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WALL, N.J. – Fall colors and cool evenings are signs that winter is approaching quickly. NJR Home Services (NJRHS), a subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), urges customers to prepare now for the cold months ahead by taking measures to ensure a safe heating season.

“Taking steps early in the season can prevent a problem when you need your heating system most,” says Roy Churchman, director of marketing and business development at NJRHS. “We recommend customers conduct a test run before the cold weather sets in to ensure their comfort and safety.”

Before using your heating system for the first time, NJRHS suggests you:

• Make sure the power switch is turned on.
• Inspect the air filter in the furnace and clean or replace if necessary.
• If you have a boiler, check the gauge to make sure the water is at the proper level.
• Set your thermostat above room temperature or to “heat.”
• If your furnace doesn’t start, make sure the blower door panel is closed.
• Also, check the fuses and circuit breakers.
• Vacuum registers and air vents before the initial test run. Make sure furniture and drapes do not block them.

If your system doesn’t work after trying these steps, have a certified appliance repair professional check your heating system.

NJRHS also suggests you try these no- and low-cost tips to help you save energy dollars.

• Replace or clean your filters on a regular basis. A clean filter will increase your system’s efficiency.
• Use a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature of your home when you are away or asleep.
• Have a seasonal tune-up on your furnace or boiler. This will extend the life of your system and help to minimize breakdowns.
• Reduce the temperature on your water heater to a low or medium setting.

A few well-spent minutes now can ensure your home is warm all winter long.

NJR Home Services provides home-appliance service, sales and installations to customers in Ocean, Monmouth, Morris, Middlesex and Union counties, New Jersey. The company offers comprehensive appliance service contracts and related products and services. NJR Home Services technicians are skilled at installing, servicing and repairing natural gas furnaces, hot water heaters, grills, outdoor lights and electric central air conditioning equipment. NJR Home Services provides responsive service seven days a week, 2-hour scheduling windows and a 100 percent guarantee on all services. Technicians have received HVAC Excellence Certification from the nationally recognized Educational Standards Corporation (ESCO). NJR Home Services is a subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), a Fortune 1000 company and a member of the Forbes Platinum 400. A long-standing tradition of unparalleled care and service to customers and community is the hallmark of the NJR family of companies. For more information, visit the NJR Home Services Web site at njliving.com.

NJR Home Services is not the same company as New Jersey Natural Gas, the utility, and is not regulated by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. You do not have to buy products and services from NJR Home Services in order to continue receiving regulated services from New Jersey Natural Gas.