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Essential HVAC & Plumbing Preparation tips

In the cold temperatures of December in BC, ensure the heating and plumbing system of your home are winter-ready. It is not just about comfort; it’s about protecting your investment and avoiding expensive emergency repairs. At Ace Tech Plumbing & Heating Services, we help you be prepared, which saves thousands of dollars and prevents those dreaded middle-of-the-night breakdowns.

Why Winter Preparation matters

In winter, your heating equipment works harder and longer, while your plumbing freezes in those temperatures. Based on the insurance industry information, frozen pipe claims alone average over $23,500 per incident; however, you can prevent most winter emergencies with the right preparation.(Source)

HVAC Winter Maintenance: Keep the heat flowing

1. Schedule your professional Tune-Up now

Before winter, inspect the heating system to avoid any issues. Our certified technicians check all components, including the heat exchange, burner assembly, and electrical connections, for safety controls. These kinds of inspections recognize the issues before they become expensive failures during the coldest days of the year.

Professional maintenance extends your system’s lifespan while reducing energy consumption by up to 15%. Plus, many manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance to honour warranty claims. Don’t let a skipped tune-up void your coverage. (Source)

2. Replace your Air Filters regularly

Change your air filters every 30-90 days, because clogged filters make your system work more, which causes increasing energy bills and reducing efficiency. When your furnace works continuously in winter, cleaning filters increase airflow and protects internal components from dust.

Check your filter once a month, and if you have pets or allergies, replace filters even more frequently.

3. Clear your Vents and registers

Always make sure all heating vents are clear because furniture or rugs block airflow and will create cold spots and force your HVAC system to work continuously. Keep at least 80% of your registers open at all times to keep system balance.

It seems logical to close vents in unused rooms, but this decreases your system airflow balance and can imbalance the pressure and reduce the efficiency. (Source)

4. Protect your Outdoor Unit

If you have an outdoor heat pump, clear leaves, branches, and debris that will stack during the fall. However, these units are designed for outdoor use, clean around them for the airflow. In fact, you should avoid covering your heat pump, especially if it’s your main heating source, as it needs air circulation for a better function. (Source)

5. Upgrade to a programmable Thermostat

Modern programmable thermostats can reduce heating cost by optimized scheduling. These devices automatically adjust temperatures when you’re sleeping or away from home, maximizing your comfort and minimizing energy. (Source)

Plumbing protection: Prevent Frozen Pipe disasters

1. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Pipes in cold areas will have a chance of freezing, even in British Columbia’s mild climate. Invest in foam pipe insulation or heat tape for exposed pipes in exterior walls.

2. Disconnect and drain the Outdoor Faucets

Before winter, disconnect all garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets. Close the interior shut-off valve of outdoor hose bibs, then open the outdoor faucet to allow any remaining water to drain. Leave the outdoor valve open in winter so trapped water can leak and has room to expand without breaking the pipe.

Install insulated faucet covers to protect them during cold weather.

Always be Ready for the Unexpected

Take Action Today

Stay warm, stay safe, and stay prepared this winter!

Ace Tech Plumbing & Heating Services Ltd bring comfort to your home 24/7.

Phone: 1 (844) 704 – 4177 | Email: contact@acetechltd.ca