Preparing for Winter in Texas

Many may think that “winterizing your home” and “Texas” don’t belong in the same sentence. However, those who persevered through the Great Texas Freeze of 2021 know otherwise.

During that year’s historic second week of February, more than 4 million Texans lost power over 5 days as temperatures plummeted to icy record lows. Winter watches and warnings blanketed the Lone Star State for 8 days, 23 hours, and 23 minutes beginning on Thursday, February 11th, according to the National Weather Service.

On Valentine’s Day 2021, TV screens, computer monitors, and phone screens were lit up with images of Texas in solid pink, indicating that every inch of the state was under a winter storm warning.

In the days that followed, families shivered, pipes froze, businesses closed, store shelves sat empty, and structures of all types suffered severe damage from the winter grip. Texas saw everything from snow, sleet, to dangerously cold conditions.

That storm was proof of Mother Nature’s fickle spirit. While the state eventually thawed, the winter storm of 2021 will serve as a cautionary tale for every Texas winter to come.

Read on for home winterizing tips to keep your family safe and warm should Old Man Winter come knocking.

Outside Winter Home Preparation

Clean the Gutters – Gutters and drains blocked by leaves, twigs, and other debris can hinder drainage resulting in leakage, ice dams, and possibly structural damage.

Get the Chimney Inspected – When cold temperatures set in, a fireplace offers cozy firelight and comfort. But safe preparation is essential. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), annual inspections provide early detection of problems that could cause fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, or structural deterioration.

Remove Hoses – Disconnect all outdoor hoses and drain as much water as possible from them. Store the hoses in a garage, basement, or other warmer site to help prevent damage to hoses.

Cover Faucets – Often referred to as the faucet or spigot, your home’s hose bibb is susceptible to freezing during cold temperatures. Before freezing temperatures hit, be sure to cover and insulate all outdoor faucets to help keep any water in the pipes from freezing.

Reduce Watering Cycles – “Reduce your watering cycles on your irrigation systems,” advises Jaie Barnett, customer service manager with John Houston Homes. “If your irrigation system shut-off is above ground, please be sure to shut off the water supply to the system to help prevent freezing and bursting.”

Inside Winter Home Preparation

Let It Drip – Ruptured pipes can cause catastrophic water damage. Give your pipes a fighting chance against frigid temps by leaving your indoor faucets dripping. That slight trickle of water helps prevent water and pipes from freezing, especially in exterior walls.

Open Cabinet Doors – Open the cabinet doors beneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks to help circulate warm air around the pipes. Pay special attention to plumbing fixtures and pipes located in exterior walls.

Reverse Fans – Did you know your angled fan blades can make a big difference in your home’s ambiance? While spinning your fan blades counterclockwise during the summer helps cool you, reversing the blades during winter will help warm you and save energy. This is because warm air rises, and the clockwise motion of fan blades will help pull cooler air upwards while forcing warm air downward. Change your fan blade direction with a simple flip of a switch on your fan base or remote control.

Seal Up Cracks and Crevices – Keep cold, outdoor air from seeping into your warm home by sealing up doors and windows with weatherstripping and sealants. Caulking may also be used around drafty baseboards and crown molding. Keeping cold air out will not only keep you warmer, but it will minimize your energy costs, as well.

Change Furnace Filters – Improve airflow and reduce energy costs by changing your air filters before your furnace is put to work. Dirty air filters will dramatically reduce furnace efficiency. Help your furnace achieve optimal performance by changing out the filters every two to three months. Remember to clean your furnace and air vents as well.

Tune Up Your Furnace – The best way to be sure your furnace is ready for a chilly winter is to schedule a tune-up with a trusted HVAC professional. Regular maintenance will improve efficiency, help detect potential problems, and ensure that any repairs are promptly addressed.

Additional Tips for Winterizing Your Home

Connect with Neighbors – “If traveling during the holiday season, be sure to let a neighbor know just in case there is a freeze alert. That way, they can check your home and notify you should a freeze break occur and water is pouring out,” advises John Houston Homes’ Barnett.

Maintain Detectors – Be sure to test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends testing smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button, replacing batteries at least once a year, and replacing the entire smoke alarm every 10 years. If the alarm chirps to warn the battery is low, replace the battery right away. 

Prepare for the Unexpected – It’s always a good idea to keep dry firewood in your garage and extra food in the pantry in the event of an extended power outage. An emergency kit complete with flashlights, a radio, batteries, and other supplies is also helpful.

Know Your Valves – Take advantage of good weather to get familiar with your property’s main water valve location. Also, make sure family members know where individual shut-off valves are for water heaters, dishwashers, sinks, and toilets. Knowing where your shut-off valves are can save you from thousands of dollars in damage. Consider placing a tag near shut-off valves for easy identification.

Want more information?

Contact a John Houston Homes New Home Advisor today at 866-734-9085!