Here’s something you’ll want to check off your to-do list before winter really sets in—making sure your home is ready for freezing temperatures!
Now, if you live up north, you’re probably a pro at this. You know the drill: winter rolls in, snow piles up, and you’ve got your house prepped for months of icy weather. But if you’re in the South, where temperatures don’t usually drop below freezing, a sudden cold snap can catch you off guard. And trust me, it can cause just as much trouble as a blizzard up north.
Luckily, getting your home ready for winter isn’t all that hard. With a few simple steps, you can protect your pipes, keep the cold air out, and avoid any expensive surprises. Here’s what you need to do before temperatures take a nosedive:
1. Disconnect Your Hose & Cover the Spigot
Go outside and unscrew your garden hose from the spigot. If you leave it attached, the water inside can freeze and cause your faucet to crack. If it’s already stuck, don’t panic—there are tricks to get it loose. Once the hose is off, cover the spigot with a simple foam cover or even wrap it up with a towel and some duct tape. This keeps it from freezing and breaking when temperatures drop.
2. Seal Up Drafty Windows & Doors
A little bit of cold air sneaking in through your windows and doors might not seem like a big deal, but it can make your heater work overtime—and that means a higher energy bill. Run your hand along the edges of your windows and doors. Feel a cold breeze? Time to seal it up! Use caulk for windows and weatherstripping for doors. If cold air is creeping in from underneath your door, a draft stopper can help keep that chill out.
3. Get Your Heating System Checked
Your heater is your best friend in the winter, so make sure it’s running smoothly before you actually need it. A quick inspection from an HVAC professional can help catch any issues before your system gives out on the coldest night of the year.
4. Keep Your Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes can be a nightmare, leading to burst pipes and expensive repairs. The easiest way to prevent this? Keep the water moving! When temperatures are expected to dip below freezing, turn on a couple of faucets to a slow drip. This keeps the water flowing and makes it harder for pipes to freeze.
Here’s another trick—set your dishwasher to run in the middle of the night. Hot water moving through the pipes can help prevent freezing. And if your pipes do freeze, shut off the main water valve immediately to prevent major damage.
5. Winterize Your Outdoor Equipment
If you have tools like a lawnmower or pressure washer sitting outside, make sure they’re ready for winter, too. Drain any leftover fuel and store them somewhere safe. If you have a sprinkler system, turn off the water and drain the lines—otherwise, they could freeze and burst, just like your indoor pipes.
6. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Here’s an easy one—flip the switch on your ceiling fan so it runs clockwise. This pushes warm air back down into the room, helping you stay cozy without cranking up the heat.
7. Protect Your Plants
If you have potted plants outside, bring them inside or at least move them to the garage. Cold weather can kill them fast. For plants that are in the ground, cover them with a blanket or use special plant covers to shield them from frost.
Winter might not last long in the South, but when temperatures drop, they can cause some serious problems if you’re not prepared. A little bit of effort now can save you from major headaches—and repair bills—later on. So, take some time to check these things off your list before the next cold snap hits!