Even though is it unseasonably warm this month, our coldest temperatures of the year can occur in February. In preparation for the coldest season, read along for our trusted tips and tricks to keep your home in tip-top shape this winter.
Indoor Preparation
Check Your Heating Systems
Check and change your filters if needed, since most filters should be changed at least twice a year.
Be Prepared for Freezes
If there’s a freeze in the forecast, be sure to leave faucets dripping, insulate pipes where possible, open the cabinets below the sinks and keep your thermostat at a steady temperature. This will prevent frozen pipes.
Prevent Heat From Escaping Your Home
Keep your residence warm all winter by replacing any damaged weather strips along your doors and caulking windows where there might be a draft.
Outdoor Preparation
Clean the Gutters
Give your gutters a quick sweep to remove any remaining leaves, sticks and debris from the fall. This will ensure that melting ice from freezes can properly drain.
Trim Your Trees
If you have trees that tower over your property, make sure you remove any problem branches that may break and cause damage to your house when winter storms bring wind, rain and ice.
Be Prepared for Freezes
If there’s a chance of a freeze, here are some tips from Austin Water to best ready your home. (Provided from Austin Water and austintexas.gov)
Freeze Preparation
Locate Your Water Shut Off
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Locate the water main shutoff valve and keep it clear of debris and obstacles at all times. For most homes, the property owner’s shutoff valve is on your side of the water meter at the meter box. For renters, please consult with your property manager.
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If you cannot find your shutoff valve or if it is damaged, then you should be prepared to access the City shutoff valve in the meter box. You may need a water meter key to open the meter box, which can be purchased at most hardware stores.
Turn Your Indoor Faucets To Drip
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Dripping your indoor faucets will prevent drastic temperatures from causing a busted or leaky pipe. Make sure to leave all faucets, both hot and cold, on a steady drip until the freeze has passed.
Weatherize Exposed Pipes and Water Heaters
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Prepare to insulate pipes in unheated and drafty areas, such as an attic or garage. Also, check manufacturer recommendations for your tanked and tankless water heaters. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry insulation to help keep pipes from freezing. Get all supplies now so you are ready to wrap pipes and water heaters when a winter storm is approaching.
Weatherize to Keep Out Cold Air
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Make repairs to broken or drafty windows, doors, and walls. Seal all leaks in crawl spaces and basements. Winterize unheated spaces and be prepared to close garage doors for the duration of the freeze. Gather supplies to cover vents on your home’s foundation.
Outside Faucets
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You should remember to turn off irrigation systems during the winter months to help conserve water. Prepare supplies to wrap outside faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator.
Gather Supplies to be Prepared
Having these supplies on hand will help you be prepared and avoid the rush at stores when the first winter storm of the season approaches.
- Water meter key - to access your meter box (if needed)
- Insulation for indoor and outdoor pipes and hot water heaters
- Hose bib covers for outdoor faucets
- Battery-powered radio and flashlight
- One gallon of water per person and pet per day for seven days
