From No-Heat Nights to Frozen Pipes: A South Jersey Homeowner’s Guide to Winter HVAC & Plumbing Care

marketing42643
Jan 20
4 min read

South Jersey weather has a way of keeping your home on its toes. One week you are cranking the AC, the next you are worrying about whether the heat will kick on. That constant swing is exactly why seasonal HVAC maintenance and simple plumbing checkups matter so much for local homeowners.

With a bit of routine care, you can avoid no‑heat surprises, frozen pipes, and a lot of “why is this happening right now?” stress. When you do need a trusted local pro, Filan & Conner is right here in South Jersey at 856-768-2888 or info@filanconner.com.

Why regular heating maintenance really does pay off

Your furnace, boiler, or heat pump is like any other hard‑working piece of equipment: if it only gets attention when something breaks, it will not run as efficiently or last as long as it could. A quick heating tune‑up before winter settles in can:

Catch small issues before they turn into a no‑heat emergency.
Help your system heat more evenly, so you are not freezing in one room and roasting in another.
Keep energy bills in check by making sure your system is clean and running the way it should.

During seasonal HVAC maintenance, a technician cleans key components, checks safety controls, tests the system, and makes sure airflow and filters are in good shape. It is not glamorous work, but it is what keeps you comfortable when the first real cold snap hits South Jersey.

How often should you schedule HVAC maintenance?

Most South Jersey homes do best with twice‑a‑year HVAC service: once in the fall for heating and once in the spring for cooling. If your system is older, you have pets, or someone in the home has allergies, more frequent filter changes and checkups can be worth it.

When your heater stops working on a cold night

If your heater suddenly stops on a cold South Jersey night, it is easy to go straight into panic mode. Before you assume the worst, you can run through a simple heater not working checklist:

Check the thermostat Make sure it is set to “heat” and that the temperature is set above the current room temperature. If it uses batteries, swap them out just in case.
Check power and switches Look at your breaker panel for a tripped breaker, and confirm the furnace or boiler switch near the unit is in the “on” position.
Check the air filter If the filter is extremely dirty, your system may shut itself down to protect components. Replace it and see if the system tries to start again.
Pay attention to sounds and smells Loud banging, grinding, burning smells, or rapid on‑off cycling are all signs to stop and call for heating repair, not keep resetting the system.

If you still have no heat after these checks, it is time to bring in a licensed HVAC technician. A local team like Filan & Conner can diagnose the problem and get your home warm again with professional heating service in South Jersey.

Simple plumbing habits that prevent big headaches

Plumbing problems rarely start big. They usually start as tiny leaks, odd sounds, or slow drains that are easy to ignore until one day they are not. A few small habits can go a long way toward avoiding an emergency call to a South Jersey plumber.

Helpful plumbing maintenance moves:

Peek under sinks every so often for damp spots, corrosion, or slow drips.
Turn shut‑off valves at toilets and sinks once in a while to make sure they still work.
Keep wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products out of the toilet, no matter what the label says.
Use small strainers in showers and tubs to catch hair and soap scum before they form a clog.
Have your water heater flushed periodically to reduce sediment and help it run efficiently.

If you are dealing with slow drains that never seem to clear, gurgling toilets, or clogs that keep coming back, that is your system telling you to bring in a pro before it becomes a burst pipe or backup.

Frozen pipes: what to do when temperatures plunge

South Jersey cold snaps can be tough on older homes and newer ones alike. When temperatures drop below freezing, pipes along exterior walls or in unheated spaces are at risk of freezing and bursting.

To lower your risk of frozen pipes:

Keep the heat on, even when you are away, ideally at 55°F or higher.
Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks on outside walls so warm air can reach the pipes.
On the coldest nights, let a thin stream of water run from vulnerable faucets.
Wrap exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages with pipe insulation.

What should you do if a pipe freezes?

If you turn on a faucet and only get a trickle, there is a good chance part of that line is frozen. In that case:

Turn the faucet on slightly so water can move once the ice starts to melt.
Gently warm the suspected area with a hair dryer on low, a space heater placed safely nearby, or warm towels.
Never use an open flame or blowtorch on a frozen pipe.

If you see bulging pipes, new water stains, or hear water running where it should not be, shut off your main water valve immediately. Then call an emergency plumber in South Jersey to locate the damage, repair the pipe, and help you prevent it from happening again.

When to call Filan & Conner Plumbing & HVAC

There is plenty you can keep an eye on yourself: filters, basic thermostat checks, a quick look under the sink. But when it involves gas, electricity, major leaks, or frozen and burst pipes, it is worth having a licensed professional take over.

Filan & Conner has been helping homeowners & businesses in Berlin, Voorhees, Cherry Hill, Marlton, Medford, and surrounding South Jersey communities with heating and cooling service, plumbing repairs, and bathroom remodeling since 1976. If your heater is struggling, your pipes are acting suspicious, or you just want the peace of mind that comes with seasonal HVAC maintenance, the team is here to help.

To schedule service or ask a question, call 856-768-2888 or email info@filanconner.com. Your future self, standing in a warm, comfortable house with no leaks in sight, will be glad you did!