Winter is Coming, North Texas! Chrissy's Got Your Back with 5 Freeze-fighting Hacks

Hey there, Dentonites! It's your favorite #DentonRealtor, Chrissy, with must-know tips for winter home prep.

We all know how unpredictable Texas winters can be, and this winter isn’t fixin’ to be different! While the Farmers’ Almanac (yeah, it’s still around!) predicts a mild winter, it’s only right 80% of the time.

That’s plenty of room for the big threat of all North Texas winters: a major freeze.

Freezing Temperatures and Bursting Pipes

When it comes to winters in Texas, we’re not too worried about snow—it’s the freezes that get us (and get your pipes!).

I know how hard it is to imagine when we’re all sweatin’ buckets well into October, but with temperatures already falling, it’s only a matter of time before we get hit with a yearly freeze (and it does seem to be yearly!). 

If you’ve been living in North Texas for a while, you know as well as I do that they can wreak havoc on your home. 

Pipes can burst, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Your heating system can fail, leaving you shivering in your cowgirl boots. 

And let's not even get started on the potential for roof leaks and structural damage.

1. Prepare Your Pipes

So, what can you do to prepare? Well, let's start with your pipes. They’re your home's lifeline, and if they freeze, you're in for a bad day. 

The good news is, there are plenty of ways to protect them. Start by insulating any pipes that are exposed to the elements. 

This means pipes in your attic, crawl space, and exterior walls. You can use foam insulation, pipe sleeves, or even old towels and blankets in a pinch.

Anything more than that, and you’ll need to call in the pros.

2. Keep the Heat Flowing

Next up, let's talk about your heating system. When the temperature drops, you want to make sure your home stays toasty warm. 

The best way to do that is to have your heating system serviced by a professional before the cold weather hits. 

They'll make sure everything is in working order and catch any potential problems before they turn into big, expensive ones.

The older your system is, the more important it is to have it checked. A gas furnace can be dangerous if it’s not working right. It’s worth it to get it checked out before starting it up for the year.

3. Seal Those Leaks

Another important step in preparing your home for winter is to seal up any air leaks. These are the little cracks and gaps around your windows and doors that let cold air in and warm air out. 

Not only do they make your home less comfortable, but if you’re on a variable energy plan, they can leave you with a huge bill during the coldest parts of the month.

To fix them, you can use weatherstripping, caulk, or even a good old-fashioned draft stopper.

4. Don't Forget the Fireplace

If you’ve got a fireplace in your home, don't forget to give it some love before winter hits. 

If you have an honest-to-goodness wood fireplace, have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to make sure it's safe to use. 

If you plan on using your fireplace regularly, make sure you have plenty of firewood on hand. There's nothing worse than running out of wood in the middle of a cold snap.

Gas fireplaces should also be inspected for leaks before firing them up this winter. They can be just as dangerous as any gas appliance if they’re not working right.

5. Protecting Your Outdoor Spaces

Finally, let's talk about your outdoor spaces. 

I know it's tempting to just ignore them until spring, but trust me, a little bit of preparation now can save you a lot of headaches later. 

Start by draining and storing any outdoor hoses and sprinklers. If you have an outdoor kitchen or bar, make sure to winterize it by shutting off the water supply and draining the pipes.

And if you have any outdoor furniture or decor, consider bringing it inside or covering it up to protect it from the elements.

Remember, it’s not just freezing temperatures that we have to worry about—hailstorms and high winds can cause plenty of damage on their own.

Consider having your roof inspected for broken shingles or tiles, and think about having a garage sale to clear out some space so that you can park there during a storm.

Finally, if you have a lot of outdoor plants or permanent structures (like sheds or play equipment), get some covers that you can throw over them quickly during a storm.

Now Get Out There and Start Preparing! Old Man Winter Isn’t Gonna Wait

Well, there you have it, folks! Your ultimate guide to prepping your Texas home for winter. I know it might seem like a lot of work, but trust me—it's worth it. 

A little bit of preparation now can save you a lot of stress (and money) down the line!

And if you ever need any help or advice, you know who to call: your favorite #DentonRealtor, Chrissy! 

Stay safe and warm out there, y'all—summer will be back sooner than you think!

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Get to Know Chrissy the #DentonRealtor

Chrissy Mallouf has lived in the Denton community for over 32 years and has become an integral part of Denton’s fabric. Chrissy obtained her real estate license in 2008 after spending over 16 years in the banking industry in roles ranging from consumer banking, commercial banking, and director of sales.

She was recognized as the #1 buyer’s agent at Keller Williams Realty Denton in 2015, 2016, and 2017, has won the Denton Record Chronicles’ Best of Denton for the past 11 years, and was awarded Best of Denton County in 2024. Chrissy is extremely passionate about mentoring and helping others achieve things they did not think were possible.

In 2001, she was voted one of Denton’s most influential people. Chrissy graduated from the Texas Association of Realtors Leadership Program and serves on the 2020 Greater Denton/Wise County Association of Realtors Board of Directors. 

She is married to John Mallouf and has two beautiful children, Madison and Holden. Chrissy loves to spend time traveling with her family and making memories, supporting her kiddos in their various activities, volunteering, and cheering on her favorite football teams.

When she’s not being a super mom or a top-producing realtor, you will find Chrissy giving back to the community by serving on several non-profit boards. She serves on the Denton Parks Foundation Board, is involved in Denton ISD, is a member of the Denton Benefit League, and supports major community events like Denton Holiday Lighting, Kiwanis Fireworks Show, and Arts & Jazz.

She is a member of the Denton Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council.

She is your #DentonRealtor!