Even though Austin is known for its mild winters, extreme cold snaps can still catch homeowners off guard. Taking steps to winterize your home can prevent costly repairs and keep things running smoothly when temperatures drop. Here’s a guide to help you prepare your house for winter in Austin, Texas.

1. Cover Your Hose Bibs

Hose bibs are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Here’s what to do:

• Remove and store garden hoses to prevent trapped water from freezing and damaging the connection.

• Use insulated covers or DIY materials like towels and duct tape to protect your hose bibs.

This simple step can prevent costly water damage from burst pipes.

2. Wrap Exposed Pipes

Exposed pipes, whether outside or in your crawl space, are at high risk of freezing during a cold snap.

• Use pipe insulation sleeves or foam to wrap pipes in unheated areas like your attic, garage, or exterior walls.

• For additional protection, cover the insulation with duct tape to keep it secure.

Wrapping pipes is an affordable way to avoid freezing and bursting.

3. Check Your Crawl Space

If your home has a crawl space, don’t overlook it when winterizing.

• Inspect the area for uninsulated supply lines and wrap them with foam insulation or heat tape.

• Ensure crawl space vents are sealed or covered to block drafts.

This precaution can protect the pipes under your home and save you from potential water damage.

4. Drip Your Faucets During Freezes

During freezing weather, keep your faucets dripping slightly. This prevents pipes from freezing by relieving pressure.

• Drip both hot and cold faucets in sinks and tubs.

• Focus on faucets connected to pipes that run along exterior walls.

Moving water is less likely to freeze, and this small measure can save you from big plumbing headaches.

5. Inspect and Maintain Your Heating System

A sudden freeze isn’t the time to discover your heater isn’t working properly.

• Schedule an HVAC inspection to ensure your heating system is in top shape.

• Replace air filters to maximize efficiency.

• Test your thermostat and consider upgrading to a programmable model to optimize energy use during cold weather.

6. Protect Your Water Heater

If your water heater is located in the garage or an unheated area, it could be at risk.

• Insulate your water heater with a specialized blanket to reduce heat loss.

• Check for leaks or corrosion that could worsen during winter.

7. Seal Drafts Around Doors and Windows

Cold air sneaking in through gaps can make your home less comfortable and increase heating bills.

• Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal gaps around doors and windows.

• Add door sweeps to the bottoms of exterior doors for extra insulation.

Keeping drafts out helps your home retain heat more efficiently.

8. Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

Winter storms in Austin can occasionally lead to power outages. Be prepared with:

• Flashlights, batteries, and blankets

• Bottled water in case of a pipe freeze or burst

• A backup heating source, like a space heater or fireplace (if you have one), and extra firewood

9. Bonus Tips for Homeowners

• Inspect your roof for loose shingles or leaks that could worsen in freezing rain.

• Trim back trees near power lines to avoid outages from falling branches during ice storms.

• Make sure your gutters are clear to prevent ice buildup.

Final Thoughts

Winterizing your Austin home doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require some attention to detail. By taking these preventative steps, you can safeguard your property from freezing temperatures and enjoy peace of mind all winter long.

Have any tips or questions about preparing your home for winter? Share them in the comments or contact us for more advice!