2026 Winter Home Maintenance Guide
North Texas winters are mild — until they aren't. A single hard freeze can burst pipes and knock out heat. Use this checklist to get your home ready before the cold arrives.
Why it matters in DFW
Many DFW homes have plumbing in attics and exterior walls, built for heat rather than cold. When temperatures drop quickly, those pipes are the first to freeze. Furnaces that sit unused most of the year can also fail on the first cold night.
Pipes & plumbing
- Insulate exposed pipes in attics, garages and exterior walls
- Disconnect and cover outdoor hose bibs
- Know where your main water shut-off is
- Drip faucets on exterior walls during hard freezes
Heating
- Replace the furnace filter
- Schedule a furnace safety check
- Test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms
- Keep vents and returns unblocked
Roof & gutters
- Clear gutters and downspouts
- Look for missing or lifted shingles from the ground
- Check the attic for stains after rain
- Trim branches that hang over the roof
Windows, doors & drafts
- Replace worn weatherstripping
- Recaulk gaps around windows and trim
- Add door sweeps on exterior doors
- Check for fogged or cracked glass
Winter questions
When should DFW homeowners winterize?
Aim for late October through November, before the first hard freeze. North Texas freezes are often short but sudden, so preparing early matters.
What temperature should I drip my faucets?
Many plumbers suggest dripping faucets on exterior walls when temperatures are forecast to stay in the low 20s or below for several hours.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve immediately, turn off electricity near standing water if it is safe to do so, and call a licensed plumber.
Repair or replace before winter?
Aging furnace or water heater? Compare costs before it fails on a cold night.