Winter in Texas doesn’t always arrive with much warning, especially when you’re settling into life in your Texas home. One day we’re enjoying the sunshine, and the next, a cold front rolls in, with temperatures dipping into the 30s or even below freezing overnight. While these cold snaps may be brief, they can still lead to frozen pipes, water damage, and avoidable repair costs.
At Brohn Homes, our mission has always been to deliver an outstanding homeowner experience, and part of that commitment means helping you protect the place you call home, no matter what the Texas weather decides to do (we keep an eye on it using online tools like weather.com). Our Director of Customer Experience, Bree Miles, put together these helpful tips to keep your home safe, warm, and performing efficiently during freezing conditions.
Winter Prep List for Your Texas Home
1. Protecting Your Indoor Plumbing
Even a short freeze can impact your plumbing, especially in homes built with efficiency in mind, where pipes are often routed through exterior walls.
Pro Tip: Older homes and homes near open fields or greenbelts may experience stronger winds around exterior walls. If this sounds like your home, consider adding an extra layer of protection, such as pipe insulation, in vulnerable areas.
2. Winterizing Your Hose Bibs (Outdoor Faucets)
Hose bibs are one of the most common sources of freeze-related issues in Texas homes because they’re exposed and often overlooked.
Pro Tip: If your home has decorative hose bib boxes fused into the exterior masonry, add insulation around the faucet valve inside the box for additional protection.
3. Caring for Your Sprinklers & Irrigation System
Texas landscapes often rely on irrigation systems, but they require special attention ahead of a freeze.
Pro Tip: Many HOAs prohibit visible insulation materials year-round. If you’re unsure, choose neutral-colored insulation or insulated covers that blend with your exterior.
4. General Outdoor Prep for Freezing Weather
These small preventive steps can save time, money, and stress once temperatures rise again.
Pro Tip: If you have a tankless water heater installed outside, wrap the exposed pipes and consider an insulated cover specifically designed for tankless units.
5. What To Do If You Suspect a Frozen Pipe
Acting quickly can make all the difference.
Pro Tip: After a freeze, walk the perimeter of your home to check for dripping at hose bibs or exterior walls. Sometimes leaks become visible outside before appearing indoors.
6. Understanding HVAC Performance During Freezing Weather
During unusually cold weather, especially when temperatures fall below the 30°F mark, it’s normal for your HVAC system to work harder—and sometimes still not reach unusually high thermostat settings.
Here’s what to expect:
Pro Tip: Heat pumps run differently in cold weather and may switch into “defrost mode,” which can look or sound unusual. This is normal and temporary.
We’re Proud to Build Texas Homes, And We’re Here When You Need Us
Cold weather may not last long in Texas, but your home should be ready for whatever the season brings. At Brohn Homes, delivering an exceptional homeowner experience means helping you feel confident, supported, and prepared, long after you’ve moved in.
If you ever have questions or need assistance, our dedicated Care Team is here to help. Simply fill out the service form on our website, and a team member will reach out to you directly.
Stay warm, stay prepared, and thank you for being part of the Brohn Homes family.
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About Brohn Homes
Brohn Homes has been building thoughtfully designed homes across Texas for more than 20 years. Founded in Austin, we’re committed to making homeownership more attainable without compromising quality, comfort, or care. From intentional floorplans to inclusive pricing and lasting craftsmanship, we build more than just houses. We build places Texans are proud to call home.
Built for Texans. Backed by Heart.