Winter is right around the corner, even though it doesn’t feel like it in Austin right now. While it may not be top of mind today, prepare your home for winter weather now so that you’re ready when the temp decides to chill. Here are a few easy checks to get you started.
Inspect Tree Branches
Check for branches growing over your house, garage, driveway, wooden fences, and your neighbor’s property. Fallen limbs can cause significant damage, and homeowners insurance may not cover 100% of the expense for repair. Have a tree company trim and tighten your branches before winter hits.
Prune Perennials & Prep Flower Beds
Add an additional layer of mulch or pine straw to your flower beds before the first cold front. If we get sleet or ice in the Austin area this year, that layer will act as insulation for the roots. Perennials that shed their leaves annually should be aggressively trimmed down. Cut the plants two or three inches above the ground. It will improve your curb appeal and eliminate hiding spots for insects who will resurface in the spring to snack on your new growth.
Clean Out Gutters
Even the smallest amount of water clogged in gutters can freeze. The weight of ice and debris can cause the gutters to break away from the house and fall. Or, if it doesn’t freeze, water can find its way underneath shingles and damage your roof.
Insulate Pipes
Any exposed pipes that run along an exterior wall, basement, or crawl space are susceptible to extreme cold. If the temperature drops below 32 degrees, the water inside will freeze and may cause the pipe to burst. You can find pipe insulation at any hardware store. It looks like a water noodle with a vertical slit down the middle. Cut it the length of the pipe, wrap it around, secure it with duct tape, and you’re done!
Eliminate Drafts
Hold a lit candle along windowsills, baseboards, and exterior doors – if you see it flicker, you have a draft. Fill gaps between the trim and floor with caulking to seal baseboards. Use weatherstripping around the frames of drafty windows and doors. You can use a window-film kit to seal the windows, but the application can be a hassle, and you won’t be able to open your windows while the film is in place.
Service the Furnace
Have your HVAC company come out now to ensure your furnace is operating safely and efficiently. The technician will inspect the burners, contacts, and sensors and replace the filter so your system will be ready when it’s time to turn up the heat. Waiting until it’s freezing outside and your house smells like burnt toast when you switch the thermostat to heat will put you in line with everyone else who didn’t prepare their homes for winter weather ahead of time.
With our experience, we’ve learned that it’s always best to be prepared than sorry. For more tips and recommendations, or if you have questions about Austin or the surrounding area, contact Prism Realty. We’re happy to help!
