Originally published on NorthPhoenixFamily.com.

While it doesn’t happen often, the valley can experience freezing temperatures during the winter. The experts at Donley Service Center are here to explain the following ways to protect your pipes and get the most out of your heating unit:

Water Pipes

  •  Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Make sure you cover your Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) and backflow preventer during the winter to prevent damage during a freeze. Can be a $400-600 repair.
  • Know where your water shut-off valve is and label it for easy identification.
  • Make sure all family members know how to shut off.
  • Consider shutting off the water if you’re leaving town.
  • Letting your faucet drip can prevent pipes from bursting but will not stop them from freezing.

Heating Units

  • Best time to test your unit is in the morning. Turn your thermostat 2-3 degrees from the room temp and let it cycle on and off for an hour.
  • Annual maintenance should include tests for gas and carbon monoxide leaks.
  • Set it and forget it –local utilities recommend setting your thermostat at 68 degrees during the winter, but for every degree lower you can save 2-3% on your bills.
  • Limit fans – bathroom exhausts, stove vent fans and clothes dryers can remove the warm air your heater produces and cost you money. Avoid during coldest parts of day.
  • Add a little humidity- since moist air holds heat, using a humidifier may increase your comfort level and allow you to lower your thermostat setting.
  • Don’t forget to clean – while filters should be cleaned monthly during the summer months, you can get away with every other month during cooler season.

At the end of the day, waiting to get items looked at is never a good idea. The expert say be prepared and plan ahead so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute should the valley of the sun see some not-so-sunny weather in the weeks ahead.