Dos and Don’ts of Brooklyn Heating During Winter

Serving Brooklyn Since 1906

January is Carbon Monoxide awareness month here in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and for good reason: it’s the worst month of the year for carbon monoxide poisoning. In order to help you and your family stay safe this January, here are a few of the dos and don’ts of winter heating from the Brooklyn heating experts at Petri.

A Petri Technician pointing to a newly installed thermostat in a Brooklyn, NY home.

DO: Have your Furnace or Boiler Maintained Regularly

A malfunctioning Brooklyn heating system might not just be an inconvenience, it can be dangerous to you and your family. Regular heating maintenance can prevent heating problems from becoming serious concerns. Also, make sure your home’s carbon monoxide detectors haven’t expired, and the batteries are replaced every six months.

DO: Seal Gaps Around Windows and Doors

Your home can lose a surprising amount of heat through a crack in the wall. Use caulk to make sure that your window and door frames are sealed, and replace any broken weather sealing to keep all the hot air inside.

DO: Uncover South-Facing Windows for Sunlight and Heat

Even on cloudy days, the sun can help heat your home. In the morning, draw back the shades or blinds on your home’s south-facing windows. As the sun shines in, heat will radiate throughout the space, keeping it warm. Just remember to close them again before you go to bed, as window treatments act as insulation, too.

DON’T: Use Any Combustion-Powered Heater or Generator Indoors

Any burning fuel in your home can generate carbon monoxide. Because it’s colorless and odorless, you may not even notice until it’s too late. If you need to use a space heater indoors, make sure it’s electric only, and never run a generator indoors at all. If your home has a wood stove for off-grid heating, ensure the flue is open before using it.

DON’T: Turn the Thermostat Higher to Heat Faster

Your Brooklyn heating system is only capable of delivering heat at a certain speed, and turning the thermostat up won’t make it heat faster. Your heating system will just work harder, leading to early equipment failure. Instead, just set your thermostat to a constant, comfortable temperature.

DON’T: Use a Fireplace to Heat Your Home

Gas and wood-fueled fireplaces may be warm and cozy, but the exhaust can suck hot air from other rooms and send it out the chimney. Instead, rely on your furnace or boiler for heat, and only use the fireplace for ambience.

When it comes to winter heating, the Brooklyn heating experts at Petri are only a call away. Contact Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning and Heating online, or give us a ring at 718-748-1254.

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