10 Essential Home Maintenance Tasks Every Cedar Park Homeowner Should Do This Winter

Central Texas winters are unpredictable. One day it's 70°F, the next you're dealing with an ice storm that knocks out power and freezes pipes. Cedar Park homeowners learned this the hard way during Winter Storm Uri, and it's a lesson worth remembering every year. Proper winter maintenance isn't just about comfort — it's about protecting your home from costly damage.

As Cedar Park's trusted home repair team, we see the same preventable issues every winter. Here are the ten tasks that will keep your home safe, warm, and functioning all season long.

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

This is the number one call we get every winter in Cedar Park, Leander, and Round Rock. Pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls are vulnerable to freezing when temperatures drop below 32°F. Foam pipe insulation costs just a few dollars per foot and can prevent thousands in water damage. Pay special attention to pipes on the north side of your home and any outdoor hose bibs.

2. Service Your Heating System

Most Cedar Park homes rely on heat pumps or forced-air furnaces. Replace your HVAC filter (a dirty filter can increase energy bills by 15%), check that all vents are open and unobstructed, and test your system before the first cold snap. If your heater is making unusual noises or not heating evenly, call an HVAC professional.

3. Seal Windows and Doors

Air leaks around windows and doors are one of the biggest sources of energy loss in Central Texas homes. Check weatherstripping on all exterior doors and replace any that's cracked or compressed. Apply caulk around window frames where you see daylight or feel drafts. This simple home repair task can reduce your heating bill by up to 20%. We handle door and window installation and sealing throughout Brushy Creek and surrounding areas.

4. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Cedar Park's oak and cedar trees drop leaves well into December. Clogged gutters cause water to back up under your roof, leading to fascia rot, foundation issues, and even interior water damage. Clean your gutters thoroughly and ensure downspouts direct water at least 4 feet away from your foundation.

5. Inspect Your Roof

High winds and hail from fall storms may have loosened shingles or flashing. Inspect your roof from the ground with binoculars (or hire a professional) and look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Addressing small roof repairs now prevents major leaks during winter rain and ice events.

6. Check Smoke and CO Detectors

Winter means closed windows and increased use of heating appliances. Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries, and make sure you have a CO detector on every level of your home. This is especially important in older homes in Jollyville and Anderson Mill built before modern safety codes.

7. Drain and Disconnect Garden Hoses

Disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Water left in a connected hose can freeze and back up into your pipes, causing them to burst. If you have frost-free hose bibs, make sure they're working properly. If not, install insulated faucet covers.

8. Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction

Most ceiling fans have a small switch on the motor housing that reverses the blade direction. In winter, set your fans to run clockwise at a low speed. This pushes warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the living space, improving heating efficiency without increasing your energy bill.

9. Inspect and Maintain Your Fireplace

If you have a fireplace (many Cedar Park homes in neighborhoods like Ranch at Brushy Creek and Twin Creeks do), have it inspected and cleaned before the first use of the season. Check the damper for proper operation, inspect the chimney cap for damage, and make sure the flue is clear of debris and animal nests.

10. Check Your Foundation for Cracks

Texas expansive clay soil contracts in dry winter weather, which can cause foundation shifting and cracking. Walk the perimeter of your home and look for new cracks wider than ¼ inch. Monitor any existing cracks for growth. Foundation issues caught early are far less expensive to repair than those left to worsen.

Related: Understanding Handyman Costs

Wondering how much these maintenance tasks will cost? Check out our comprehensive 2026 Handyman Cost Guide for Cedar Park for detailed pricing on all common home repairs.