You never know what the weather is going to be like in Texas, but as the days get shorter and the cold fronts start coming in, it’s important to make sure your house is ready for the cooler weather!

My husband and I moved to Texas in August of 2013 because after living in Syracuse NY for 3 years where they break records in snow fall every year, I wanted to move somewhere warm! (well that was one of the reasons). We didn’t live here for more than 3 months before an ice storm hit and covered McKinney in 6 inches of ice and it stuck for 3 days. I remember thinking “this is not what I signed up for when I moved to Texas!” LOL. Though we all would prefer that doesn’t happen again anytime soon, it’s good to prepare now to make sure your home is ready for winter.

Tip#1 - Winterize Your Pipes

By late October or early November, you should winterize your sprinkler system, irrigation system or hose lines by draining all the water out of them. Outdoor faucets should be protected by covering them faucet covers so they don’t freeze.

Tip #2 Weatherize Doors and Windows.

Windows and doors that don’t close or seal properly let cold, moist air into your home. This will increase your energy usage as well as raise the humidity in your home providing an environment where mold and mildew can grow.

Inspect the weather stripping on your doors and windows. Make sure there is a good seal and no draft coming through. If needed, add weather stripping to doors and windows so they close snugly and make sure there is a good seal.

Tip #3 Clean Out Gutters

When rain gutters overflow, water can pour down the side of your house allowing water to penetrate paneling and work its way into the wall. Blocked rain gutters can freeze and ice weight can tear the gutters completely from the side of the home. Avoid potential damage to your home by taking some time to make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris so the rain can drain properly.

Tip #4 Change Your Air Filter

Clogged air filters not only restrict the airflow of your heating system, but it also impacts the efficiency and life span of your HVAC System. You should change your air filter every 3 months and now is a great time to do that! If you haven't had your HVAC system serviced professionally for a while (it should be done every 6 months), you may consider having it professionally serviced before the winter months.

Tip #6 Clear the Chimney

Check your fireplace for build up and hire a professional chimney sweep to clear debris from the flue or chimney. The accumulation of debris can lead to a devastating chimney or house fire.

Tip #7 Check for Critters!

Rabbits, and Squirrels may be cute in the yard, but they will cause havoc if they get inside your home. Take a walk around your home and inspect the exterior, looking for potential entry points that a critter could use to gain access to your home and cover entry points with hardware cloth. Make sure the attic air vents are secure and be on the lookout for any signs of animal nests. Thoroughly clean or replace any contaminated insulation.

Tip #5 Inspect the Roof

Inspect the roof for any damaged or curled shingles, corroded flashing or leaky vents. Putting this off can lead to water leaking into your home causing damage. If you are unsure of the condition of your roof, you can get a free inspection from Celman Roofing if you mention that Kami Hall referred you.

Maintaining your roof will increase the lifespan of your roof and may save you plenty of money in the long run. In this video Buddy with Celman Roofing will teach you what to look for and what to do when it comes to maintaining your roof.

Complete these 7 tips to get your house ready for the winter. A little winter preparation will go a long way in keeping your home warm in the cooler months, more energy efficient and will help prevent costly home repairs in the future.