As the cold embrace of freezing weather settles upon Austin, Texas, the importance of preparing your home for plummeting temperatures cannot be overstated. These proactive measures not only ensure your comfort and well-being indoors but also serve as a vital shield to protect your property from the unforgiving winter chill. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into additional tips and strategies, equipping you with the knowledge and tools necessary to fortify your home against the impending frost. So, let's dive in and make sure your home is fully prepared to weather the chill with confidence!

See our helpful video below with 9 helpful tips to winterize your home:

Pipes

  • Know the Location of Your Water Meter
  • Know Where Your Water Meter Is Located: Understanding where your water meter is located and how to turn off the water is a crucial step in protecting your home from frozen or burst pipes. In the event of a pipe emergency, quick access to the water meter allows you to shut off the water supply promptly, minimizing potential damage. 
  • Have Your Tools Ready: turning off the water may require a crescent wrench, or a water meter key.
  • Frozen Pipes Suspected?: If no water comes out of faucet/there's only a slow trickle and you believe your pipes might be frozen, turn off the water to your home and open the faucet so water will flow when water has melted.
  • Drip your faucets, especially those facing exterior walls!
    • This will help prevent pipes from freezing. Be sure to do this on both sides (a little bit of hot and cold).
  • Disconnect and drain all garden hoses.
  • Insulate exposed outdoor pipes with towels or foam covers, and cover outside faucets.
  • Turn off your sprinkler system.
  • Seal windows and doors to minimize incoming drafts.
  • Keeping your garage doors closed will help keep cold air out and can protect plumbing fixtures.

Plants

  • Bring potted plants indoors.
  • Cover your plants with lightweight, breathable and insulating materials: straw, bubble wrap, blankets, bed sheets, towels, newspaper.

Pool

  • Keep your pool pump continuously running when temperatures remain close to freezing. As long as water moves through the pipes, it wont freeze.
  • Cover pump equipment with a Styrofoam "tent" or box for insulation.
  • Put the pool cover on so any sun will insulate and keep it warm.
  • Contact your pool professional for further tips or advice if needed.

Staying Safe While Staying Warm

  • Close off nonessential rooms.
  • Stuff towels or rags in cracks under exterior doors.
  • Never leave space heaters, heating pads, and electric blankets unattended while in use.
  • To avoid injury/illness, never heat your house with a gas oven or burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented. Do not burn paper in a fireplace.
  • Check that all carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are working.
  • Keep heat sources, like space heaters, at least 3 feet away from drapes, furniture or bedding.

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The Robert J Fischer Team is comprised of specialists, who all focus on what they do best and work together to make the home selling and buying processes as smooth as possible. Each member of our team fights every day to help our clients meet their real estate goals and do what is best for their families. Whether you’re looking to sell a house, an office building, or hundreds of acres, we would love the opportunity to talk with you about putting our best-in-class marketing solutions and services to work for you.