How to protect older homes as cold temps sweep in

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – With temperatures dipping dangerously low in the CSRA, you might be getting creative trying to keep warm.

This time of year, we see a lot of home fires. So many that it’s consistently earned Augusta a top spot in the country for the most home fires.

Back in 2021, Augusta ranked third out of 150 cities. In 2023, we improved a little but not enough to get out of the top 10 coming in ninth.

One reason is the age of our homes.

A map of the average age of homes in the metro shows the spots shaded red are areas where most homes are 80 years or older.

Most of the city of Augusta falls into that category, making home fires more likely and often more deadly.

For Christy Beckham, there are photos containing many lessons learned when it comes to her historic home on Greene Street.

“These houses are not efficient but there are things you can do to make them more efficient,” said Beckham.

She says when she bought the at-risk home four years ago, there were many unknowns.

“We ended up spending so much money that we really didn’t understand or didn’t plan for properly. Electrical plumbing, HVAC, the things you don’t see,” she said.

Beckham says they had to replace some original windows, add mini split cooling and heating units and do other renovations because it affects how heat is distributed.

“Some people go to kind of drastic measures to keep your house warm and sometimes it can lead to fires, or you know, damage,” said Beckham.

The American Red Cross says home heating is one of the leading causes of home fires and injury in the country.

Many of these homes were built in the 1960s with not in mind of all the appliances and devices we leave plugged in now.

Beckham says an older home takes time, money and energy to keep safe, but it’s worth it if it’s done right.

“They were so necessary, and they were huge upgrades. This house is now much safer and much more efficient, much warmer in the winter,” said Beckham.

Experts say space heaters should never be left plugged in overnight or plugged into an extension cord.

A fire should never be left burning unattended, and all furnaces, chimneys and stoves should be inspected yearly, especially in older homes that could have more wear and tear.

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