As Coquitlam residents, we are no strangers to the changing seasons. Each brings unique challenges and opportunities to keep our homes and businesses comfortable and efficient. Whether you're a homeowner or a business owner, here is a seasonal guide to help you stay ahead of plumbing and heating issues throughout the year.
Spring
Homeowners
Spring is the perfect time to schedule HVAC maintenance. Have your air conditioning system serviced before the warm weather arrives to ensure it's ready to keep your home cool through summer. Inspect outdoor faucets and irrigation lines for winter damage, and test your sump pump before the heavy spring rains begin.
Businesses
Check all cooling systems and ensure they're functioning efficiently before high-demand summer months. Inspect roof drainage, floor drains, and any commercial grease traps that may have accumulated through the winter. Proper spring maintenance prevents surprise failures during your busiest season.
Summer
Homeowners
During the hottest days of summer, run ceiling fans to help distribute cool air more effectively, reducing the load on your air conditioning system. Check that all outdoor hose bibs are functioning properly and that irrigation systems are not wasting water through broken heads or leaking fittings.
Businesses
Implement energy-efficient practices such as programmable thermostats and scheduled HVAC maintenance to reduce cooling costs. Seal any drafts or gaps in your commercial building envelope that allow cooled air to escape — these same gaps will let winter cold in months later.
Fall
Homeowners
Have your heating system inspected and serviced before the first cold snap. This is the busiest season for heating technicians, so booking early means you won't be left waiting in a cold house. Insulate pipes in unheated areas, clean gutters, drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior faucets.
Businesses
Plan for regular heating system maintenance to avoid unexpected breakdowns at peak times. If your commercial space has older boilers or rooftop units, fall is the ideal time for a comprehensive inspection and any necessary repairs before winter loading begins.
Winter
Homeowners
Seal any gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts and keep your heating bills manageable. Keep your heating system running consistently — avoiding dramatic temperature swings reduces stress on the system. In extreme cold snaps, allow a cold-water tap to drip overnight on vulnerable exterior wall pipes.
Businesses
Ensure your commercial space has adequate heating coverage in all occupied areas, including storage rooms and loading bays where pipes could be at risk. Have emergency contact numbers for plumbing and heating services posted in the mechanical room — fast response to a burst pipe prevents days of business disruption.
Hippo Plumbing & Heating provides year-round plumbing and heating maintenance services for homeowners and businesses throughout Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, and the surrounding Lower Mainland. Call us at (604) 365-0812 to book a seasonal inspection or maintenance visit.