Prepare Your Home for Winter — Complete HVAC and Plumbing Guide

Published: July 23, 2026 — BC Wide Home Services Ltd, doing business as BC Wide Heating & Air Conditioning — Greater Vancouver, BC

HVAC Preparation

Schedule furnace or boiler maintenance before November. Replace air filters. Test the heating system before cold weather. Check carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Clear the area around heating equipment. If you have a heat pump, ensure it is ready for winter operation with a clean coil and proper refrigerant charge.

Plumbing Freeze Prevention

Insulate exposed pipes in crawlspaces, basements, and garages. Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor faucets. Seal foundation cracks and gaps around pipe entries. Keep the thermostat at minimum 15°C even when away. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation during extreme cold.

Emergency Kit and Contacts

Prepare an HVAC emergency kit: space heater, flashlight with batteries, spare furnace filters, thermostat batteries, and a list of emergency contacts. Post emergency numbers near your electrical panel: HVAC company, FortisBC (1-800-663-9911), and 911. Know the location of the main water shutoff. Have a plan for keeping warm if the heating system fails.

Related Services

Safety Reminder

If you smell gas, suspect carbon monoxide or believe there is an immediate danger, leave the property and contact emergency services or the appropriate gas emergency authority. Do not remain inside — exit the building immediately and call for help from outside.