Western Washington Prepares for Cold Weather with Expert Freeze Tips
As cold temperatures approach, experts share essential tips to prepare and protect your home in Western Washington
Western Washington, Cold Weather, Freeze Preparation, Home Safety, Puget Sound Energy
Seattle: Chilly weather is rolling in this weekend, and it’s bound to stir up some trouble in Western Washington. But don’t worry, experts have some handy tips to help you get ready.
First off, find your main water shutoff valve outside your home before the temperatures drop. Knowing where it is can save you a lot of headaches if things freeze up.
Bill Cahill, who runs Beacon Plumbing, emphasizes that there are plenty of steps you can take to keep your home safe from the cold. Simple things like checking your insulation in the basement or attic can make a big difference.
If you find it lacking, consider adding a space heater. And don’t forget to close your garage door and open the cabinets under your sinks to let warm air circulate.
“Let that warm air circulate underneath,” Cahill suggests. If you have a faucet that’s prone to freezing, run the cold tap overnight to keep the water flowing.
Installing insulation is a smart move to prevent pipes from cracking or bursting. Also, check for any exposed pipes inside your home, especially in the garage or attic, and outside too.
Cahill also recommends covering outside vents with cardboard cutouts to keep the cold air out. And remember to disconnect any hoses before the freeze hits.
On the energy front, Puget Sound Energy advises setting your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower to save on heating costs. It might feel a bit chilly, but lowering it by 7 to 10 degrees while you sleep or are away can really help your bill.
They’re also on high alert for any storms. Gerald Tracy from PSE mentions they’re always inspecting poles and looking for ways to improve reliability.
Tracy also shares some safety tips: don’t use coal or a gas range to heat your home, keep space heaters away from furniture, and avoid candles if the power goes out.
These are just a few ways to stay safe as the cold weather approaches.