As winter in Amarillo approaches, it’s essential to prepare your home for colder temperatures. Winter in the Panhandle can be unpredictable, and sudden cold snaps and freezing temperatures can cause serious damage if your home isn’t properly protected. Taking the time to winterize your home can help you avoid costly repairs, frozen pipes, and unnecessary energy expenses.
At A&R Mechanical, we specialize in helping homeowners prepare for every season with reliable plumbing and HVAC services. Whether you’re a new homeowner or a long-time Amarillo resident, these tips will help keep your home safe and warm all winter long.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
One of the most important steps to prepare your plumbing for winter is to protect your pipes from freezing. When temperatures drop below freezing, exposed pipes—especially those in unheated areas like basements, garages, or crawl spaces—are at high risk of freezing and bursting.
To prevent this, wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation or heat tape. Pay close attention to outdoor hose bibs, under-sink pipes, and any plumbing along exterior walls. If your home has older plumbing or you are unsure what needs insulating, a quick inspection from a professional can help identify vulnerable areas.
2. Seal Air Leaks and Drafts
Cold air can sneak into your home through small gaps around windows, doors, and vents. Sealing these leaks helps keep warm air in and cold air out, reducing your heating costs and improving comfort.
Use weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps, and don’t forget to check around dryer vents, attic hatches, and plumbing penetrations. These small improvements go a long way towards winterizing your home effectively.
3. Schedule a Furnace Inspection
Before the cold sets in, schedule a professional HVAC inspection to ensure your furnace is working properly. Routine maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently and safely—while also catching potential problems before they become major repairs.
If your furnace is older or hasn’t been serviced in a while, now’s the time to schedule a tune-up. A well-maintained system heats your home more efficiently and can extend the life of your HVAC equipment.
4. Protect Outdoor Faucets and Sprinkler Systems
Outdoor plumbing is often the first to freeze. Disconnect and drain garden hoses, then shut off the water supply to exterior faucets. Install insulated faucet covers to provide an extra layer of protection.
If you have a sprinkler system, make sure it’s winterized before the first freeze. Failing to drain the system can lead to cracked pipes underground, which are expensive to repair.
5. Let Faucets Drip on Freezing Nights
When a deep freeze hits, let cold water drip slowly from indoor faucets connected to exposed pipes. Even a small trickle can relieve pressure inside the pipe and prevent it from freezing and bursting.
Keep the under-sink cabinet doors open in bathrooms and kitchens to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, especially if they’re located on exterior walls.
6. Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater works harder in the winter. To make sure it’s up to the task, flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, and check the temperature setting—it should be set around 120°F for efficiency and safety. If your water heater is more than 10 years old or showing signs of wear, consider scheduling a professional inspection to determine if it needs repair or replacement.
7. Test Your Sump Pump and Insulate Your Basement
If you have a sump pump, test it before the first freeze to make sure it’s functioning properly. A sump pump helps prevent basement flooding by removing excess groundwater, but a frozen sump pump line can cause water backup and flooding.
Also, check your basement for insulation. Adding insulation to basement walls or sealing cracks in the foundation can help keep your home warmer and reduce heating costs.
Winterizing Your Home Starts with A&R Mechanical
Don’t wait for a burst pipe or a broken furnace to remind you winter has arrived. By winterizing your home early, you can avoid costly damage, improve energy efficiency, and enjoy a more comfortable season.
At A&R Mechanical, we offer free estimates, full winterization services, and 24/7 emergency support in case the cold weather catches you off guard. If you’re facing frozen pipes or a heating emergency, we’re here when you need us most.
Contact A&R Mechanical today to schedule your winterization service and keep your home safe and warm all season long.
