Keep Your Texas Home Cozy: Top Tips for Below-Freezing Temps in Central TX

Let’s get real for a second: here in Central Texas, we’re not exactly used to frigid winters. When the weather does decide to throw us a curveball with below-freezing temperatures, it’s often a mad scramble to protect our homes (and ourselves). I, for one, have been cold since fall started. My wife likes to remind me that I’m not exactly built for winter, and while she’s warm in a hoodie, I’m buried under three blankets… plus a space heater.

If you’re like me and prefer your home to stay warm and worry-free, here are some top tips to prepare your house for freezing temperatures—and to make sure you’re not spending the cold snap dealing with burst pipes or skyrocketing energy bills.

1. Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are a nightmare—especially when they burst and flood your home. To avoid this:

• Insulate exposed pipes: Foam pipe insulation is cheap and easy to install. Focus on outdoor faucets, pipes in the garage, and any plumbing in unheated areas.
• Drip your faucets: A slow drip keeps water moving and reduces the chance of freezing. Bonus: It’s oddly satisfying to know you’re doing something proactive.
• Cover outdoor faucets: Those inexpensive foam covers are lifesavers. In a pinch, a large cup from Whataburger and a hand towel will do!

2. Seal Up Drafts

Drafty windows and doors are like welcome mats for freezing air. To keep the cold out:

• Weatherstrip doors and windows: You’d be surprised how much heat escapes through tiny gaps. For extreme cold events, you can even use wide painter's tape between the door and the frame to temporarily seal it from any weather.
• Use door draft stoppers: Or, in a pinch, roll up a towel and shove it against the base of your doors.
• Close the fireplace damper: Unless you’re using your fireplace, make sure the damper is closed to prevent heat from escaping up the chimney.

3. Wrap Your Water Heater

Water heaters, especially those located in garages or unheated spaces, can lose efficiency when temperatures drop. A water heater insulation blanket can reduce heat loss and save on energy bills. Just be sure if you do wrap it, the blanket is installed per the manufacturer recommendations and don't block any air venting. Also be cautious as the exhaust for your water heater (the silver pipe up top) is REALLY hot when it's been running.

4. Mind Your Foundation

In Central Texas, where our homes sit on expansive clay soil, freezing temperatures can cause foundation movement. Here’s what to do:

• Keep the soil moist: During prolonged freezes, dry soil contracts, making foundation problems worse. Water around your foundation lightly (and safely) to prevent this. If you plan to water though, don't do it during freezing temps. Plan ahead and be sure you give you foundation a good watering 3-5 days in advance of the weather.
• Check for gaps: If the soil is pulling away from your foundation, it’s time to act.

5. Prep Your Plants

While your tropical landscaping might look great most of the year, freezing temps aren’t exactly their friend:

• Cover delicate plants: Use frost blankets, old sheets, or even a towel. Be sure blankets extend all the way to the ground to trap heat from the soil.
• Bring potted plants inside: If they’re too heavy to move, group them together and cover them.

6. Inspect Your HVAC

Your heater is about to become your best friend. Make sure it’s in good working order:

• Replace the filter: A clean filter helps your HVAC system run efficiently.
• Schedule a tune-up: If you haven’t already, an HVAC pro can ensure everything’s running smoothly.
• Check vents: Make sure nothing is blocking airflow to your vents.

7. Stock Up on Essentials

If the weather takes a turn, you’ll be glad you’re prepared:

• Emergency kit: Flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food.
• Backup heat source: If you don’t have a fireplace, consider a portable heater (but use it safely!). If you use a portable heater, be sure it's rated for indoor use and never use a heater that burns any fuel indoors.
• Blankets and layers: The more, the merrier. Trust me, I know.

8. Winterize Outdoor Equipment

Freezing weather can damage outdoor faucets and irrigation systems:

• Drain your sprinkler system: If you have one, shut off the water and drain it to prevent damage. If you aren't familiar with draining your system, reach out and ask for a referral to a trusted local irrigation contractor.
• Winterize your pool: If you have one, it's a good idea to have it winterized before freezing temps. If you missed getting this done, you should consider covering the equipment best you can and keeping your pump running through freezing temps so the water
• Disconnect hoses: Store them indoors to keep them from freezing.

9. Prepare for Power Outages

We all remember the freeze of 2021. While no one wants to think about it happening again, it’s better to be prepared:

• Invest in a generator: If it’s in the budget, a generator can keep essential appliances running. If you elect to go this route, it's best to chat with an electrician first. While you may not need a big always ready stand-by generator, you can power key systems in your home with a portable one. You'll want to make sure you size the generator for your needs and the electrician installs the right interconnect to your homes electrical system for safe operation.
• Charge devices: Keep phones, power banks, and flashlights charged ahead of the storm.

10. Embrace the Layers

Finally, when all else fails, bundle up! You’re in Texas, not the Arctic—so with the right prep, you can keep your home cozy, your pipes intact, and your family safe.

About Jeremy:

Jeremy Bryant is a Realtor?, and the Founder of The Bryant Group with Keller Williams. He has been serving residential real estate clients since 2020. Before transitioning to Real Estate, he held various sales, operations, and leadership roles in corporate America for various technology companies.

About The Bryant Group:

At The Bryant Group, we believe every client should be confident, comfortable, and empowered in their real estate journey. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, a seasoned investor, or want to ensure you get the most value from your sale, you should have a team of experts in your corner every step of the way. Our client-centric process is focused on exceptional outcomes and is supported by the best technology in the business.