MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Frigid winters are nothing new for Mitchell, but last year was particularly brutal, with lows in the negative teens for five days straight from Jan. 22-26. Lows that stay that low can easily freeze the pipes in your home. No DIY-er wants to winterize when it’s already freezing outside. So now’s the time to inspect the pipes in your basement and attic to make sure they’re insulated, and that any existing insulation hasn’t fallen off or fallen apart. Here are three reasons to add pipe insulation to your to-do list while it’s still fairly warm outside:

1. Insulation prevents pipes from freezing

Frozen water inside pipes can start what’s essentially a chain reaction that can cause pipes to expand. When pipes expand, the resulting pressure can cause them to burst. By insulating pipes, homeowners can prevent them from freezing. Insulating pipes that are already behind a wall is not a simple job, so it’s best left to a professional. But pipes that are along exterior walls should be insulated to ensure they do not freeze when temperatures drop and remain low. Pipes in attics, basements and crawl spaces may be exposed, and homeowners may be able to insulate these on their own, though novices might still want to leave this important job to a professional.

2. Insulating pipes can save you money

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that insulating hot water pipes saves energy and money. According to the DOE, insulating water pipes reduces heat loss and can raise water temperature by as much as 2-4 degrees. That allows homeowners to lower the temperature setting on their water heaters, which saves money. Insulating pipes also reduces the time it takes for water to warm up when turning on a faucet or shower, which in turn leads to less water consumption and lower water bills.

3. Insulation is inexpensive

Homeowners who have grown accustomed to costly repairs and renovations should know that insulating pipes, particularly exposed pipes, is an inexpensive project. While it will cost more to insulate pipes within walls due to the extra work required to access such areas and address them once insulation has been installed, insulating those pipes, especially if they’re along exterior walls, can greatly reduce the risk for potentially costly damage down the road. Insulating pipes is a worthwhile undertaking for all homeowners, and it’s one way South Dakotans can get ready for another frigid winter, so you have one less thing to worry about when the temperatures drop.