Early fall/winter weather is tricky for people on the West Coast.

The 2015 winter season is expected to warmer than normal, yet we’ve had sub-zero temperatures already. So, don’t let ol’ man winter fool you.

Lewis MacLean Plumbing and Heating doesn’t want you to get caught in mini-cold snaps. We are urging all of our clients to get their homes winterized – especially if you are planning on doing the snowbird thing down south for an extended period.

Here are three ways to protect your pipes from freezing this winter.

Make sure your furnace is set no lower than 12 degrees Celsius during the winter to prevent pipes from freezing. Note that when pipes freeze, water pressure builds, causing cracks, whether the pipe is made of plastic, copper or steel. A tiny crack can unleash hundreds of litres of water in a day.

Your water heater works harder during winter months. Drain corrosion-causing sediment from the tank, which reduces energy efficiency.

Insulate pipes in unheated areas. Apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables around exposed pipes.

And when it comes to water temperature, set the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees for optimum performance without the risk of scalding to you and your family.

Okay – that was four.

A Lewis MacLean heating technician is the expert to consult when winterizing your home. Call Lewis MacLean today for a consultation and discover how easy it is to save money in repair and energy costs when you have access to our expert level of knowledge.