How to avoid costly repairs and high energy bills during winter weather
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Most people dream of snow around Christmas time, but the frigid forecast makes for more than just a beautiful sight. It means plenty of preparation to keep your home safe and warm.
Doug Carroll, owner of Brownsboro Hardware Store, says he has been busy helping customers prepare for the incoming winter weather.
“I feel like winter’s started a little earlier this year and we’ve had several weather events,” Carroll said. “As cold weather comes in, it’s about prepping your homes. It’s insulating your faucets, it’s insulating your doors and windows. It’s changing your furnace filter so your furnace doesn’t overheat and burn out.”
Carroll is staying stocked up on essentials like shovels, scrapers and ice melt. He says customers are particularly interested in pet-safe ice melt options.
“Most people find that really important, they don’t want to put rock salt down because it’s hard on your pets’ feet, it’s hard on your skin, and tears up your concrete,” Carroll said.
Carroll says preparing homes with extra insulation and faucet covers serves as cheap insurance against costly home repairs.
“All those things, if you don’t do it, then you get a pipe burst when it freezes, major flooding issues, so it can be a big problem,” Carroll said.
LG&E says residents can avoid extra costs on energy bills with small changes, starting with the thermostat.
“Even just one degree down can really make a difference. And if you have a programmable thermostat, that’s a really great way to set those temperatures. So that way, when you’re not at home, you can drop it down a couple degrees, and that’ll continue to make sure that your system isn’t working harder than it needs to,” said Liz Pratt with LG&E.
Residents should also ensure homes are being heated efficiently. Setting ceiling fans to run clockwise at low speed can help circulate warm air.
“Be mindful that your registers are clear. Make sure that they’re not being blocked by drapes or furniture, because that’ll also make a difference to make sure if your HVAC system is running, that it’s circulating that warm air throughout your home,” Pratt said.
LG&E says crews are on hand to respond to power outages or gas leaks during winter weather.
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