The lower-than-usual temperatures can be tough on buildings. The word from Public Works Director Phil Bergeron is that town buildings have been handling the cold pretty well, with only a few boilers giving "some minor problems." That's good news for taxpayers, since problems cost money.
But most of us have our own homes to worry about and when it comes to cold weather, the biggest concern is pipes that freeze, burst, then gush when the water inside thaws.
Bergeron offered these tips for homeowners:
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- Make sure pipes are properly insulated, especially in basements and attics.
- Seal up cracks and holes in exterior or interior walls that can allow cold air to contact pipes.
- Keep heat on in homes when not occupied. A rule of thumb is set the thermostat at 50 degrees.
- Allowing faucets to drip slightly alleviates pressure buildup in the system.
If you have any other suggestions or horror stories, tell us in the comments section.
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