With freezing temperatures and flurries across Western North Carolina – and more inclement winter weather on the way – it’s important to know how to protect your home.
A winter storm is expected to hit WNC on Friday, Jan. 10, bringing snow, sleet and ice to the area. “Bitterly cold” wind chills of 5-10 degrees below zero will add to the cold weather hazards.
From dripping taps to prevent burst pipes to optimal temperatures for your thermostat and beyond, here’s your guide to winter-proofing your home.
When to drip your faucets
Homes & Gardens addressed the issue of when to drip your faucets to prevent pipes from freezing. Plumbing expert Jake Romano provided some advice to the magazine.
“When the temperature falls below freezing, and a water supply is exposed to these freezing temperatures, the water can freeze in the pipe,” Romano said. “When this happens, the water in the pipe expands. Without anywhere to go, your pipe can expand and break.”
Though any temperature below freezing can be risky to pipes, Romano added that temperatures of 20 degrees and lower are more likely to pose a “real threat.”
More: Snow coming to Asheville, Western NC: What to know about the forecast
How to keep pipes from freezing
In a briefing on Nov. 27, 2024, Asheville Water Resources representative Clay Chandler provided these additional tips to keep your pipes safe during cold weather:
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Disconnect and drain all garden hoses and install covers on outside faucets.
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Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
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Identify the location of the main water valve and the valve on your water heater. Learning the location of these valves may come in handy during an emergency.
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Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or heating tape. This will prevent freezing, especially for interior pipes that run along outside walls.
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Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
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Close all windows near water pipes; cover or close open-air vents. Freezing temperatures combined with wind drafts can cause pipes to freeze more frequently.
What to set your thermostat to in winter
There’s actually an “official” recommendation for thermometer temperatures during winter. The Department of Energy recommends 68 degrees during the colder months, and 7-10 degrees lower while out of the house.
Even if you prefer cooler temperatures inside, make sure you don’t drop your thermostat too low. The World Health Organization advises that temperatures below 64 degrees may pose health risks. If you have very young or elderly people in your home, the minimum temperature should be higher at 68 degrees.
Average winter temperature in North Carolina
N.C.’s weather varies widely. However, data shows average temperatures for each month in N.C. between 2019-2023:
The average minimum temperatures for the past five years were:
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: When to drip faucets, how to set your thermostat: winter-proof tips