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Owning a new home in DFW is exciting, and your first winter and holiday season here should be too. While North Texas winters are generally mild, they can bring unpredictable cold snaps, occasional ice and big temperature swings. To help you protect your investment and enjoy the season, we’ve put together some smart and simple winter home-maintenance tips that are perfect for new homeowners in Texas. 

Whether you recently moved into a new construction home from Sandlin Homes or you’re preparing your current home for the cooler months, these practical steps will help keep your home comfortable, efficient and ready for winter weather. 

1. Protect Your Pipes During Temperature Drops

Even though freezing weather isn’t constant in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, quick temperature swings can catch new homeowners off guard. Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter issues for homeowners, but they’re easily preventable, so here’s what to do when the temperature starts to drop:

• Insulate exposed pipes in garages, attic spaces and exterior walls. Foam sleeves are an inexpensive and effective way to do this.
• Keep an eye on the upcoming weather and let faucets drip slightly during hard freezes. 
• Open any cabinet doors under the kitchen and bathroom sinks to let warm air circulate.
• Disconnect any outdoor hoses. 

2. Prepare Your HVAC Systems for Unpredictable Weather

If you live in one of our new homes in DFW, your HVAC system is already designed for efficiency, but seasonal maintenance can keep it running at peak performance. With Texas weather jumping between warm afternoons and chilly mornings, your system needs to adapt quickly. 

• Change air filters regularly (every 1-3 months depending on pets and dust levels).
• Make sure to clear the area around your exterior units so that airflow is never blocked.
• Schedule a seasonal HVAC checkup to ensure that your furnace is clean, safe and efficient.

Having a clean HVAC system can improve your indoor air quality, especially in the winter months when your windows tend to stay closed. 

3. Seal Up Any Drafts on Windows and Doors

Even energy-efficient new construction homes in DFW can benefit from quick seasonal checks, as drafts around windows and doors can lead to heat loss and increase your utility bills. Here’s what to look for:

• Inspect weatherstripping around exterior doors and replace it if it’s cracked or worn.
• Look for gaps around windows where caulking has hardened over time.
• Use insulated curtains to help regulate indoor temperatures during cold weather. 

4. Clean Gutters to Prevent Ice and Drainage Problems

North Texas doesn’t normally get heavy snow, but it does get plenty of sudden rainstorms, even in winter. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and freeze, which can lead to some roofing or even foundation issues. Here’s what you need to do:

• Clean gutters before any forecasted winter storms to prevent buildup.
• Check downspouts to ensure water flows away from your foundation. 
• Trim any nearby trees to reduce the amount of debris that falls into gutters. 

5. Test Safety Devices: Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Winter is a time when heaters, fireplaces and holiday appliances are working overtime. Testing your safety devices is essential, especially in newly built homes where systems may be running heavily for the first season. 

• Regularly replace batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Ensure detectors are installed on every floor and near bedrooms.
• Test all alarms to confirm they’re working properly. 
• Review how to use your gas fireplace safety if your home includes one.

6. Check Your Roof and Exterior After Major Storms

North Texas is known for strong winds and sudden storms, even during the winter months. After a weather event, it’s a good idea to give your home’s exterior a quick inspection, and you’ll want to look for

• Loose or missing shingles.
• Damaged siding. 
• Cracked windows or seals.
• Standing water around the foundation.

Catching any small issues early can prevent bigger problems down the road. 

Enjoy Winter in Your New DFW Home

Our new homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are built for year-round comfort, but seasonal upkeep helps protect your investment and ensures your home stays warm, efficient and safe all year round. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or upgrading to your first new construction home with our team at Sandlin Homes, these winter tips offer a simple roadmap for maintaining your home with confidence. 

If you ever need guidance from one of the most trusted home builders in DFW, our team is always here to help. If you’d like to know more about our new construction homes in DFW or the neighborhoods we build in around the area, give us a call at (800) 821-4663 or fill out our online form today.