Paschal Air, Plumbing, and Electric shares tips to winterize homes ahead of major snowstorm
By: Noel Hardin
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — With a major snowstorm approaching, Paschal Air, Plumbing, and Electric is urging homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their property and avoid costly repairs.
The company’s experts emphasize that simple preparations can save thousands of dollars in damage.
A primary concern is preventing pipes from freezing and bursting.
Christopher Johnson, HVAC Lead Installing Manager at Paschal, outlined the key steps.
“The first thing I would say to do would be to go ahead and drip your faucets,” Johnson advised. “I know it can be almost painful to just watch your money literally run down the drain, but I promise you, it’s much more cost-effective than a split pipe.”
He also recommends opening the cabinets under sinks to allow warmer indoor air to circulate around the plumbing, especially on exterior walls.
For outdoor spigots, disconnect all garden hoses and install an inexpensive Styrofoam cover to insulate the faucet.
To keep heat in and cold out, use towels or draft stoppers to block air from leaking under exterior doors and ensure door seals are in good repair.
Johnson suggests setting your thermostat to a steady 68-70 degrees, increasing it gradually if you want it warmer, rather than making a sudden, large jump that can strain the system.
For homes with crawl spaces, ensure all ventilation vents are closed and the access point is sealed to prevent cold air from entering.
Perhaps the most important tip is to take initiative before the storm hits.
“Your heating system is going to be under an extreme strain,” Johnson said, noting that service technicians may be unable to respond immediately during severe weather, and that a temporary fix on a frozen pipe may not hold if temperatures drop again.
Paschal offers membership services for regular maintenance and expedited emergency response.
More information on these services and additional weatherization tips can be found on the company’s website.
