Prevent Frozen Pipes in Your Condo High-Rise: A Winter Guide for Fan Coil Systems
As winter settles in here in Toronto, condo residents must take extra precautions to prevent a hidden danger lurking in their fan coil heating systems: frozen water lines. If water lines freeze, they burst—and the damage can be catastrophic. Not only does it cause significant property damage to your unit, but it can also affect neighbouring units and lead to costly repairs. The reality is, your high-rise condo system is powered by water circulating through fan coils or baseboards, and when temperatures drop, the risk of freezing water lines becomes much higher.
Here’s what you need to know to avoid frozen pipes and keep your system running efficiently throughout the colder months.
Why Frozen Water Lines Are a Serious Issue
Water lines in your building’s fan coil system supply heat to each suite. However, these lines are vulnerable to freezing, particularly during extreme cold weather. Unlike the traditional central heating systems, fan coils rely on a constant flow of warm water to circulate heat through the building. If these water lines freeze, they can burst, flooding your unit and neighboring suites with water. The damage caused by a burst pipe is often extensive, traveling through multiple floors and affecting surrounding properties.
The financial impact of burst pipes is significant: repairs can cost thousands of dollars, and insurance claims can become complex when multiple suites are affected. Worse yet, the cost of these repairs is often shared by all owners in the building.
Essential Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes in Your Condo
1. Keep Windows and Doors Closed
A small gap of just one inch in a window or patio door can result in rapidly freezing pipes. Never leave windows or exterior doors open, especially when the temperature is at or below zero. A simple draft can freeze pipes in minutes.
2. Avoid Propping Open Exterior Doors
If you need to access your condo or building’s exterior, avoid propping open doors in stairwells or foyers. Cold air can seep into these spaces, causing pipes in these areas to freeze and potentially burst.
3. Set Your Thermostat to a Safe Temperature
Do not set your thermostat below 17°C during cold weather. It’s essential to keep your heating system cycling on and off regularly to maintain a constant flow of water and prevent freezing. Even if you’re going away for a weekend or an extended period, don’t turn your thermostat off—there’s no significant energy savings in doing so, and you’ll avoid the risk of frozen pipes.
4. Keep Your Heating Units in Good Condition
Your fan coil units need to be functioning correctly to ensure your building’s heating system is working efficiently. Don’t ignore a malfunctioning or failing unit because the temperature seems manageable. Temperatures can drop suddenly, and a malfunctioning fan coil can lead to frozen pipes. Have your heating units checked regularly by professionals to ensure they’re operating at full capacity.
5. Don’t Open Windows or Doors to Cool Down Your Condo
If your unit is too warm, avoid the temptation to open windows or doors. Doing so not only wastes energy but can also create temperature imbalances that lead to freezing pipes in certain areas of your suite.
6. Learn Your Water Shut-Off Valves
Familiarize yourself with the location of the water shut-off valves in your suite. In the event of an emergency, being able to quickly shut off the water supply can help minimize damage. You should also be aware of your building’s protocols for emergencies and water leaks.
Take Action Today: Do Your Part to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Preventing frozen pipes this winter doesn’t require major effort, but it does require vigilance. By following these simple steps, you can protect your condo from the costly and destructive effects of burst pipes. The more aware and proactive you are, the better prepared you’ll be to safeguard your home and your neighbours.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—ensure your heating system is in top shape and your pipes are protected this winter.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your fan coil system or need a professional inspection, don’t hesitate to contact our team at JPS Canada. Our experts are here to help you stay warm and worry-free throughout the colder months.
