Preparing for a Freeze

Top Tips to Winterize Your Home

In a city known for its scorching summers, Houston, Texas, occasionally experiences a surprising dip in temperatures, catching both residents and their homes off guard. When winter brings an unexpected chill, it’s crucial to be proactive in preparing your home for freezing weather. In this guide, we’ll explore top tips to winterize your home in Houston, ensuring you stay comfortable and secure during those rare freezing days.

Seal Drafts and Gaps: Inspect your home for any drafts or gaps around windows and doors. Apply weatherstripping to seal these openings and prevent cold air from infiltrating your living spaces. Addressing drafts is a cost-effective way to enhance your home’s insulation.
Insulate Pipes: Houston’s homes are not typically designed with freezing temperatures in mind. Protect your pipes by insulating them with pipe sleeves or heat tape. Pay particular attention to pipes located in attics, crawl spaces, or near exterior walls. This precautionary step can prevent the nightmare of burst pipes during a freeze.
Check Heating Systems: Test your heating systems well in advance of the cold weather’s arrival. Ensure your furnace is in good working condition by changing filters regularly and scheduling professional maintenance if necessary. If you have a fireplace, have it inspected and cleaned to guarantee safe and efficient operation.
Protect Against Backflow Houston homeowners with irrigation systems should pay special attention to backflow preventers. Before freezing conditions set in, it’s crucial to drain the backflow preventer to prevent it from freezing and potentially causing damage.
Cover Outdoor Plants: While freezes in Houston are infrequent, it’s wise to protect sensitive outdoor plants. Cover them with frost blankets or burlap to shield them from the cold and frost. Potted plants can be brought indoors temporarily to avoid damage.
Prepare an Emergency Kit: As a precaution, assemble an emergency kit that includes essentials such as blankets, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and bottled water. While power outages are less common during freezes in Houston, having a kit ready ensures you’re prepared for unforeseen circumstances.
Fireplace Inspection If you have a fireplace, it’s essential to schedule a professional inspection before the onset of freezing weather. A fireplace can be a wonderful source of warmth during cold nights, but it must be in good working condition to ensure safety. A certified chimney sweep can inspect the chimney, flue, and overall fireplace structure, identifying and addressing any potential issues such as blockages or creosote buildup. Regular inspections not only enhance safety but also optimize the efficiency of your fireplace, providing a cozy and secure ambiance during chilly evenings.

By taking these proactive steps, you can winterize your home in Houston, making it more resilient to freezing temperatures and ensuring a warm and comfortable haven for you and your family.