From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Mike Strength, General Manager of Trussville Gas and Water, said the utilities prepared for the demand that comes with several days of sub-freezing temperatures. Managing that demand is now the focus.
“Leave faucets dripping, cover your pipes,” Strength said. “All those tips you’ve picked up over the years? It’s time to put them to use.”
Strength said if customers follow tips to conserve and help avoid things like burst pipes at home, it goes a long way in helping control demand during a peak time.
“When it’s cold out, it takes more energy to keep your home warm,” said Spire Alabama president Joe Hampton in a company statement. “Plus, more people will be inside this week – gathering and preparing for the holidays. That means more demand is being placed on the system.
“The next 48 hours are critical while temperatures decrease each night and are compounded by winds.”
Tips offered by Spire include:
- Turn thermostats down a few degrees, with 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit the recommended range
- Turn down thermostats if traveling
- Limit use of natural gas fireplaces and hot water
- During the day, open curtains on south-facing windows to let sunlight heat the home. Close curtains at night to reduce potential incoming cold from any drafty windows
- If windows feel drafty, install insulating drapes, shades or weather sealing tape to prevent cold air from seeping in
- Seal areas around the home where air could come in. These leaky areas often can be found around pipes that connect to the outside, unfinished spaces behind cupboards, recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and closets.