How Do I Protect My Home During Freezing Weather?
Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice may not be everyday occurrences in West Texas, but they are real possibilities that homeowners need to prepare for. A sudden cold snap can lead to frozen pipes, heater failures, and unsafe indoor conditions, often with little warning.
At Lowery Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning, our team has seen firsthand the impacts of freezing weather on Lubbock homeowners’ heating and plumbing systems. In the winter of 2026, freezing temperatures are already a concern. Preparing your home ahead of time is one of the best ways to prevent costly repairs and keep your family warm and safe. Use this step-by-step winter HVAC and plumbing checklist to prep for winter before temperatures drop.
Step 1: Seal Drafts and Lock in Warm Air
Before a freeze hits, check that all your windows, doors, and exterior openings are sealed properly to keep as much cold air out as possible. Even small gaps can force your heating system to work harder than necessary.
Seal gaps and cracks with caulk or weatherstripping. If freezing temperatures arrive unexpectedly, rolled towels or blankets placed along doors and windows can help temporarily.
Long term, proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to maintain indoor comfort and reduce strain on your HVAC system during winter, so if time allows, consider getting your insulation inspected.
Step 2: Protect Your Pipes
One of the most at-risk parts of your home during a freeze is your pipes. During extended freezing temperatures, any sitting water in the pipes can freeze, leaving your home without running water. Because water expands when it freezes, this also leaves a risk of your pipes bursting.
To reduce the risk of burst pipes, take these preventative steps:
- Insulate exposed pipes: Pipes in unheated areas (the garage, exterior-facing walls, or outdoors) should be wrapped in pipe-wrap insulation or heat tape, which you can get at any hardware store. In a pinch, you can use old clothes or blankets.
- Open under-sink cabinets: This allows warm air to circulate around the plumbing and prevent freezing.
- Leave sinks dripping: Dripping sinks ensure water keeps running, making it harder to freeze. If you’re worried about water usage, place a bowl under the faucet to catch the drips and reuse.
- Disconnect outdoor plumbing: Turn off and drain your sprinkler system, disconnect any hoses, and cover faucets with insulated faucet covers.
If a pipe does burst, it is considered a plumbing emergency. Shut off your water supply if it’s safe to do so and contact an emergency plumber right away.
Step 3: Test Your Heating System
If the freeze is still ahead of you, take this time to check that your heating system is working well. Start with a visual inspection. Clear away dust, debris, or furniture that may block airflow. This is also a good opportunity to replace your air filter, as it is a simple but effective step to prep HVAC systems for winter.
After the visual inspection, turn your thermostat up a few degrees higher than your typical room temperature. Your furnace should turn on smoothly without unusual noises or odors. If you notice weak airflow, strange sounds, or delayed heating, it may be time to schedule furnace heater repair or a professional inspection.
Step 4: Know How to Safely Heat Your Home
Even with preparation, heating systems can struggle during extreme cold. If your furnace stops working, you can call Lowery anytime for 24/7 emergency heating services, with no overtime fees—ever.
In the meantime, it is important to know how to use alternative heating sources in a safe manner. When used incorrectly, you could be exposing yourself and your family members to dangerous situations, such as carbon monoxide exposure.
Safe alternative heating options include (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Winter Storms: Safety Tips for Heating Your Home):
- Fireplace with the flue fully opened
- Space heaters placed away from furniture and never left unattended
- Extra layers of blankets, clothes, and even towels if needed
- Pellet stoves or wood-burning stoves with adequate venting
- Portable generators, used outside only
Never use:
- Vehicles running in garages, even with the door open
- Gas stoves or ovens
- Camp stoves or grills indoors
When Freezing Weather Is an Emergency
Despite preparation, emergencies can still happen. It’s considered a plumbing or heating emergency when:
- Your carbon monoxide detector alarms
- Your heater fails in freezing temperatures
- Your pipes burst or flooding begins
If you find yourself in an emergency, take these steps:
- Get to a safe location. In the case of carbon monoxide exposure, leave the house completely and call emergency services.
- If flooding occurs and you can safely get to it, turn off the water supply
- Call Lowery for 24/7 emergency plumbing and heating services. Even during the night, weekends, or holidays, we’ll be there fast to help with no overtime fees
Stay Warm and Safe with Lowery
Preparing your home for freezing temperatures doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Knowing how to prep HVAC systems for winter, protect your plumbing, and respond quickly to emergencies can make all the difference.
Lowery Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is here to help with winter furnace checks, preventative maintenance, and 24-hour emergency service—day or night; weekends and holidays included, with no overtime fees.
Contact Lowery today to prepare your home for freezing weather and get back to normal—because normal is beautiful.