simple maintenance tips to save thousands on repairs

(WSET) — With the winter season almost in full swing, your home’s heating system and pipes could face issues.

As temperatures start to drop, the chances for things to break can rise.

Brandon Brown, owner of Brown’s Heating, Air, Plumbing, and Electrical, said prevention is possible.

Winter-proof your home: simple maintenance tips to save thousands on repairs. (Credit: Rachel Tillapaugh/WSET)

“Maintenance can save you thousands,” Brown said.

It is important to look at your vents.

“People always forget your filter makes sure you are changing that every 30 to 45 days, whether that is cooling or heating, if the system’s not breathing, it’s going to struggle to maintain,” Brown said.

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Brown said you should check your heat pumps outside for ice.

Winter-proof your home: simple maintenance tips to save thousands on repairs. (Credit: Rachel Tillapaugh/WSET)

“If you see frost, that is normal. These heat pumps have to frost the air going across this coil is colder than the outside temperature, so if the coil is frosted, you are good. If you see ice around the whole coil, that is an issue,” Brown said.

Brown said if a heat pump breaks, it can also break the bank.

“Replacing with the new refrigerant can range from $8000 to $12000 installed,” Brown said.

There are multiple things you can also do to protect your pipes from the freezing temperatures.

“Opening your cabinets under exterior sinks and bathrooms, and kitchens, just allows the heat to hit the pipes a little extra. Then leave a drip in your sink. So, if it does get cold and you need it, you just do it like a drip, so the water just continues to run. You know, if the water is running, it won’t freeze on you, if you can keep it flowing,” Brown said.

SEE ALSO: Frigid temperatures threaten pipes; plumbers warn of risks due to poor insulation

You can also wrap your pipes.

Winter-proof your home: simple maintenance tips to save thousands on repairs. (Credit: Rachel Tillapaugh/WSET)

“If you wrap it around the cold line and you just secure it all the way down your pipe, it will seal and block the cold air from getting on any pipes,” Brown said.

Brown recommends making sure your heating, air, plumbing, and electrical systems are functioning properly, by getting them looked at once to twice per year.

“We catch things on maintenance all the time. That prevents compressor breakdowns, can prevent coil failures, anything like that,” Brown said.