HVAC And Plumbing Tips For Jersey Shore Second Home Owners  

HVAC And Plumbing Tips For Jersey Shore Second Home Owners!

Just like any beach community, lots of the homeowners here at the South Jersey Shore are second homeowners, with a more permanent residence somewhere else. Maybe their home at the beach is purely for summer vacationing, or it’s used as a rental property. We also have lots of residents who live here all year round. The point simply is that not every home is used in the same way, which may dictate different maintenance practices.  

Here at Broadley’s we have been taking care of the HVAC and plumbing needs for homes for over 60 years. We have helped out homeowners who live here year round, and taken care of plenty of homes that are only used part time. In this article, we’ll tell you a bit more about what you should be doing to make sure our home is comfortable no matter when you arrive.  

If you want to speak to an expert today about your home comfort at the Jersey Shore, give us a call at (609) 390-3907, or contact us online. One of our comfort specialists will be happy to help you out!  

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Maintaining Your HVAC System 

You should make sure your HVAC system is maintained at least once a year. For a second homeowner, we may recommend 2 services, once when you arrive, and another before you depart for the season. It’s more important when you first arrive, and you are about to turn on your HVAC system.  

HVAC maintenance will provide a number of benefits for your system:  

  • Improved energy efficiency 
  • Lower energy bills 
  • Lengthens system lifespan 
  • Maintains warranty 
  • Safe operation  
  • Improved air quality 

Schedule HVAC Maintenance For Your Home

We would also recommend purchasing an air conditioner that is resistant to salt water in the air. The metal corrodes faster here because of the salt content in the air, leading to your system deteriorating quickly. Luckily there are systems that have a particular coating that help prevent this corrosion. We recommend investing in one of these systems.  

Changing Air Filters 

Changing Your Air Filter Is Simple But Important!

You should change the air filter in your HVAC system every 1-3 months. For homes that are only used part of the time, like a vacation home, you should change it as soon as you arrive at your home, and then every few months you are there.  

This is a simple task, and one that helps improve your home’s air quality, and the flow of the air from your HVAC system to your home. We recommend having a few air filters stored so you can make the switch without having to run to the hardware store.  

Insulating Pipes 

Insulation protects your home from the outside elements. If it gets too cold in the winter, pipes can freeze, leading to serious damage to your home. Ensuring that your insulation is sufficient will help your home stay comfortable while you are there, and protect it from the elements when you aren’t there.  

Have a professional take a look at your home and make sure it’s winterized and well insulated.  

Install A Smart Thermostat 

A Smart Thermostat Can Go A Long Way To Improving Comfort!

Smart thermostats are some of the most exciting and convenient advancements in HVAC technology. They are able to measure data that helps improve your energy efficiency, and make our home as comfortable as possible. For second homeowners and rental property owners, it’s also nice to be able to control your thermostat remotely.  

Smart thermostats are able to hook up to apps on your cell phone, tablet, or computer that allow you to adjust the settings remotely.  

For example, if you only use your house on the weekends, you can adjust the temperature on the drive in, so your home is perfectly comfortable when you arrive. Or maybe you rent the house out and want to make sure the tenants turned the thermostat off after they left. Instead of driving to the house and checking it out, you can simply check our phone and see what the smart thermostat is set at!  

Smart thermostats are also programmable, allowing you to create a schedule that keeps you comfortable and saves energy.  

Sign Up For Winterization Services  

Part of what we do for our customers is providing winterization services for homes, specifically when it comes to plumbing.  

Broadley’s winterization services start at $135, depending on the size of the home and the services needed. Services offered include: 

  • Water turn-off service 
  • Disconnect the hoses 
  • Blow out the drain lines 
  • Antifreeze appliances (applicable when whole-house winterization is performed) 
  • Hose bib covers that are available for purchase 

Schedule Winterization Service

Winterization should give you peace of mind that a professional is taking care of your home, and making sure it’s ready for the season when you aren’t going to be around as much.  

Install A Leak Detection System 

One of the other incredible pieces of technology that’s available is a leak detection system. It monitors your water flow, and can alert you when there is a problem.  

We recommend the Flo by Moen™, a 24/7 security system that safeguards against leaks and water damage. 

It consists of a Smart Water Shutoff installed on the main water supply line and a Smart Water Detector that can be placed anywhere in your home. Both devices connect to an app on your smartphone. 

The app tells you the flow rate, pressure, and temperature of the water in your home, along with information about water use. It also sends alerts, troubleshoots problems, and enables you to shut off your water no matter where you are. 

There are also leak detectors you can place around common problem areas like under sinks, by your dishwasher, and laundry machine, etc. These can detect any water that may leak onto the sensor and shut off your water.  

Learn More About Flo by Moen™

DIY Tips For Your Second Home 

Along with hiring professionals to help take care of your home, there are a few things you can do on your own as well. Here are a few DIY tasks to make sure your second home is in good shape when you aren’t around.  

Disconnect Your Hoses 

If you have outdoor hoses you will want to disconnect them and make sure they are put away. If you leave the hose connected, it could freeze the water in the hose, in the faucet, and even in your pipes, causing expansion and potential cracking.  

Simply disconnect your hose, make sure you drain all the water out of it, and put it away for the season.  

Put Away Or Secure Outdoor Furniture 

If you have furniture in your yard, or outside of your home, make sure it’s either put away or safely secured. This means patio furniture, tables, chairs, umbrellas, etc. In the winter they could be damaged by the weather, or blow away in a storm and damage you or someone else’s home. You also don’t want to risk it being stolen.  

Seal Cracks In Your Windows And Doors 

Your windows and doors are likely places for outdoor air to seep in and visa versa. Sealing the cracks in windows and doors using sealant, weather stripping, or door crack blockers will help from cold air getting in during the winter. It will also make your space feel more comfortable in the summer when it’s occupied as well.  

This is a great way to conserve energy when your HVAC system is running, and also a great way to prevent the elements from entering your home when you aren’t around.  

Schedule HVAC Service For Your System!

Keeping Your Second Home Comfortable At The Jersey Shore 

If you are looking for some help with your second home at the South Jersey Shore, give us a call at (609) 390-3907, or contact us online. Our experts would be happy to make sure your home is safe and comfortable, no matter what time of year you are there!  

Contact Us For Help With Your Jersey Shore Home