How to Protect Your Home and Family When Temperatures Drop

Winters in the Fraser Valley can turn severe very quickly. One cold snap with freezing rain or arctic outflow winds can lead to frozen pipes, furnace breakdowns, and unexpected power outages, especially in older homes and rural properties around Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley, and nearby communities.

When temperatures fall below freezing, your furnace runs nonstop, your pipes become vulnerable, and losing power can become an immediate emergency. A bit of preparation, along with knowing what to do when something goes wrong, can prevent costly damage and keep your family safe.

Common Winter Emergencies in BC Homes

1. Frozen and Burst Pipes

When water freezes, it expands. Inside a pipe, that expansion can crack or burst the line, which can send thousands of litres of water into your home once the ice thaws.

High-risk areas include:

• Unheated crawl spaces and basements

• Garages and mechanical rooms

• Exterior walls and hose bibs

• Vacant or rarely used suites

Prevention tips:

• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces

• Seal air leaks around foundation vents and sill plates

• Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to keep water moving

• Keep cabinet doors open under sinks on exterior walls to allow warm air to circulate

2. Furnace or Heating System Failures

During a cold snap, your furnace or boiler may run almost continuously. If it has not been serviced, it is more likely to:

• Overheat and shut down

• Trip a safety switch

• Struggle with restricted airflow caused by a clogged filter

A failing furnace can also create a safety risk if it leads to carbon monoxide issues or allows your home to get cold enough for pipes to freeze.

3. Power Outages and Loss of Heat

Heavy, wet snow, ice, and strong winds are common in the Fraser Valley and can bring down power lines. Without electricity:

• Furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers stop working

• Sump pumps stop operating, increasing the risk of flooding

• Well pumps will not supply water

• Electric space heaters and appliances become unusable

In older and draftier homes, indoor temperatures can drop quickly during an outage.

4. Outdoor Slip and Fall Hazards

Ice buildup on driveways, walkways, and exterior stairs can easily lead to injuries.

• Shovel early and often

• Use eco-friendly ice melt products

• Keep high-traffic areas clear, especially for tenants or visitors

For property managers and strata councils, this is both a safety concern and a liability concern.

How to Prepare Your Home Before the First Cold Snap

The best winter emergency is the one that never happens. Before temperatures fall, take time to winterize your plumbing and heating systems.

1. Book a Furnace or Heat Pump Tune-Up

Have a licensed HVAC technician:

• Inspect and clean your furnace or boiler

• Check heat exchangers, burners, and safety controls

• Replace or clean air filters

• Confirm proper venting and airflow

A fall tune-up helps your system operate efficiently and safely all winter and reduces the chance of a no-heat situation during the coldest nights.

2. Insulate and Protect Exposed Pipes

• Install foam sleeves or pipe insulation on exposed water lines

• Use approved heat tape on vulnerable pipes in crawl spaces or garages

• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and shut off exterior hose bibs when possible

• Ensure basement windows and crawl space vents are closed during extreme cold

3. Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation

• Check windows, doors, and attic hatches for air leaks

• Use weatherstripping and caulking where needed

• Add insulation to attics and crawl spaces so your home holds heat more effectively

Better insulation means lower energy bills and less strain on your furnace.

4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Any home with a gas furnace, boiler, fireplace, or gas water heater needs working carbon monoxide detectors.

• Test all smoke and CO alarms

• Replace batteries at least once per year

• Replace old detectors according to manufacturer guidelines

If a carbon monoxide alarm ever goes off, treat it as an emergency.

5. Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

Winter storms can temporarily cut off power, roads, or access to supplies. Keep the following items on hand:

• Bottled water

• Non-perishable food

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• Warm blankets and layers

• A basic first-aid kit and required medications

• Spare furnace filters and pipe insulation for quick fixes

Store your kit in an easily accessible location.

What to Do During a Winter Emergency

Timing matters when something goes wrong. Here is what to do in the most common situations.

If You Have a Frozen or Burst Pipe

Signs your pipes may be frozen:

• Low or no water flow from a faucet

• Unusual banging or clanking sounds in pipes

• Visible frost or bulging on exposed lines

If a pipe is frozen but not burst:

1. Turn off the water supply to that area if possible.

2. Gently warm the pipe using a hair dryer or a portable heater on low, and keep it away from flammable materials.

3. Open nearby faucets to relieve pressure as the ice melts.

4. Do not use open flames or torches.

5. Call a licensed plumber if you cannot locate the frozen section or if the pipe is behind walls.

If a pipe has burst:

1. Shut off the main water supply to the building.

2. Turn off power to the affected area if water is near electrical outlets or equipment.

3. Open faucets to relieve pressure and drain remaining water.

4. Move belongings out of the flooded area if it is safe to do so.

5. Call an emergency plumber immediately to prevent further damage.

If Your Furnace or Heating System Stops Working

1. Check your thermostat settings, including batteries and heat mode.

2. Inspect your breaker panel for tripped breakers.

3. Ensure the furnace switch near the unit is turned on.

4. Replace a dirty air filter and make sure vents are not blocked.

5. If the system still will not start or continues to shut off, call an emergency HVAC technician.

If outdoor temperatures are below freezing, do not wait to see if the system turns back on. The longer your home stays cold, the higher the chance of frozen pipes.

If You Lose Power and Have No Heat

• Close curtains and blinds to retain heat

• Keep interior doors closed to trap warmth in main living areas

• Wear layered clothing and use extra blankets

• Use electric space heaters only when power returns and only under supervision

• Never use gas stoves, ovens, propane heaters, or barbecues for heat because they create deadly carbon monoxide buildup

If temperatures continue to drop or the outage lasts for an extended period, consider staying with friends, family, or a designated warming centre.

If Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off

Always treat carbon monoxide alarms seriously.

1. Evacuate everyone from the home immediately.

2. Call 911 or your local emergency number from outside or from a neighbour’s home.

3. Do not re-enter the home until authorities say it is safe.

4. After the emergency, have a licensed HVAC technician inspect your furnace, boiler, fireplace, and vents to find the cause.

Winter Safety Tips for Property Managers and Strata Councils

Multi-family buildings and rental properties in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley, and throughout the Fraser Valley face unique winter challenges. These include:

• Vacant units that are at high risk for frozen pipes

• Shared mechanical rooms and boiler plants that require frequent checks

• Exterior stairs, parkades, and walkways that need consistent snow and ice control

Best practices include:

• Scheduling pre-winter inspections for boilers, furnaces, pumps, and heat exchangers

• Confirming that backup generators are maintained and fueled

• Keeping a list of 24-hour emergency contacts for plumbing and HVAC

• Educating tenants on what to do if they lose heat or suspect a leak

Partnering with a reliable mechanical contractor prevents last-minute scrambling in emergency situations.

Why Homeowners and Property Managers Choose Cohesive Mechanical in Winter

Cohesive Mechanical is your trusted 24-hour HVAC and plumbing partner serving:

• Chilliwack

• Abbotsford

• Langley

• Communities throughout the Fraser Valley

Our licensed and experienced team specializes in:

• Emergency frozen pipe repair and burst pipe response

• Furnace and boiler breakdown service

• Carbon monoxide testing and safety inspections

• Heat pump and HVAC system maintenance and repair

• Winter plumbing and heating system preparation for homes, rentals, and strata buildings

We understand local homes, local weather, and local building codes. We also understand how quickly a small problem can turn into a major insurance claim if it is not handled promptly.

We are available 24 hours a day to protect your home, tenants, and business from winter emergencies.

If you need help right now, call Cohesive Mechanical for immediate service.

If you want to prepare your home for the next cold snap, schedule a winter safety inspection today.

Winter Emergency Frequently Asked Questions for Fraser Valley Homes

1. How cold does it need to be for pipes to freeze in the Fraser Valley?
Pipes can begin to freeze when temperatures reach approximately minus six degrees Celsius or lower. Uninsulated crawl spaces, basements, and exterior walls freeze more quickly due to drafts and poor insulation.

2. How can I tell if my pipes are frozen or simply clogged?
If only one fixture loses water flow during very cold weather, the cause is probably freezing. Clogged drains usually show slow draining or gurgling first, while frozen pipes typically cause a sudden loss of flow.

3. Is it safe to thaw frozen pipes myself?
You can attempt to thaw accessible pipes using a hair dryer or a portable heater on low. Never use open flames or torches. If you cannot locate the frozen section or if the pipe is inside a wall, call a licensed plumber immediately.

4. How often should my furnace or heat pump be serviced before winter?
Most manufacturers recommend annual servicing. Booking a tune-up in the fall helps prevent breakdowns and ensures your system runs efficiently throughout winter.

5. When should I call an emergency plumber or HVAC technician?
Call for emergency service if you experience any of the following:

• No heat during freezing temperatures

• A suspected gas or carbon monoxide issue

• Frozen or burst pipes

• Active leaks that could cause water damage

If you are unsure, it is always safer to call and get professional guidance.