Prepare Your Texas Home for Winter—Texas winters may not be the coldest, but your home still needs seasonal attention. Taking a few precautionary steps now will save you money on major repairs later. And it could make your home stay cozy, energy-efficient, and safe during the colder months. Here’s your guide to prepping your home for winter in Texas.
Prepare Your Texas Home for Winter
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Inspect Your HVAC System – Prepare Heat for Texas Winter
Before relying on your heater, schedule a maintenance check for your HVAC system. A technician can inspect for any issues and ensure it operates efficiently. Replacing old filters and properly calibrating your system will help keep your home warm without spiking your energy bill. Learn more about preparing your HVAC system for Texas winter.
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Check for Drafts
Don’t let cold air seep into your home through unnoticed gaps. Carefully check windows and doors for any drafts and apply weatherstripping or caulk where needed. Attention to areas around vents and electrical outlets can also help prevent heat loss.
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Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Fall leaves and debris can block your gutters, leading to water damage when winter rains arrive. Clean out the gutters and ensure downspouts are directing water away from your home’s foundation. This will help prevent potential damage from pooling water or ice.
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Inspect the Roof
Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements, so inspect it for loose or damaged shingles. Addressing minor issues now can prevent water from seeping into your home during the wet season, avoiding costly repairs down the road.
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Examine Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers
Protect your outdoor plumbing by draining and disconnecting hoses and covering exposed faucets. While freezes are less common in Texas, an unexpected cold snap can cause damage if pipes aren’t insulated or prepared properly.
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Service Your Lawn Equipment
With less lawn care required during winter, it’s a good time to maintain your lawn equipment. Clean, sharpen, and store everything correctly so it’s ready for use when warmer weather returns.
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Revitalize Your Landscape
Prepare your yard for winter by pruning overgrown shrubs and trimming back tree branches. Adding mulch around your plants will help protect roots from colder temperatures and give your yard a healthy start when spring arrives.
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Check and Clean the Chimney and Fireplace
If you enjoy a cozy fire during the winter, make sure your chimney and fireplace are ready. Hire a professional to clean out creosote buildup and check that your damper functions correctly. These steps reduce the risk of chimney fires and ensure proper ventilation.
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Inspect Outdoor Lighting
With longer nights ahead, outdoor lighting becomes even more important. Walk around your property to check that all lights are functioning. Replacing burnt-out bulbs and cleaning fixtures will enhance safety and visibility around your home.
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Test Safety Devices
Winter means more time indoors, so be sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in top working order. Test each unit and replace the batteries if necessary. Confirm that you have adequate coverage in key areas, such as near bedrooms and heat sources.
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Review & Update Your Home Emergency Kit
In case of power outages or severe weather, make sure your home emergency kit is ready. Check that you have essentials like bottled water, blankets, flashlights, and non-perishable food. If you’ve added family members or pets recently, update your kit to include their needs as well.
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Switch Ceiling Fan Direction
Ceiling fans should spin clockwise in the winter to circulate warm air from the ceiling back down into the room. Flipping the switch on your fan can make your home feel warmer and help reduce the strain on your heating system.
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Inspect and Clean the Dryer Vent
Lint buildup in dryer vents can pose a fire risk, so take time to clean it out thoroughly. A well-maintained dryer vent reduces fire hazards and improves the dryer’s efficiency, helping to keep energy costs down.
The Bottom Line
By following this checklist, you are well on your way to a winter-ready home. Taking care of these tasks now can prevent costly repairs, enhance your comfort, and ensure your home is ready for whatever the Texas winter brings.
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