Winterizing Your Home: Prepare for Freezing Temperatures and Stay Safe During Icy Weather

Your North Texas Winter Readiness Plan

When a Texas cold snap hits, it doesn’t just test your comfort—it tests your preparation. As Frisco and Collin County continue to experience sudden freezes, homeowners who prepare early avoid costly damage, discomfort, and insurance claims.

Here’s how to protect your home, health, and investment this winter—with insights that go beyond what most agents tell you.

1️⃣ Winterize Your Home

Seal Drafts and Reduce Heat Loss
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) notes that poorly sealed homes can lose 25–40 percent of heating energy through leaks around windows, doors, and attics. (energy.gov, 2024)

• Add weatherstripping or caulk where gaps exist.
• Install thermal curtains or insulated shades.
• Seal attic access doors and vents.

Insulate Pipes in Unheated Areas
In North Texas, homes often have plumbing in exterior walls or attics. When temperatures fall below freezing, those pipes are first to burst. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension service advises homeowners to wrap exposed pipes and disconnect outdoor hoses before a freeze. (texashelp.tamu.edu, 2023)

Heating System Check
Have HVAC equipment inspected and filters replaced every season. Dirty filters restrict airflow and raise energy costs.

Clean Gutters & Reverse Ceiling Fans
Clogged gutters create ice dams; reversing fans clockwise pushes warm air down to improve efficiency.

2️⃣ Prepare for Freezing Temperatures

Stock Emergency Supplies
The National Weather Service (NWS) recommends preparing for power outages during winter storms. Keep blankets, batteries, flashlights, non-perishable food, and water for at least 72 hours. (weather.gov, 2024)

Protect Outdoor Faucets & Sprinklers
City of Frisco officials advise residents to remove hoses, shut off sprinkler systems, and cover outdoor spigots to prevent frozen lines. (friscotexas.gov, 2024)

Inspect Roof & Attic Insulation
Loose shingles and thin insulation invite leaks. Proper attic insulation prevents both ice-dam formation and heat loss—a win for safety and resale value.

3️⃣ If Your Pipes Freeze

Recognize the Signs

• No water flow at faucets.
• Frost or bulging on pipe surfaces.

Thaw Safely
Turn the faucet on and apply gentle heat using a hair dryer or heating pad—never a torch. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension explicitly warns against open flames, citing fire risk. (texashelp.tamu.edu, 2023)

Call a Professional
If you can’t find the frozen section or detect leaks, shut off the water and call a licensed Texas plumber immediately.

4️⃣ Protect Yourself and Your Home from Ice



Prevent Falls and Injuries
The NWS recommends spreading sand or salt on walkways, using handrails, and wearing traction footwear during freezes. (weather.gov, 2024)

Roof and Gutter Protection
Use a roof rake to remove snow buildup; ice-melt cables can prevent damage if your roof tends to ice over.

Ventilation and Air Safety
The EPA reminds homeowners that blocked vents and improper generator use increase carbon-monoxide and indoor-air hazards during storms. (epa.gov, 2024)

Final Thoughts

Most agents stop at “keep your pipes from freezing.”

We go further—because in Texas, winterizing isn’t only about comfort; it’s about protecting equity. Cold damage can reduce appraised value, delay closings, or derail inspections.

Whether you’re preparing to sell or safeguarding your forever home, Cindy Coggins Realty Group is your North Texas partner in smart homeownership. We’re here to help you protect, plan, and prosper through every season.

📞 Call or text: (469) 499-7452
📧 Email:  cindycoggins@kw.com

Sources:

• U.S. Department of Energy. Weatherize – Energy Saver. (Updated Dec 9, 2024) https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Winter Storms: Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes. (2023) https://texashelp.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/winter-storms-frozen-pipes.pdf
• City of Frisco. Cold Weather Tips. (Updated Dec 2024) https://www.friscotexas.gov/1709/Cold-Weather-Tips
• National Weather Service (NWS). Winter Safety – At Home. (2024) https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-at-home
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Winter Weather and Indoor Air Quality. (2024) https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/winter-weather-and-indoor-air-quality