January 2016

In cold temperatures, it can be tempting to turn the heat off or way down to save on utility bills. Our Upstate New York winters can be brutal. Still, the risk you take by cutting off the heat far outweighs the few dollars it saves.

It’s a simple process.

In cold temperatures — especially when the thermometer dips below zero — pipes can freeze. Because water expands when it’s frozen, it’s common for pipes (even metal ones) to break or burst. When that happens, costs start adding up fast.

Big Risk — Little Reward

Letting your pipes freeze can disrupt life for other residents, and it can also cause thousands of dollars in damage for which you could be responsible. A one-eighth-inch crack in a pipe can spew out more than 250 gallons of water per day, destroying floors, furniture, appliances and personal items, according to IBHS. Also according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, a decade of insurance claims related to burst pipes has exceeded $4 billion.

Preventing frozen pipes is easy.

Frozen pipes can lead to disaster. Fortunately, they’re really easy to prevent.

• Never turn your heat all the way off.
• Always keep the thermostat above 50 degrees.
• If you’re away from home for an extended period of time, leave open the doors of any cabinets that contain pipes.
• If you have one, keep your garage door closed.
• Let the water drip while you’re away and when temperatures are extremely low.