6 Steps to Winterize Your Home Before a Freeze

Winter in Texas can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from mild to freezing and the occasional snowstorm. To prepare your home for a freeze or winter storm, it’s important to take a few simple steps to winterize it. Here are five things you can do to get your home ready for winter:

Protect your outdoor plants

Cold weather can be hard on outdoor plants, especially those that are tender or not well-suited to the climate. To protect your plants from frost and freeze damage, consider covering them with blankets, plastic sheeting, or other materials. You can also bring potted plants indoors or move them to a sheltered area to provide extra protection. Don’t forget to water your plants well before a freeze to help them withstand the cold.

Stock up on winter essentials

Make sure you have plenty of warm blankets, sweaters, and other winter gear on hand to keep you and your family comfortable during the colder months. It’s also a good idea to have some non-perishable food items and bottled water on hand in case of a winter storm or power outage.

Open cabinets and drawers

If you have cabinets or drawers located near exterior walls or pipes, consider opening them slightly during cold weather. This will allow warm air to circulate around the pipes and help prevent them from freezing. Just be sure to remove any breakable items or valuables from the cabinets before opening them to prevent accidents.

Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order, and replace the batteries if necessary. Having functioning detectors is especially important during the winter, when heating systems and fireplaces are in use more frequently.

Turn off your irrigation system

If you have an irrigation system, make sure to turn it off completely (including the water line to the irrigation system) before a freeze. This will help prevent the water in the pipes from freezing and potentially bursting.

Keep your pool pump running

If you have a pool, consider keeping the pump running to prevent freezing. Water movement helps to prevent ice from forming. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific pump, as some pumps may not be designed to run continuously. It’s also a good idea to keep the pool covered to provide additional protection against the cold.

By taking these simple steps to winterize your home, you can help protect it from the cold and ensure that you and your family stay warm and comfortable all winter long.