New Jersey winters break pipes, freeze spigots, dam roofs and kill furnaces on the first cold night. Call (201) 676-3099 or book a free estimate.
New Jersey winters break pipes, freeze spigots, dam roofs and kill furnaces on the first cold night. Almost all of it is preventable in one October weekend. Here are the 20 things to do, in the order that matters, with what each one costs if you would rather we did it.
Heat and safety (do first)
- Book the furnace or boiler tune-up before November; October slots fill fast
- Replace the furnace filter and set a phone reminder every 60 days
- Test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms; replace batteries
- Find the main water shutoff and the gas shutoff, and show everyone in the house
- If you have oil heat, fill the tank now while prices are lower
Pipes and water
- Disconnect hoses and shut the inside valve to every outdoor spigot, then open the outside tap to drain it
- Insulate pipes in the garage, crawl space and along outside walls with foam sleeves
- Know which sink is on an outside wall and leave the cabinet open on nights under 15°F
- Drain and blow out the sprinkler system
- Check the sump pump: pour a bucket in the pit and watch it run
Roof, gutters and outside
- Clean gutters after the leaves drop; clogged gutters plus a freeze equals ice dams
- Look at the roof from the ground for lifted shingles and loose flashing
- Check attic insulation depth; under 10 inches means ice dams and high bills
- Seal gaps around windows and doors with caulk and weatherstripping
- Check the chimney cap and have the chimney cleaned if you burn wood
- Trim branches over the roof and the driveway
- Store patio furniture and cover the AC condenser top (not the sides)
Inside
- Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise to push warm air down
- Set the water heater to 120°F and flush a few gallons from the drain valve
- Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher when away, and never off
What it costs to have us do it
| Job | 2026 NJ price |
|---|---|
| Furnace or boiler tune-up | $150 – $250 |
| Outdoor spigot winterization, frost-free sillcock install | $250 – $550 each |
| Gutter cleaning | $150 – $350 |
| Roof and attic inspection with photos | $150 – $350 |
| Attic insulation to R-49 | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Sump pump check and battery backup | $1,200 – $2,800 |
Questions people ask next
At what temperature do pipes freeze in NJ?
Pipes on outside walls and in unheated spaces can freeze at 20°F with a wind. Under 15°F, open cabinet doors and let the vulnerable faucet drip.
Should I turn the heat off when I go away in winter?
No. Set it to 55°F and shut the main water valve if you will be gone more than a few days.
When should I schedule furnace service?
September or October. By December every HVAC company in New Jersey is running emergency calls and tune-ups wait weeks.
Do you do a whole-house winterization visit?
Yes. One visit covers the tune-up, spigots, sump pump, attic look and a written list of anything that needs attention.
Need a licensed contractor near you?
If you searched “licensed contractor near me” anywhere in New Jersey, that's us. First Call Contracting is based in Paramus and sends its own licensed crew to all 21 counties — written price before work starts, no deposit, a real person on the phone 24/7.
Want it done in one visit?
Book a winterization visit. One crew, one written price, and a list of what is fine and what is not.
Or call Alex direct: (201) 676-3099