(866) 963 - 3006
Winter Prep in the South: Simple Ways to Protect Your Home This Season
December 29, 2025
Winter Prep in the South: Simple Ways to Protect Your Home This Season
While winter in the South may be short-lived, those sudden cold snaps can still catch homeowners off guard. January and February tend to bring our coldest temperatures of the year, and a little preparation now can go a long way in protecting your home from unnecessary damage.
Here are a few simple, proactive steps to help keep your home cozy, comfortable, and protected when temperatures dip.
Protect Exterior Tankless Water Heaters
If your home has an exterior tankless water heater, it’s especially important to take precautions during freezing weather. On nights when temperatures are expected to fall below freezing, head to the sink or tub farthest from your water meter and slightly crack both the hot and cold sides.
This gentle trickle keeps water moving through the system, helping prevent freezing inside the unit. If you plan to be away from home or expect an extended hard freeze, be sure to review the manufacturer’s recommendations for draining and winterizing your specific tankless model.
Grab Hose Bib Covers Before the Cold Front Hits
Outdoor spigot covers are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to prevent frozen pipes. The catch? They tend to sell out quickly right before a cold front moves in. Pick them up early and keep them on hand so you can install them as soon as freezing temperatures are in the forecast.
Give Your Heater a Quick Test Run
Before the first freezing night arrives, turn your heater on for a few minutes to make sure everything is running properly. You may notice a slight burning smell the first time it runs each season. This is completely normal and usually just dust burning off the coils after months of sitting idle.
A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Cold weather in the South may not last long, but being prepared can help you avoid costly repairs and unnecessary stress. Taking a few minutes now to winterize key areas of your home can make all the difference when those January and February temperatures roll in.
Stay warm, stay prepared, and enjoy the season knowing your home is ready for whatever winter brings!
Not sure what you're looking for?I am here for you to make sure all your questions get answered, including: pricing, site availability, deals, quick move-in-ready homes, our building process, and more!
Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
Manuel Builders is a family-owned home builder with over 65 years of experience specializing in custom home construction on your lot and the development of exceptional residential communities. We proudly build new homes in South and Central Louisiana, including Lafayette, Carencro, Broussard, Youngsville, Erath, Kaplan, Ville Platte, Lake Charles, Sulphur, Westlake, Moss Bluff, Iowa, Dequincy, Duson, Scott, Maurice, Anchorage, Port Allen, Brusly, Addis, Baton Rouge, Scotlandville, Merrydale, Monticello, Central, Covington, Mandeville, Houma, Thibodaux, and Morgan City. In Central Louisiana, we serve homeowners looking to build on their land in Alexandria, Pineville, Leesville, Marksville, Fort Johnson (Fort Polk), DeRidder, Avoyelles Parish, Rapides Parish, Grant Parish, and surrounding areas. We are also expanding in Montgomery County, Conroe, The Woodlands, and the Greater Houston area in Texas. Manuel Builders reserves the right to make changes to speculative homes under construction. Colors, exterior finishes, and square footage may vary from pictures, plans, and virtual tours. Elevation renderings may include optional features not included in the base price. Prices are subject to change without notice.
