Do you know how to winterize your home?

Some of us here in Texas moved from a more winter heavy state and now happy to not have to shovel their driveway just to leave the house. Then there are people like me who grew up here and have would not know what to do with more than a foot of snow. :) 

Winterizing your home in Texas involves preparing for occasional cold snaps that can damage pipes, increase heating costs, and impact comfort. Here are the best tips:

1. Protect Your Pipes:

Wrap outdoor pipes, hose bibs, and pipes in unheated areas (garage, attic) with foam pipe insulation or heat tape. Disconnect and store hoses. Drain garden hoses and store them indoors. Cover outdoor spigots with insulated covers. Let faucets drip. During extreme cold, let indoor faucets trickle to prevent freezing in pipes.

2. Seal Drafts:

Weatherstrip doors and windows. Install or replace weatherstripping around doors and windows to block cold air.

Caulk gaps. Seal cracks around windows, doors, and other openings like wiring or plumbing penetrations. Install door sweeps. Use door sweeps on the bottoms of doors leading outside.

3. Prepare Your HVAC System:

Inspect your furnace. Have your furnace professionally serviced and replace air filters for efficient operation.

Reverse ceiling fans. Set ceiling fans to spin clockwise on low speed to circulate warm air. Inspect ductwork for leaks and seal them to improve heating efficiency.

4. Maintain Your Gutters:

Clean out gutters Remove leaves and debris to prevent ice dams that can damage your roof. Ensure proper drainage. Check downspouts to ensure water flows away from your home’s foundation.

5. Insulate Key Areas

Add attic insulation. Ensure your attic is well-insulated to prevent heat loss. Protect water heater.  Install an insulating blanket around your water heater if it’s in an unheated area.

6. Prepare for Power Outages:

Install weather-stripping. Keep cold air out in case of an outage. Stock emergency supplies. Have extra blankets, flashlights, and non-perishable food ready. Protect your plumbing. Know how to shut off your water supply if pipes burst.

7. Outdoor Prep:

Trim trees. Remove dead or weak branches that could fall on your home or power lines in a storm.Protect plants. Cover sensitive plants with blankets or move potted plants indoors.

8. Test Safety Devices:

Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries and ensure they’re working.

9. Chimney and Fireplace Care:

Clean and inspect your chimney. If you use a fireplace, ensure it’s cleaned and free of creosote buildup. Close the flue. When the fireplace is not in use, close the flue to prevent heat loss.

These tips will help you stay warm, save money, and avoid potential damage during a Texas winter.