Fast Home Maintenance To-Do this Winter

Central Texas winters are mild—until they’re not. A sudden freeze can turn small oversights into big repairs. Use this winter home maintenance Austin, Texas checklist to shore up comfort, prevent leaks, and keep energy bills in check. These quick wins focus on sealing drafts, protecting hose bibs, and swapping filters so your home runs smoothly all season.

10 Fast Checklist Items

1. Protect hose bibs (freeze alert!)
   Shut off interior valves (if available), disconnect hoses, and install insulated faucet covers. For exposed lines, add foam pipe sleeves—especially on north and shaded sides.
2. Seal door and window drafts
   Replace brittle weatherstripping, add door sweeps, and caulk exterior gaps where trim meets siding. If you see daylight under a door, conditioned air (and money) is escaping.
3. Swap HVAC filters
   Dirty filters make systems work harder. Use the correct MERV rating for your unit, set a 60–90 day reminder, and vacuum return grilles to keep airflow strong.
4. Reverse ceiling fans
   Set fans to clockwise on low to gently push warm air down from the ceiling without creating a chill—an easy comfort boost for open-plan rooms.
5. Water heater tune-up
   Flush sediment, set temperature to ~120°F, and test the T&P valve. Insulate the first 6 feet of hot and cold pipes leaving the tank to reduce standby losses.
6. Attic and hatch check
   Top up insulation to recommended levels and air seal around light cans, vents, and the attic hatch. Add gasketed weatherstrip to the hatch so it closes like an exterior door.
7. Gutters and roofline
   Clean gutters, clear downspouts, and verify water discharges 4–6 feet away from the foundation. Re-secure loose fascia/soffit; replace cracked shingles before wind-driven rain finds them.
8. Fireplace and detectors
   If you burn wood, schedule a chimney sweep and check damper operation. Test smoke and CO alarms; install fresh batteries and replace units older than 10 years.
9. Irrigation and outdoor gear
   Set sprinklers to “off” before a freeze, drain backflow preventers per manufacturer guidance, and store hoses/pressure washer wands indoors.
10. Draft-blocker extras
    Add foam gaskets behind outlet/switch plates on exterior walls and install a tight threshold at the front door. Small gaps add up—these low-cost fixes pay back in comfort.

Why It Matters

Tackling these items reduces emergency calls, eliminates cold spots, and protects your plumbing and roof. You’ll notice quieter rooms, fewer drafts, and steadier temperatures—plus a friendlier energy bill during those surprise cold snaps.

Thank you for taking the time with me to learn more about what Mr. Done Right, the handyman / contractor does for you.

Sincerely,

Nathaniel Peterson

(AKA) Mr. Done Right

For more information on handyman or contractor work in the greater Austin area (or beyond), please contact your premiere handyman, Nathaniel Peterson, AKA Mr. Done Right Handyman Contractor of Austin, because Mr. Done Right ensures any repairs and/or remodels get Done Right the first time! Call us now for a free estimate! 512-659-8931

www.Handyman-Austin.com

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