How to Prepare Your Central Texas Home for Winter
In Central Texas, the weather can go from mild to extreme in less time than it takes to check the mail. We’ve pulled together a list of the key areas home owners should be aware of to be prepared for weather events.
1. Protect Exposed Plumbing from Freezing
This is the single most important and potentially expensive step. Austin homes are often not built with the deep insulation or buried pipes of northern climates, leaving them vulnerable to burst pipes during an extended freeze.
Outdoor Faucets (Hose Bibs): Disconnect all outdoor hoses. Cover all outdoor faucets with an inexpensive Styrofoam or insulated faucet cover.
Exposed Pipes: Insulate any pipes located in unheated areas like the attic, garage, crawl spaces, or exterior walls using foam pipe insulation or heat tape.
During a Freeze: Open cabinet doors under sinks (kitchen and bath) to let warm indoor air circulate around the pipes. If temperatures are sustained below freezing, let one or two faucets (both hot and cold) slowly drip to relieve pressure and prevent water from freezing solid.
2. Locate and Test Your Water Shutoff Valve
If a pipe does burst, your ability to quickly turn off the main water supply to the house is the difference between a ruined room and minor damage.
Locate: Know exactly where your main water shutoff valve is (often near the water meter by the street, or where the main line enters the house).
Test: Make sure the valve is not stuck and that you have the proper tool (often a water meter key) to access and turn it off in an emergency. This is not a drill. A functioning shutoff valve is essential to mitigate damage.
3. Seal Air Leaks and Maintain HVAC
Winter efficiency and comfort depend on keeping the cold air out and the warm air in.
Weatherstripping and Caulking: Inspect and replace worn weatherstripping around doors and windows. Use exterior-grade caulk to seal any visible cracks or gaps around window and door frames, utility penetrations, and the foundation.
Heating System Service: Schedule an annual professional inspection of your furnace or heat pump to ensure it's operating safely and efficiently before the coldest weather arrives. Change your air filters.
4. Exterior Maintenance (Gutters & Trees)
Preventing water intrusion and damage from winter storms is key.
Clean Gutters: Clear leaves, branches, and debris from all gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters prevent water from draining properly, leading to ice buildup (ice dams) and water damage to the roof and fascia boards.
Trim Branches: Prune any dead or overhanging tree branches that could fall onto your roof, power lines, or vehicles during high winds or an ice storm.
5. Prepare for Power Outages and Safety
Major Central Texas winter events often involve power outages due to strain on the grid or downed lines.
Emergency Kit: Stock up on basic supplies, including bottled water (1 gallon per person/day), non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and blankets.
Safety Alarms: Test all smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. If you plan to use a fireplace or portable heater, a working CO detector is non-negotiable, as generators and unvented combustion heaters can release deadly gas.
Gas Safety: Never run a portable generator or use a charcoal grill or outdoor propane heater inside your home or garage.
What tips do you have for protecting your Central Texas home?
At Hill Country Luxury Estates, we’re here to be a resource for our clients and future clients, and are always happy to provide recommendations for professionals in our network. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
