12/05/2025
To prepare your home for Winter review the following action items.
To prepare your Texas home for winter, focus on pipe protection, draft sealing, and heating system checks, including insulating pipes, sealing windows/doors with caulk/weatherstripping, draining outdoor water, and servicing your HVAC and fireplace for efficient warmth and to prevent frozen pipes and potential CO buildup from heating issues.
Plumbing & Water
- Insulate Pipes: Cover exposed pipes in unheated areas (attic, crawl spaces, outside) with foam insulation, rags, or newspapers to prevent freezing.
- Disconnect Hoses: Disconnect all outdoor hoses and drain them; store them in a garage or shed.
- Drain Sprinklers: Shut down and drain your irrigation system.
- Protect Faucets: Put covers over outdoor spigots.
- Open Cabinets: During freezes, open under-sink cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around pipes.
- Drip Faucets: Allow a slow trickle of water from faucets to prevent freezing.
- Know Your Shut-Off: Locate your main water shut-off valve.
Heating & Airflow
- HVAC Service: Get your heating system professionally inspected and change filters.
- Seal Drafts: Caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors to block cold air.
- Increase Insulation: Add insulation to your attic and walls if needed.
- Reverse Ceiling Fans: Run fans clockwise on low to push warm air down.
- Check Fireplace: Clean your chimney and have it inspected for safety.
Safety & Emergency
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors: Install and test battery-operated CO detectors, especially near heating sources.
- Smoke Alarms: Test regularly and replace batteries yearly.
- Power Outage Kit: Prepare for potential power loss with emergency supplies like water, blankets, and flashlights.
Exterior & Yard
- Clean Gutters: Clear leaves and debris to prevent ice dams.
- Inspect Roof: Check for damage after heavy winds or storms.
- Clear Yard: Trim dead branches that could fall on the house.