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Angela Burke, Hometown News The overall seasonal weather still remains above the average temperature of 43.5 degrees for winter even with last week’s snow showers and this week’s predicted cold temperatures and chilly rain.
Utility bills are predicted to be higher in extremely cold and hot weather. The cost of gas has decreased from $12 to $8 a tank. But even with the decrease, propane products are costly because of the high usage of customers, according to Jerry Balding, manager of Greer Commission of Public Works (CPW).
CPW is in partnership with Greer Relief to assist customers who are struggling to pay utilities. The program involves CPW matching donations from the community. The program has raised $12,000. Information about the program is being sent in February’s utility bills.
“The program is a reflection of the communities we serve,” CPW customer service representative Fredia Snow said. “The people are there for each other in times of need.”
“Customers who qualify for the program need to come to CPW. The final decisions on who will receive assistance is made by Greer Relief.”
Meteorologist Neil Dixon said the winter season temperatures will stay above normal. “In estimating the overall seasonal temperature the warm and cold temperatures have to be averaged together,” Dixon said.
The prediction of a warm winter was made from taking the average temperatures estimated over a three-month period. In December, Greer experienced temperatures 6.1 degrees above normal (49.6).
The weather service predicted snow with accumulation for last weekend. But with temperatures two degrees above freezing, snow did not stick to the ground.
“Temperatures have to be right at the freezing level of 34 degrees before any snow will stick to the ground,” Dixon said.
Ravonda Tucker, co-owner of Total Comfort Heating & Cooling in Greer, has seen a rise in business because of the cold temperatures.
Tucker said that people could save money if they would service their heating pumps and furnaces twice a year to prevent wire shortages and system malfunctions.
Jason’s Plumbing in Greer also has been busy with service and maintenance calls. Owner Jason Arnold suggests that homeowners need to allow faucets to have a slow drip especially in extreme cold temperatures to prevent freeze.
“People who have wells should still try to have slow drip facets because it is harder for cold air to freeze pipes connected to running facets,” he said.
CPW has not faced any freezing water problems. It takes two to three days for the pipes to be completely frozen. The weather has not allowed that to happen, according to Balding.
CPW provides tips on its Web site to homeowners who are looking for ways to keep utility costs down.
Some of the suggestions are to lower the thermostat while away from home; avoid using kitchen and bath ventilation fans; use ceiling fans to circulate warm air; and make sure windows and doors have sufficient weather stripping.
Thursday and Friday will feel more like winter with the windchill factors in the teens.
Rain showers mixed with sleet are expected for the last weekend of the month. The cold spell will fade away with warm like temperatures reappearing in February, according to Dixon.
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