How to Prepare Your Home for a Winter Storm Freeze

We all know that a hard freeze can take a big toll on our homes. We should also know that with some basic but essential preparation, we can minimize stress on our home’s plumbing, HVAC system and roof. Being prepared for severe winter weather also helps ensure our safety and peace of mind.

Learn how to ready your home and yourself for a freeze with this practical, step-by-step approach that helps you winterproof, conserve energy and stay comfortable. You’ll also find some built-in eco-friendly recommendations as you walk through these winterizing to-dos. Let’s get started.
 

Countdown to a freeze: what to do and when.

Timing matters when you’re learning how to prepare for a freeze.

At least a week before cold weather sets in, add these items to your checklist.

• Prepare your heating system. Schedule an HVAC tune-up or at least replace your furnace filter so the system runs efficiently without wasting energy.
• Clean up outside. Clear debris from gutters so meltwater can drain properly and check your roof for missing shingles or flashing that could invite leaks. Trim weak branches before ice or wind brings them down.

A few days before the freeze, shift your focus to sealing up your home and protecting plumbing.

• Wrap exposed pipes. Spend time in your attic, basement and garage with foam pipe-wrap, which can remain in place or be reused.
• Check for drafts around windows and doors. Reusable draft stoppers and peel-and-stick weatherstripping are quick, low-waste fixes that pay off in comfort and energy savings.
• Disconnect hoses and drain outdoor spigots. These areas are a common cause of frozen pipes, leading to costly damage in Texas and other freeze-prone regions.
• Keep walkways safe. Purchase eco-friendly ice melt and use sand for walkways so you’re ready to prevent slips without harming pets or plants.

The night before temperatures plunge, do your final prep work.

• Set your thermostat to a steady temperature. This will help avoid drastic setbacks that strain your system.
• Drip your faucets. Moving water takes much longer to freeze than still water. In the coldest rooms, allow faucets to drip slowly to keep water moving and prevent frozen pipes.
• Be ready in case of a power outage. Charge devices and gather blankets, flashlights and emergency supplies in a central spot so you’re ready if the power goes out.
   

Efficiently protect pipes and plumbing.

Pipes are the most common, and likely most expensive, freeze casualty. Insulating supply lines in unheated spaces helps maintain temperature and reduces heat loss.

• Inside, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air circulate and open faucets to drip slowly.
• Outdoors, disconnect hoses, drain spigots and install faucet covers for extra protection.
• Locate your water shutoff valve and keep a wrench handy. If a pipe bursts, shutting off water quickly can minimize damage and conserve thousands of gallons.

Safeguard your home's structure to save heat and prevent leaks.

Think of your home’s exterior as the shell that keeps heat inside.

• Seal gaps with temporary weatherstripping or draft stoppers and consider reusable window film or thermal curtains to reduce heat loss.
• Clear gutters and inspect shingles to prevent leaks caused by ice dams.
• Inside, place mats near doors to trap melted snow and ice, keeping floors dry and safe.

Keep heat flowing safely and responsibly.

Maintaining warmth during a freeze doesn’t have to mean overworking your system.

• Replace furnace filters for better airflow and program your thermostat for consistent temperatures.
• Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down.
• If you use a fireplace, confirm the chimney and damper are in good condition.

Portable space heaters can help in targeted rooms, but choose models with safety features and use them wisely.

Prep outdoors, vehicles and walkways while minimizing waste.

Even when you’ve prepared inside, it’s important to make sure your home’s surroundings, your vehicle and your yard are ready, too.

• Before the freeze, prune weak limbs that could snap under ice.
• Use eco-friendly, pet-safe ice melt and sand for traction, applying only what you need.
• For vehicles, keep fuel tanks at least half full and check antifreeze levels. Move cars away from overhanging trees or power lines to avoid damage.

Plan for disruptions: last-minute readiness, so you can rest easier.

Even with careful prep, freezes can bring power outages. Being prepared in case of the unexpected can help ensure your ability to communicate and stay safer.

• Charge phones and battery packs.
• Gather blankets in a centralized space.
• Keep an emergency kit with food, water and flashlights.
• If you have backup heat sources, review safety guidelines now.
• Bookmark your utility’s outage map and identify nearby warming centers.
• Check on neighbors who may need help—community resilience is one of the greenest strategies of all.

In addition to these essential tips, visit the Red Cross for more safety preparation techniques.

It’s all about reducing risk and managing your energy.

Some basic preparation taken in small, well-timed steps can protect your home and give you peace of mind when extreme cold arrives. By focusing on how to winterproof your home and prevent frozen pipes, you’ll reduce the risk of damage while keeping energy use in check.

Seal drafts, insulate vulnerable pipes and prepare outdoor spaces with eco-friendly materials. These actions safeguard comfort today and support a more sustainable tomorrow.

Ready to stay ahead of winter?

Explore related Green Mountain Energy resources for ongoing winter readiness, energy-saving tips, and eco-friendly home upgrades before the next cold front approaches.