Winterizing Your Central Texas Home: What to Do Before the Temperature Drops

Snowpocalypse Central Texas

Winterizing Your Central Texas Home: What to Do Before the Temperature Drops

Winter in Central Texas can be unpredictable—mild one week and freezing the next. Sudden cold snaps, ice storms, and hard freezes have become more common in recent years, catching many homeowners off guard. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way toward protecting your home, preventing costly repairs, and keeping your family comfortable.

Here’s your essential guide to winterizing a Central Texas home.

1. Protect Outdoor Faucets & Exposed Pipes

Central Texas homes often have exposed piping that isn’t built for extended freezes.

  • Cover outdoor spigots with foam faucet covers.
  • Wrap exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or heat tape.
  • Don’t forget irrigation back flow preventers—wrap and insulate them well.

2. Prepare Your Indoor Plumbing

Even indoor pipes can freeze in significant cold spells.

  • Open cabinet doors under sinks (especially ones on exterior walls) to allow warm air to circulate.
  • Let faucets drip (both hot and cold) during hard freezes.
  • Know where your main water shutoff valve is located and how to turn off the water to your home—just in case.

3. HVAC Tune-Up

Your HVAC system works hard in winter too.

  • Replace or clean air filters.
  • Have a professional check your heater/furnace.
  • Test your thermostat before the cold arrives.

4. Weatherproof Doors & Windows

Older Central Texas homes in particular can leak heat.

  • Add or replace weatherstripping and sweeps around doors.
  • Replace worn caulk to seal window gaps.
  • Consider thermal curtains to keep heat in overnight.

5. Protect Your Plants & Outdoor Equipment

Central Texas landscaping often includes plants that don’t love freezing temps.

  • Bring potted plants indoors or into the garage.
  • Cover sensitive shrubs with frost cloth (not plastic).
  • Disconnect hoses and cover hose bibs to prevent water buildup and freezing.

6. Check Your Fireplace or Chimney

If you use your fireplace even occasionally:

  • Inspect and clean the chimney for creosote.
  • Ensure the damper opens and closes properly.
  • Stock up on dry firewood.

7. Prepare an Emergency Kit

Texas winter storms have caused outages in the past. Keep the following stocked:

  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Blankets
  • Bottled water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Portable chargers
  • Battery-powered weather radio

Final Thoughts

Winterizing doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be done before the first freeze rolls in. A few simple steps now can save you from major headaches later.

Stay warm, stay prepared, and stay safe this winter in Central Texas!