Customer Service

Preseason Testing

• Test your heating and cooling equipment by turning it on before each season begins. The best time to check your heating system is right after Labor Day. Your central air conditioner should be tested when the outside temperature is at least 70 degrees. If you experience any difficulties when testing your equipment, call NJR Home Services at 1-877-466-3657 (press2).

• It is recommended by manufacturers that you have your heating and cooling equipment checked annually by a qualified contractor. NJR Home Services offers preseason tuneups, as well as annual inspection service contracts for your heating system or central air conditioner. Our certified technicians will check the vital systems of your equipment to ensure they are in working order. Learn more about these services at Seasonal Tuneups or Service Contracts.

Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

• Make sure carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors are in working order. Test them on a routine basis. Many homeowners check them when the time changes in the spring and the fall.

• Change the batteries in your fire and CO detectors on an annual basis or according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Make sure your children recognize the sound of both the fire and CO detector and know how to respond accordingly.

• CO detectors should not be installed in the kitchen, laundry or utility room. This may cause false alarms. The detectors should be placed in the bedroom area. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

Tips to Ensure Safety and Efficiency During the Heating Season

• Harmful gases like CO can form from the lack of proper ventilation.

• Visually inspect your fireplace’s flue pipe to be sure it is secure.

• Make sure your fireplace has proper exhaustion.

• Make sure your natural gas appliances receive adequate air supply for proper combustion. 

• Clear all obstructions near your furnace’s air vents and around your water heater.

• Check for soot in your furnace or hot water heater. Soot may cause the operation failure of your appliances. If soot is found in your furnace, call for service and have the unit cleaned properly.

• Your furnace or air conditioner filters should be changed regularly.  This will help keep the unit’s efficiency at its peak by allowing the airflow to be at its maximum over the heat exchanger or air-conditioning coil. This simple task can reduce the wear on your blower motor.

• If you have pets, a smoker or people with allergies or breathing difficulties in your home, you may want to change the filter at least monthly. To clean your household air even more effectively, NJR Home Services offers a full line of Honeywell air cleaners, from media filters to electronic air cleaners. See the Indoor Air Quality section for more details.

• Never run your system without a filter. Dirt, hair and dust may be dragged into the system causing operating difficulties, expensive repairs and cleanings.