Winterize Your Home: Essential Tips to Prepare for the Cold
Despite the fact that we’ve seen record high temperatures this year, experts are predicting harsh winter weather for central Texas in the months to come. Ensuring your home is ready for freezing temperatures is crucial for comfort, energy efficiency, and protecting your property from damage. As winter approaches, here are ten tips to help you winterize your home effectively:
1. Seal Air Leaks
Drafts are a common source of heat loss. Inspect windows, doors, and areas around electrical outlets or plumbing for gaps. Use caulk to seal cracks and apply weatherstripping to doors and windows. Adding a door sweep can prevent cold air from sneaking in underneath.
2. Enhance Insulation
Proper insulation is essential to maintain a warm interior. Focus on the attic, basement, and walls, as these areas are prone to heat loss. If your attic lacks sufficient insulation, consider adding more. We recommend going through TruTeam to help you find a local contractor for insulation services (among a ton of others!).
3. Inspect Your Heating System
Schedule a professional check-up for your furnace or boiler. Replace air filters to maximize efficiency and ensure vents are clean and clear. If you use a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned to avoid blockages or potential fire hazards. When it comes to all things HVAC, we’ve had good luck with both Stan’s AC and Alpine Heating & Air Conditioning.
4. Protect Your Plumbing
Frozen pipes can burst and cause extensive damage. Drain outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems, and disconnect hoses. Insulate indoor pipes in unheated areas such as the garage, basement, or crawlspace. For extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly to prevent freezing. While it’s not a bad idea to have a plumber come out and check, especially if it’s been a while since one has been to your house, a great deal of the items you’ll need to protect your outdoor pipes from freezing temperatures can be purchased from your nearest hardware store. If you’re looking for a plumber in the greater Austin area, we love Roger’s Plumbing and Affordable Plumbing.
5. Service Your Roof
Inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles and repair any issues before snowfall. A sturdy, well-maintained roof prevents leaks and keeps your home insulated. If you’re looking for roof repair in the Austin area, we highly, highly recommend Mercury Exteriors – 512-729-ROOF (7663). Be sure to tell them the folks from Mueller Residential Group sent you!
6. Maintain Your Gutters
Clean gutters are essential for proper water drainage during winter. Remove leaves and debris to avoid blockages that can lead to ice dams, which can damage your roof and walls.
This is another service we recommend Mercury Exteriors for.
7. Upgrade Your Windows
Older windows can allow significant heat loss. Consider installing storm windows or applying window insulation film. Thermal curtains can also add an extra layer of protection against the cold. Once again, our friends at Mercury Exteriors are the pros to call if you’re in the greater Austin area and need help with your windows. We also recommend Titan Siding & Windows, or good ol’ Home Depot.
8. Stock Up on Winter Essentials
Prepare for winter storms by having emergency supplies on hand. Stockpile batteries, flashlights, a first-aid kit, bottled water, and non-perishable food. If you rely on electric heat, consider a backup heat source, like a portable propane heater, but use it safely and in well-ventilated areas. An ice scraper for the car is always a good idea, and if you have the room and the money to spare, we’ve actually put a snow shovel to use during the last few winter storms.
9. Reverse Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help distribute warm air. Switch the direction of your fan blades to rotate clockwise during winter. This pushes warm air downward, keeping your living spaces more comfortable.
10. Test Safety Equipment
Winter increases the risk of house fires and carbon monoxide exposure. Check and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure you have a fire extinguisher in an accessible location.
11. Protect Your Plants
You’ll need to bring plants and flowering trees inside before the first cold snap. Typically, you should bring your plants in before temperatures dip below 45 degrees F.
12. Bring the Outdoor Things In
Cold temperatures, snow and ice can damage normally hearty outdoor items like patio furniture and grills. If possible, store them in the garage. If you have a gas grill with a propane tank, close the tank valve and disconnect the tank first. Propane must be stored outside. If you don’t have storage space for your items, look into purchasing covers to protect them from the elements.
Winterizing your home ensures you stay warm, save on energy costs, and avoid costly repairs caused by extreme weather. By sealing air leaks, improving insulation, and preparing your heating system, you can enjoy a safe, cozy winter season. Act now before the temperatures drop to maximize your home’s comfort and efficiency.
For more help keeping your home healthy, or if you need more recommendations on service providers, feel free to reach out to us here at Mueller Residential Group. You can email us at [email protected], or text/call us (512) 829-1351.
Or if reading all of that has made you decide you’d rather just sell your home and move somewhere where they don’t have winter at all, we’d be happy to help you make that move!