How to winterize your home
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JACKSON, Tenn.–When the temperatures fall below freezing for more than a few days it is worth a reminder to take precautions to protect your home. Prevent pipes from freezing in cold weather and save yourself some money. “It could cost you several thousand dollars depending on the level of damage,” Jared Counce with Tim Ferguson Plumbing, Air & Electric said. Counce said unhook hoses from hydrants outside your home. “A lot of times water’s left over in the hoses and it’s still attached to the faucet itself,” he said. “That will actually freeze quicker than anything.” Counce said make sure foundation vents are closed. “So that none of that cold air can actually circulate underneath the house and potentially freeze the pipes as well,” he said. Experts said open your cabinets and let the faucet drip. “Moving water will not freeze,” Counce said. Jackson Energy Authority encourages customers to take a look at windows, doors, and crawl spaces. “Checking caulking, checking weather stripping,” JEA Manager of Operations Robert Mullins said. “There’s things you can buy to keep air outside of your house.” Counce encouraged people to have their heating unit inspected once a year. “Carbon monoxide is always a big issue with heating and air equipment,” he said. JEA recommended setting the thermostat at 68 degrees, another suggestion experts said could save money.
