased but your usage hasn’t, something in the system is struggling. Do not wait until it fails.
Call for service if you notice:
- Odd smells or noises
- Short cycling (system turns on and off repeatedly)
- Certain rooms are colder than others
- System runs constantly but does not heat well
- Sudden spike in utility bills
A fast repair now prevents expensive failures later.
If you want your heating system to run efficiently this winter, we can help.
M&S Technicians is a family-owned HVAC company serving Woodland Park, Bergen County, and Morris County since 2014. We provide heating repairs, maintenance, and new system installations with honest pricing and reliable service. Call (908) 528-0535 or visit https://mstechnicians.com/ to schedule service.
Stay warm. Save money. We’ll take good care of you.
