Home Maintenance Checklist for Central Texas Winters

by Justin Cofield

Even though winters in Central Texas are generally mild, a few freezing nights can cause big headaches for homeowners who aren’t prepared. Whether you live in Dripping Springs, Southwest Austin, or anywhere across the Hill Country, a little preventive maintenance before the cold hits can save you time, money, and stress later.

Here’s your Central Texas winter home maintenance checklist to keep your home cozy, efficient, and protected all season long.

1. Protect Your Pipes

Central Texas homes aren’t always built for deep freezes, so pipe protection is key.
✅ Insulate exposed outdoor pipes and faucets with foam covers or wraps.
✅ Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
✅ Know how to shut off your water main in case of an emergency.
✅ On freezing nights, let indoor faucets drip and open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around pipes.

💡 Bonus tip: Consider adding heat tape to vulnerable outdoor pipes for extra protection.

2. Check Your Heating System

Before you need it, make sure your heater is ready for the first cold snap.
✅ Replace HVAC filters.
✅ Schedule a professional inspection to check for efficiency and safety.
✅ Test your thermostat to ensure it’s working properly.

If you use a fireplace, have your chimney inspected and cleaned to prevent buildup and fire hazards.

3. Seal Up Drafts

Even small air leaks can drive up your heating costs.
✅ Check doors and windows for drafts.
✅ Add or replace weatherstripping and caulk.
✅ Install draft stoppers at the base of doors to keep warm air inside.

This simple step can make your home noticeably more comfortable on chilly Hill Country mornings.

4. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Central Texas winters can bring heavy rains. Clogged gutters can cause water damage and foundation issues.
✅ Clear leaves, twigs, and debris from gutters.
✅ Check that downspouts are directing water away from your home.
✅ Inspect for any sagging or leaks while you’re up there.

5. Trim Trees and Clear Yard Debris

Our winter storms sometimes bring strong winds or ice that can break branches.
✅ Trim trees near your roof, power lines, and vehicles.
✅ Clear dead limbs and leaves from your yard to prevent drainage problems and pest nesting.

6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Colder weather often means more indoor heating, which increases fire and CO risks.
✅ Test all detectors and replace batteries if needed.
✅ Make sure you have a CO detector near bedrooms and gas appliances.

7. Reverse Ceiling Fans

Switching your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise on a low setting helps push warm air down and keeps rooms more comfortable — without raising your energy bill.

8. Prep Outdoor Spaces

✅ Cover or store patio furniture and outdoor cushions.
✅ Clean and cover your grill.
✅ Drain and store garden hoses and shut off outdoor irrigation if possible.
✅ If you have a pool, make sure your freeze protection system is working properly.

9. Check Insulation in Key Areas

Poor attic insulation is one of the top causes of heat loss.
✅ Inspect insulation levels in your attic and around ductwork.
✅ Add more insulation if you notice thin or bare spots.

10. Create a Winter Weather Plan

Because Central Texas can experience sudden cold snaps, plan ahead:
✅ Keep a small emergency kit with flashlights, blankets, and bottled water.
✅ Make sure you have contact info for local plumbers and HVAC technicians handy.
✅ Know where to find city updates on road conditions and weather alerts.