Brutally cold temperatures are on the way and there are a few things people can do to avoid energy bill sticker shock and to protect your home from damage.
The first, an obvious one, don’t crank up the heat, says Kara Schwer, with ComEd, especially while you’re sleeping or away from home.
She says keep the thermostat as low as comfortably possible.
“The other thing, too, is that sealing air leaks can save you up to 15 percent on your heating and cooling costs, so in most homes the impact of air leaks on your energy use is similar to leaving a window open. I’d recommend weather-stripping your windows and doors and sealing cracks in your walls with caulk or foam.”
Other advice includes changing furnace air filters. Dirty filters make the system work harder.
You can also get some heat by opening blinds or shades.
“When the sun is shining we recommend opening shades on south-facing windows,” Schwer says. “That allows you to take advantage of natural light for warmth but just remember to close the shades during the night to help insulate your home.”
You want to prevent pipes from freezing, too.
Open cabinet doors under sinks, especially if they’re on outside walls.
Country Financial sent clients the following tips.
Inside the home
· Keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature to maintain a stable environment and prevent pipes from freezing.
· Set the heat to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit when not home to ensure a home stays warm enough to prevent freezing.
· Allow faucets to drip to prevent pipes from freezing in cold weather.
· Keep the garage door closed to keep the cold air out and the warm air in.
· Open cabinets regularly to let warm air circulate, especially under sinks and near exterior walls.
· Open doors throughout the house to circulate warm air and maintain an even temperature throughout the home.
Outside the home
· Disconnect garden hoses and cover hose bibs with a foam cover to prevent frozen pipes.
· Wrap insulation around exposed water pipes to protect them from freezing temperatures.
· Visit all sheds, garages, barns on the property and take steps to protect them from the cold.
· Clean out gutters to prevent ice dams and potential water damage.
· Clear storm grates of leaves or debris to ensure proper drainage and reduce flooding risk.
· Confirm sump pump(s) operate properly and install a sump pump alarm to help prevent basement flooding.
Emergency preparedness tips
· Bring in or secure patio furniture, grills, and other outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds.
· Trim trees and shrubs by removing dead or weak branches that could fall and cause damage, either independently or with the help of a professional.
· Know how to safely shut off utilities, such as gas, water, and electricity, in case of an emergency.