Essential tips to prepare your home for winter weather.
Winter is just around the corner and we’re excited! Finally our favorite time of the year, when it might finally be cold enough we don’t have to have the HVAC on all day! No, no, we’re joking. We know as much as you do that winter in Texas can be a bit weird. Some years we don’t drop below freezing, and other years we get tons of snow dumped on us. Since we can’t tell what winter will bring, we’re going to go over the full list of ways to prepare your home for winter.
This time, we’re starting inside the house. We’re looking at everything that needs to be done at least once a year, since we really don’t want to go outside right now.
Let’s start by tackling the fans. If you forgot to do it in the fall (or didn’t need to yet) now is the time to switch your fan to rotate clockwise. This will force the warm air downwards and help keep you warmer.
Next up, let’s hit the kitchen for a few things.
Here you’re going to want to
Change the air filter on your refrigerator. It should be done at least every six months, and since we last did it in summer, now is the ideal time. Look inside your refrigerator towards the back top of the inside, and that is where most filters are located.
Change the water filter on your refrigerator. This one is an every six months task in most households, but for some it’ll be every six. Either way, for most you’re still going to be looking inside the refrigerator towards the top. Many times it’s a matter of popping down a hatch and twisting to remove the old filter. Keep a cloth handy as it can make a bit of a mess.
While we’re still poking at your refrigerator, take a few minutes to clean the coils. This is another one of those quarterly tasks, and somehow we still forget it. All you need is your vacuum and a brush attachment to be able to reach back behind the fridge and brush everything down. Once you’ve given them a good scrub, you’re good to go for another three months.
Now let’s go over to your furnace and change the filters there. Since we don’t handle furnaces we can’t give you any generaltieis on where a filter will be located, but your manual should have it handy.
Now let’s take a wander around the house. If you’re easily chilled you can do this without anything, if not, you might want to bring a candle with you. We’re going to be looking for drafts.
As you wander see if you find any areas near doors, windows or exterior walls that are unusually cold, or where your candle flame wavers. You want to find the drafts, mark them with a pencil and then when you’re done you can come back and start the next step.
That next step is going to be one of three things.
Caulk or patch the hole in question.
If there isn’t a hole, it’s just an old window, you might consider putting up some window film for the winter.
If it’s a wall rather than a window, you might consider that the insulation in that area is poor and you’ll need to find out a) why it doesn’t have any, such as pests, and b) how to go about replacing or adding it.
Adding in various forms of insulation will make a huge difference in keeping your home warm this winter. Even just small tips like patching interior holes and putting film over or in the windows can as well. You’ll also notice the change that it makes in your electric bill, as the insulation will make it easier to stay at a set temperature.
Courtesy of justynkalp
One area that does need to be looked at, but we understand if you’re not wanting to do it, would be the attic. Heat rises, and if there is no insulation in your attic, all of the heat that goes up is going to be coming out. For that reason, we firmly believe in checking it every three to six months. While up there, you’ll also want to look for any pests, holes or mold
Test Smoke, Carbon Monoxide Detectors
One last thing is that if you didn’t change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the fall, you need to do them now. Not only iis it a good habit, but if you’re relying on heaters or a fire place to keep warm, you need to be able to keep an eye on these levels.
While you’re at it, check on the fire extinguisher, to make sure that it’s still in date.
With that, we’re done! Well. With the inside. Now it’s time to throw on a coat and take a walk around outside, as it’s time to check the house out on the outside.
We might as well work top to bottom while we’re doing this, so it’s up to the roof for you or whatever helpers you can wrangle for this.
Start by taking a look at the shingles.. You’ll want to look for any that are curling or cracked, and keep an eye out for any that are missing. You’ll also need to take a look at the metal flashing around your chimney, pipes and any skylights. If any of these are an issue, you’ll need a roofer before the winter rains really hit.
Courtesy of stux.
Next up, you’ll want to take a look at the gutters. Are there any breaks or leaks in the gutters or the downspouts? Clean out any leaves or debris that have built up, and patch any damage you can find now.
A final step for on top of the roof is seeing if any trees need to be trimmed back to keep pests like mice, raccoons or squirrels from making a winter home in your roof. While we don’t recommend doing it yourself unless you’re trained to do so, it does help to have an idea of whether or not it’s an issue in the first place.
Courtesy of Marc Pascual
Once back on the ground, let’s keep pests in mind. With colder weather coming, they’re going to look for places to keep warm. Go around looking for food and water sources they can get at, as well as any cracks or crevices. You’ll want to get rid of any water sources like dripping faucets, as well as any food they can easily get at, and patch any cracks you come across.
While you’re looking around for water, it’s also a good time to drain your sprinkler system and any outdoor water features you have. Having those pipes explode in the depths of winter is not fun, and the damage afterwards is annoying to clean up.
To protect your outdoor faucets from freezing, start by disconnecting any attached hoses and storing them away. Next, drain any water remaining in the faucet by opening it fully. If your faucets have shut-off valves inside the house, turn those off as well. For extra protection, cover the faucets with insulated covers, which you can find at most hardware stores. These simple steps can help prevent frozen pipes and costly repairs during the winter.
Since you have the water features and faucets cleaned up, we might as well take a look at the landscaping. Trimming back unwanted plants isn’t just a matter of pulling out things that you didn’t want growing, it’s also a matter of reducing hiding spots for pests, and protecting the foundation of your home if they’re growing too close. All of this is most easily done during colder weather.
Next up, we’ll want to tackle the dryer exhaust duct. It’s one that you need to do at least once a year, as too much build up can prevent your dryer from not only drying efficiently, but it can cause house fires. If you can access it on your own, you might not need to call in a professional. Make sure to vacuum every nook and cranny though, or you’ll have to do this again much sooner than next winter.
Our final two tips are to clean out and cover your grill.
It’s time to give it a good deep cleaning before you put it away for the winter. Scrub the grates, scrub the outside and make sure to follow any of the manufacturer’s instructions.
Now that your home is winter-ready inside and out, you can enjoy the season without worrying about unexpected surprises. Whether you’re relaxing by the fire or spending time with loved ones, knowing your home is prepped can bring peace of mind.
If you discover any issues with your appliances along the way—whether it’s a refrigerator coil that won’t stay clean or a dryer duct that needs professional attention—our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. We’ll ensure your appliances stay in top shape, so you can focus on what truly matters this winter. Reach out today and let us handle the rest!
Call: (214) 599-0055
Additional Reading
Common Appliance Issues That Could Ruin Your Holiday – And How to Prevent Them
Prepare Your Home for Fall: Essential Maintenance Tips
Beat the Heat: Preparing Your Texas Home for Summer
37 Reasons To Have Your Appliances Maintained Regularly
