While the beginning of winter is magical and seeing the first snowfall is exciting, temperatures drop, snow piles up and for some people winter can get costly. According to Farmers’ Almanac, New Jersey is set to experience colder-than-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation for much of the upcoming winter season.  

Between turning your heat up and spending money on ice melt, the last cost any homeowner wants to account for is burst pipes and the damage they can cause. Especially since it doesn’t take much of a crack to cause thousands of dollars in repairs.  

According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, a one-eighth inch (3 millimeter) crack in a pipe can spew out more than 250 gallons of water per day, destroying furniture, floors and personal items.  

To help save New Jersey homeowners money this winter, Stephen Jones, New Jersey’s Governmental Relations Regional Manager at the International Code Council, offers the following five tips:  

Own Your Thermostat

In many homes, there is often a battle over what temperature to maintain. While the debate can get “heated,” Jones suggests keeping the thermostat at a constant temperature. When it is extremely cold out and you keep changing the thermostat, it will be harder for your heating device to bring your home back up to your desired temperature. Programable thermostats are a great way to ensure your home maintains a comfortable temperature and saves energy. Not only can you set them while you’re away, but smart thermostats will begin to learn your common behaviors and adapt to the setting most comfortable to you at a gradual pace.  

Let Those Faucets Drip

Not always, but when a cold snap or extremely cold weather pushes into the area, it is a good idea to let water drip from the faucet. “Make sure it is cold water when you do this,” Jones said. “Running cold water through the pipes, even a trickle at a time, helps prevent pipes from freezing.” This is especially true on exterior walls where there may be limited insulation. “Don’t forget about seldom used areas such as guest bathrooms or laundry sinks/equipment,” continued Jones. 

Insulation Is Key

During the winter you want to stay warm – well, so do your pipes. Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Seal up around cracks and openings along the perimeter of you home where cold air can blow through and cause pipes to freeze. Insulation will maintain warmer temperatures in these areas and help to lower your heating costs. Be sure to check around your home for water lines that are in unheated areas and consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like an insulated pipe sleeve, heat tape or similar materials on any exposed water pipes.  

Open the Doors

When extremely cold weather is in the forecast something as simple as opening up cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathroom can help. Opening cabinet doors allows heat from the home to seep into the cabinets and get warmer air circulating around the plumping.  

Check Your Hoses and Water Sprinklers

Before the cold air arrives, its best practice to drain any water from water sprinklers’ supply lines following your manufacturer’s or installer’s directions. Don’t forget to remove, drain and store hoses used outdoors. “Despite what you may have heard, don’t use antifreeze in any of these lines unless directed by a professional,” said Jones. “Antifreeze is environmentally harmful and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife and landscaping. Not to mention that you cannot use antifreeze in any line that is connected to a potable supply.” Ideally, frost-free hose bibs are the best solution to prevent frozen pipes. 

By doing these five simple tips before a cold snap or once that rush of cold air arrives, New Jersey homeowners can save thousands of dollars this winter. Jones concludes, “On top of these quick tips, it’s always important to make sure any renovations taking place in your home are built using the most recent code which will help keep your family safe.”