Plumbing, Gas, and HVAC Tips to Keep Your Home Comfortable and Protected
Cold weather along the Grand Strand looks a little different than the rest of the country. No snowstorms but potentially sharp temperature drops, overnight freezes, and chilly coastal winds can still impact your home’s plumbing, gas, and HVAC equipment.
Whether you live in Pawleys Island, Conway, Myrtle Beach, or anywhere along the Grand Strand, preparing your home for cold snaps can help prevent costly repairs, improve your comfort, and keep your systems running safely & efficiently all winter long.
Below, we’d like to provide you with practical, area specific cold weather tips every homeowner should know.
Cold Weather Plumbing Tips
Even brief freezes can cause plumbing problems along the Grand Strand, especially for exposed pipes, hose bibs, and outdoor plumbing. Homes near marshes or water often have higher humidity and crawl space exposure, making pipe insulation more important.
Common Plumbing Risks:
- Frozen or burst pipes in crawl spaces
- Hose bibs cracking
- Water heater stress from cold water
- Undetected leaks leading to water damage
What you Can Do:
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor hose bibs
- Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls
- Let faucets drip slightly overnight during overnight freezing temperatures
- Schedule a plumbing inspection prior to freezing winter temperatures
Gas Fireplace Cold Weather Thoughts
- Pilot lights may fail in cooler temperatures
- Dirty burners reduce the efficiency and heat output of your fireplace
- Gas fireplaces can collect dust and debris during the off-season months
- Carbon monoxide risks increase with improper operation
Recommendations:
- Schedule a gas fireplace cleaning and safety inspection each season, before enjoying
- Replace remote and receiver batteries at the beginning of each season
- Ensure vents are unobstructed
- Test the ignition and pilot operation before regular use
HVAC Preparation for Mild but Chilly Coastal Weather
While our winters are mild compared to other areas, your HVAC system still works hard during temperature swings. Below are a few recommendations to help you stay ahead of the chill.
Cold Weather HVAC Tips:
- Schedule seasonal HVAC maintenance
- Replace air filters monthly to improve airflow and maximize efficiency
- Keep your thermostat consistent to maintain accurate temperature control
- Consider duct cleaning or indoor air quality solutions for healthier air
Preventative Maintenance and Why it Matters
Cold snaps may be short along the Grand Strand but the damage it causes may be long-lasting. Preventative maintenance helps:
- Reduce emergency repairs
- Extend the lifespan of your HVAC system
- Improve your indoor comfort
- Maintain energy efficiency during colder months (and warmer months)
Being proactive versus reactive not only catches small issues before they become large problems but also give you peace of mind.
At Dependable Service Plumbing & Air, we understand the unique challenges of coastal South Carolina homes. Being locally owned & operated, we are your neighbors and experience the same challenges as you. When a need arises, our team will be ready to provide:
- Plumbing winter preparation, maintenance, & inspections
- Gas fireplace cleaning & safety inspections
- HVAC service, maintenance, and indoor air quality solutions
- Honest recommendations tailored to your home and your needs
Cold weather does not have to catch you off guard. Whether your goal is peace of mind, improved comfort, or help preventing winter plumbing or HVAC issues, WE CAN HELP WITH THAT.