What Homeowners Should Do Before a Major Snowstorm

HVAC and Plumbing Prep Tips for Fredericksburg, King George, and Surrounding Areas

When a significant snowstorm is in the forecast, preparing your home ahead of time can

prevent frozen pipes, heating failures, and costly emergency repairs. At C.B. Lucas Company, we see the same preventable winter issues every year across King George, Fredericksburg, Stafford, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.

Here is what homeowners should do before the snow starts falling to protect their HVAC and plumbing systems.

HVAC Preparation Before Snow and Freezing Temperatures

Replace or Check Your Air Filter

A clogged air filter restricts airflow and can cause your heating system to work harder during extreme cold. Replace disposable filters or clean reusable ones before the storm to keep your system running efficiently.

Test Your Thermostat Now

Make sure your thermostat is responding properly and maintaining temperature. If your system struggles to keep up now, it will not improve once temperatures drop further.

Clear Snow and Debris from Outdoor Units

If you have a heat pump, clear leaves, branches, and debris from around the outdoor unit. Maintain at least two feet of clearance. After snowfall, gently remove excess snow buildup to prevent airflow blockage.

Do Not Turn the System Off Completely

During extreme cold, keep your heat set to a consistent temperature even if you leave town. Turning your system off increases the risk of frozen pipes and system damage.

Plumbing Steps That Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes in crawl spaces, basements, garages, and exterior walls are most vulnerable. Use pipe insulation or heat tape where needed, especially in older homes.

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Remove all hoses from outdoor spigots and shut off interior valves if available. Leaving hoses attached is one of the most common causes of frozen pipe bursts.

Let Faucets Drip in Extreme Cold

When temperatures drop well below freezing, allow faucets on exterior walls to drip slightly. This keeps water moving and reduces pressure buildup in pipes.

Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is

In the event of a frozen or burst pipe, knowing how to shut off your water quickly can prevent major water damage. Take a moment now to locate and label it.

Water Heater and Drain

Protection

Check Your Water Heater Area

Ensure your water heater is free of drafts and that the surrounding area remains above freezing. Cold garages can put water heaters at risk during extended cold snaps.

Avoid Pouring Grease Down Drains

Cold weather causes grease to solidify faster, increasing the risk of drain blockages when you need your plumbing most.

Power Outages and Winter Storms

Snowstorms often bring power outages. If your home loses power, heating systems shut down and pipes cool quickly.

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

• Use backup heat sources safely and never indoors without ventilation

• If power is out for an extended period, consider shutting off water and draining pipes if possible

Schedule Preventative Maintenance Before the Storm

The best way to avoid emergency calls during a snowstorm is preventative maintenance. A pre-winter HVAC inspection or plumbing check can identify small issues before they become major problems.

At C.B. Lucas Company, we provide trusted HVAC and plumbing services to homeowners throughout King George, Fredericksburg, Dumfries, Spotsylvania, NOVA, Woodbridge, Stafford and surrounding areas. Our team understands the unique challenges local homes face during winter weather.

Need Help Before the Snow Hits?

If your heating system is struggling, your pipes are exposed, or you want peace of mind before the storm arrives, now is the time to call.

C.B. Lucas Company offers reliable HVAC and plumbing service, honest recommendations, and prompt local response when it matters most.

Contact us today to schedule service and prepare your home before winter weather arrives.