Living here means planning ahead. Spokane’s temperature swings and North Idaho’s deep freezes put serious strain on home systems. Frozen pipes, power fluctuations, and furnace breakdowns aren’t just inconvenient — they can cause real damage if left unchecked.

Seasonal maintenance helps:

Prevent breakdowns when you need heat most
Protect against frozen or burst pipes
Keep energy bills manageable
Extend the lifespan of major systems

Mainstream’s licensed experts can inspect your plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems before problems start, saving you stress (and money) once winter sets in.

Plumbing: Keep Water Flowing, Not Freezing

Every year, frozen pipes cause thousands of dollars in damage for Inland Northwest homeowners. A little preparation now can make all the difference.

Your seasonal plumbing checklist:

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and spigots before the first freeze.
Insulate exposed pipes in crawlspaces, basements, and garages.
Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup — Spokane’s hard water makes this especially important.
Inspect for leaks and slow drains. Even small drips can freeze and split pipes.
Test your sump pump before heavy rain or snowmelt season arrives.
Check outdoor cleanouts and sewer lines — root intrusion increases in fall as trees seek water.

Mainstream’s plumbers know exactly where homes around Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, and Post Falls tend to freeze first. We can pinpoint weak spots and protect them before temperatures dip below zero.

Heating & HVAC: Stay Warm, Efficient, and Safe

Most homes across the region rely on gas furnaces for heat, but we also see heat pumps and ductless mini-splits gaining popularity in newer or rural homes. Whatever system you use, fall is the time to make sure it’s ready to handle months of near-constant operation.

Your seasonal heating checklist:

Schedule your furnace tune-up — a dirty burner or weak ignition can leave you without heat on the coldest day of the year.
Replace your air filter every one to three months for better airflow and efficiency.
Test your thermostat and replace its batteries.
Inspect ducts and vents for leaks, dust, or blocked returns.
Check your carbon monoxide detector. It’s your best defense against silent hazards.
For heat pumps or mini-splits: clear leaves and debris from the outdoor unit and confirm it’s defrosting properly.

Our technicians don’t just “check the box.” They look at performance, efficiency, and safety — ensuring your home’s heating system can handle the deep freezes Spokane is known for. Care Club members get priority tune-ups scheduled before the rush, with no last-minute scrambling.

Electrical: Power Through the Long Nights Safely

Winter in the Inland Northwest brings more than just cold — it brings storms, flickering lights, and extra load on your electrical system. Whether you’re plugging in holiday decorations or running a few space heaters, your wiring and panel need to be ready.

Your electrical safety checklist:

Test smoke and CO alarms. Replace batteries now instead of waiting for that 2 a.m. chirp.
Inspect outdoor outlets and lighting for moisture protection before snow and ice hit.
Check your electrical panel and test the breakers. Older panels in Spokane-area homes often can’t handle modern energy demands.
Consider surge protection. Sudden outages and restarts can damage appliances and HVAC systems.
Test GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, and garages for safety.

Mainstream’s licensed electricians can spot early warning signs before they lead to outages or hazards. From replacing a single outlet to upgrading your home’s entire panel, we’re here to keep your lights — and your family — safe all season long.

Bonus: Energy Efficiency & Comfort Upgrades

Before winter settles in, a few simple upgrades can make your home more efficient and comfortable:

Install a smart thermostat to reduce energy waste.
Seal gaps around doors and windows to stop heat loss.
Add attic insulation or duct sealing to improve efficiency.
Upgrade to LED lighting to brighten darker days while saving energy.
Consider a whole-home humidifier to reduce dry air and static in winter months.

Our team can assess your home’s overall performance and suggest upgrades that fit your goals and budget — no guesswork, just honest recommendations.

Why Mainstream’s Care Club Makes It Easy

Keeping up with every seasonal checklist item takes time, tools, and expertise. That’s why so many Spokane and North Idaho homeowners rely on Mainstream’s Care Club.

Membership means:

Routine plumbing, cooling, and heating tune-ups scheduled automatically
Priority service and faster response when emergencies happen
Member-only savings on repairs
Peace of mind knowing every system is handled by one trusted team

For over two decades, our Care Club has helped homeowners across the Inland Northwest avoid winter headaches and unexpected costs — because preparation shouldn’t be stressful.

Solutions, Not Surprises.

Winter is coming fast. A few preventive steps today can mean a warm, safe, worry-free home all season long.

At Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we treat your home like our own — with care, attention, and respect for your time and budget. Whether it’s a furnace tune-up, pipe inspection, or electrical safety check, our team is ready to help you get ahead of winter.

Join our Care Club today and let us handle the checklist — so you can simply enjoy the season.