Stay Safe (And Protect Your Property) in Cold Temps in ABQ

You’re likely aware that other parts of the US have been experiencing some seriously cold and treacherous weather this winter. While we escape the worst of it here in sunny ABQ, we do still see cold temperatures, especially overnight. Even in a mostly desert climate, it’s important that you know how to keep yourself and your property safe when those temperatures dip. And even more so than in colder states, some people might be unaware of safety tips that are common knowledge in other places.

As an HVAC and plumbing company in Albuquerque that has seen all kinds of misfortune related to cold temperatures, take these tips from us!

Know When to Let It Drip

In New Mexico, we’re used to our mild winters. But that doesn’t mean that we’re immune to those cold fronts that bring cold temperatures throughout the nation. And, if you live closer to the mountains at a higher elevation, you experience temperatures a bit lower than the rest of us.

It’s a common tip to let your faucets drip if the temperature is going to be extremely cold. But we also all know that we’re in a drought and that water is a precious commodity. Knowing when to let a faucet drip is key to keeping your pipes from freezing while conserving a precious resource.

Water that comes directly from a pipe on the exterior of the home is most susceptible to freezing. You can insulate these pipes with insulation from the hardware store or even a towel in a pinch. If the weather is going to be below 20℉ for more than a few hours, it’s a good time to let a faucet drip. 

This doesn’t happen a ton here in Albuquerque, but it does happen. If you take precautions like this, you can spare yourself a lot of heartache and trouble in the future. A burst pipe can mean serious damage to property. 

When You’re Going Away, Do These 3 Things

When you’re headed out of town, it’s tempting to just turn the thermostat off altogether to save on your energy bill. But it’s essential that you check the forecast before you do. As a heating repair company in Albuquerque, we recommend that if temperatures are going below freezing AT ALL, you keep your thermostat at a safe 55 ℉ to prevent your pipes from freezing.

Keep cabinet doors open below the sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to let the heat from the home circulate better around the pipes to keep them warm. 

You hate to let the water drip if you’re gone for a long trip and the weather is supposed to be cold. But this is when you’re most susceptible to damage from a burst pipe because it could leak for a long time without you being there to realize it. Consider letting the faucets drip and collecting water in a basin or bowl to repurpose. Or, have a close friend or neighbor drop by after an extremely cold night to make sure all is well in the home. 

Never Run a Generator Inside

In the case that you lose power, it’s essential to know that you can never run a backup generator in the home or garage. While this is common knowledge for most, 85% of all carbon monoxide deaths are from portable generators, so it’s worth repeating. 

If you have a backup generator or portable generator, it needs to be placed outside your home and safely away from any doors or windows that are going to be opened consistently. A generator can emit as much carbon monoxide as 450 cars, according to NBC News. While newer models have more safety features, older generators leave people more vulnerable.

If you need to run a generator, make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working as well.

Stay Safe, Friends

We’ve all seen the horror stories on the news. And while we’re thankful for our mild, New Mexico winters, it’s important to know how to protect your property and yourself when the temperatures do drop below freezing.

And, unfortunately, sometimes even the most educated and plumbing savvy of us experience an unfortunate pipe freeze that was just outside our control. If you do experience a frozen pipe or need help with restoration after a frozen pipe, we can help at Bosque Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing. Give us a call at (505)444-7200 or contact us from our website.