Cold snaps can come fast in Paramus. If you own a high-end home, a few smart steps now can protect your comfort, curb appeal, and investment all winter. This guide gives you a local timeline, luxury-specific to-dos, and must-know rules so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.
When to start in Paramus
Paramus winters are cold with periodic snow and ice. Aim to finish most exterior work by late fall. The average first frost in ZIP 07652 typically falls in early November, which makes October your key prep month for outside projects like gutters, trees, and irrigation blowouts. Plant hardiness and first-frost data for 07652 support this timing.
Know the 24-hour sidewalk rule
Paramus requires you to clear snow and ice from paved sidewalks within 24 hours after it falls. If it is not done, the borough may clear it and charge the cost to your property. Review the local rule here: Paramus code §383-26.
To meet the deadline without stress, line up a seasonal snow-removal contract now. Local cost guides show per-visit driveway service often ranges from tens to low hundreds of dollars, with seasonal contracts commonly several hundred dollars or more depending on the property. See typical Paramus pricing in this snow-removal cost guide. Stock de-icer before the first storm and choose products that are safe for stone or specialty pavers. Ready your supplies early with this winter prep list.
Exterior and grounds: high-impact wins
Roofs, gutters, and ice dams
Clean gutters and downspouts so meltwater can drain. Then address the root cause of ice dams: attic air leaks, insulation, and ventilation. ENERGY STAR explains that sealing and insulating the attic and ensuring proper soffit-to-ridge airflow help keep the roof surface cold so snow melts evenly. Learn the basics of attic air sealing and ice-dam prevention.
- Have a licensed roofer inspect flashing, valleys, and chimney caps.
- Confirm downspouts discharge well away from the foundation.
- For complex rooflines, consider a professional attic and ventilation audit.
Trees, lighting, and hardscape
Trim branches over roofs and walkways to reduce storm damage. Check exterior lighting for safe access on dark winter evenings. Seal porous stone and patch driveway cracks before freeze-thaw cycles make them worse.
Pools and hot tubs
Close your pool after water temperatures consistently fall below about 65°F. A professional closing usually includes balancing water chemistry, lowering the water level, blowing out lines, and installing a winter cover. See a helpful overview of North Jersey pool winterization steps.
Mechanical systems and safety
Heat systems: furnaces, boilers, and radiant
Schedule your tune-up in early fall and replace filters. Annual tune-ups reduce breakdown risk, and local cost guides commonly put a one-time visit in the roughly $75 to $200 range, with annual plans higher depending on coverage. See typical pricing in this furnace tune-up guide.
Fireplaces and chimneys
Have every fireplace and flue inspected annually by a qualified pro. Certified sweeps can clean creosote, check liners, and catch masonry issues before peak season. A quick primer on why annual inspections matter: Is your fireplace ready for winter?
Plumbing, frozen pipes, and sump pumps
Insulate exposed pipes in garages, attics, and exterior walls. Disconnect hoses, shut exterior valves, and let faucets drip during extreme cold. Test your sump pump and its battery backup before winter. These are standard, effective steps to keep water moving and prevent bursts. Review practical tips to prevent frozen pipes.
Generators and carbon monoxide safety
Many luxury homes use standby or high-capacity portable generators. Run them outdoors away from windows, use a transfer switch for hard-wired setups, and verify CO alarms on every level. See FEMA’s winter and generator safety guidance.
Utilities and alerts
Electric and gas service in Paramus is primarily handled by PSE&G. Enroll in outage alerts, verify your account info, and keep emergency contacts handy in case of a storm.
Luxury-only systems to check
Smart home monitoring
Confirm winter schedules and alerts for smart thermostats, water leak sensors, security cameras, and sump monitors. Add notifications for power loss, boiler faults, and low temperatures.
Radiant floor and hydronic zones
Check pressure, circulators, and zone valves. If your system uses glycol, verify concentration and service intervals.
Wine cellars and humidity-sensitive rooms
Keep temperatures stable and maintain humidity in the roughly 50 to 70 percent range to protect corks, labels, and millwork. Use dedicated monitoring and make adjustments during the dry heating season.
Outdoor kitchens, irrigation, and specialty roofs
Shut off and drain exterior water lines and protect gas runs if not in use. Blow out irrigation and insulate backflow preventers. For slate, copper, or delicate stone, rely on specialists and avoid aggressive ice-removal tools that can cause damage.
A simple timeline for Paramus homes
- Early fall: Schedule HVAC and boiler service, clean gutters, inspect the roof and chimney, trim trees, close the pool, and drain irrigation. Replace smoke and CO alarm batteries.
- Late fall: Test sump pumps and battery backups, book chimney cleaning, and finalize a snow-removal contract that meets the 24-hour sidewalk rule. Stock de-icer and protect stone surfaces.
- Before a storm: Move vehicles under cover, check generator fuel and placement, set smart thermostat backups, and protect exposed pipes with insulation.
- During a cold snap or if you travel: Keep the heat at or above about 55°F, open cabinet doors on exterior sinks, and enable remote alerts for temperature, power, and water.
Selling soon? Turn prep into value
Winter prep shows buyers that your property is cared for and turnkey. Service records, clean mechanicals, safe walkways, and protected finishes make inspections smoother and help preserve value. Keep receipts and maintenance logs. They bolster buyer confidence and can help if you ever need to make a claim, as the Insurance Information Institute notes for winter-related losses. Learn more about winter storm coverage considerations.
Ready to align your winter prep with your selling or buying plans in Bergen County? Connect with Taylor Lucyk for local guidance and a strategy that moves you toward your next goal.
FAQs
When should I finish exterior work in Paramus?
- Most exterior tasks should wrap by late October to early November, around the typical early-November first frost window for 07652.
What is the sidewalk snow rule in Paramus?
- The borough requires snow and ice removal from paved sidewalks within 24 hours of accumulation, so line up snow service before the first storm.
How often should I service my furnace or boiler?
- Book annual service in early fall and replace filters regularly to reduce breakdowns during peak heating months.
Do I need my chimney inspected every year?
- Yes. Annual inspections by a qualified professional help prevent hazards and catch liner or masonry issues early.
How can I prevent frozen pipes while traveling?
- Keep the thermostat at or above about 55°F, open cabinet doors on exterior sinks, insulate exposed pipes, and enable smart leak and temperature alerts.
