EMEPA Prepares for Extreme Winter Temperatures

Extreme winter weather is expected for our service area. The potential for freezing rain and ice could cause widespread power outages. EMEPA members are encouraged to take the proper precautions to prepare for the possibility of severe winter weather. Winter weather can be very hazardous, and we encourage all members to take the proper safety precautions.

Members are encouraged to have supplies in the event of a power outage. Necessary supplies include drinking water, canned food, first aid kit, battery-operated radio, flashlight with extra batteries, and warm clothing. Portable generators are very useful during extended power outages; however, use proper safety when connecting portable generators and do not plug generators directly into the home.

When using emergency heating equipment, maintain ventilation to avoid a build-up of toxic fumes and always refuel outside the home. Vehicles should be fueled and in good repair with adequate antifreeze. Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic to allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.

Power outages due to extreme winter weather conditions are unpleasant and dangerous, but we have knowledgeable and experienced employees working diligently to prevent outages and restore power in such situations.

Additionally, Cold weather can bring higher energy bills as heating equipment inside our homes and businesses is challenged to fight the frigid temperatures. If your heating unit is set to 68 degrees and the temperature is 60 degrees outside, your unit only has to make up an 8-degree difference. Consider a 30-degree night, your unit must make up a 38-degree difference, causing the heating unit to cycle on/off more often to raise and maintain the desired temperature of 68 degrees.

This is an important time to address areas of your home or business that are not as energy efficient as they could be. Insulating attics, caulking windows and doors, and letting sunshine in during the daylight hours to add heat are all things you can do to save money on your energy bill this winter season.

Winter weather energy saving tips:

• Run ceiling paddle fans on low, blowing up in winter.
• Change HVAC filters monthly.
• When heating, keep windows locked.
• Insulate electric wall plugs and wall switches with foam pads.
• Caulk along baseboards with a clear sealant.
• Close fireplace dampers when not burning a fire.
• Caulk around plumbing penetrations that come through walls beneath bathroom and kitchen sinks.
• Caulk electrical wire penetrations at the tops of the interior walls.
• Close shades and drapes at night to keep heat in during the winter.
• Make sure drapes and shades are open during the day to catch free heat from the sun in the winter.
• Ensure attic access door closes tightly.
• Insulate attic access door.
• Make sure insulation in your attic does not block soffit vents.
• Ensure return air grilles are not blocked by furniture or bookcases.
• Ensure windows and doors are properly weather-stripped.
• Make sure outside soffit vents are not blocked.
• Do not use roof-top power ventilators for attic exhaust as they may evacuate conditioned air from your home.
• Ensure floor registers are not blocked with rugs, drapes, or furniture.
• Outside your home, caulk around all penetrations including telephone, electrical, cable, gas, water spigots, dryer vents, etc.
• Caulk around storm windows.
• Use heavy-duty, clear sheets of plastic on the inside of window to reduce the amount of cold air entering your home.
• Verify your supply air duct “boots” (behind supply air registers) are caulked to your ceiling or wall sheetrock or flooring.
• Verify all outdoor doors (including storm doors) closed and seal tightly.
• In two-story homes serviced by 1 HVAC system, a paddle fan at the top of the stairs can push down hot, second-floor air.
• Keep your garage door down. A warmer garage in the winter will save energy.
• Use kitchen, bath, and other ventilating fans wisely; in just 1 hour, these fans can pull out a house full of warmed air.
• Install 15-minute, spring-wound timers on bathroom ventilator fans.