Preparing for Winter Storms in Texas - Home Inspector Tips

As winter approaches, it’s important for homeowners in Texas to prepare for potential winter storms. With the recent increase in electric bills in Texas, it’s more important than ever to ensure your home is ready for the colder months. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips from home inspectors on how to prepare for winter storms in Texas and avoid high electric bills.

Why Are Electric Bills So High in Texas Right Now?

Understanding the Situation

In February 2021, Texas experienced an unprecedented winter storm that caused widespread power outages and skyrocketing electric bills. This was due to a combination of factors, including high demand for electricity due to the cold weather, power plants being offline for maintenance, and a lack of winterization of the state’s energy infrastructure.

Many Texans had to pay much more for electricity, which caused financial problems for many families. This has led to a greater focus on preparing for winter storms and avoiding high electric bills in the future.

Tips for Preparing Your Home for Winter Storms

Inspect Your Home’s Insulation

One of the most important steps in preparing for winter storms is to ensure your home is properly insulated. This will not only keep your home warm during the colder months, but it can also help reduce your electric bills.

As home inspectors, we can identify any areas where insulation may be lacking or damaged. Most common places would be the attic or walls. We can also recommend the best type of insulation for your home and provide tips on how to improve its effectiveness. Give Green Scene Home Inspections a call and we have the tools to inspect this for you!

Check Your Heating System

Before the winter season arrives, it’s important to have your heating system inspected by a professional. This will help ensure that it is functioning properly and efficiently, which can help reduce your electric bills.

As home inspectors, we can check for any issues with your heating system, such as clogged filters or faulty components. We are also able to provide recommendations for repairs or replacements if needed. Additionally, we can provide tips on how to maintain your heating system so it runs smoothly throughout the winter.

Seal Any Drafts

Drafts in your home can make it more difficult to stay warm. They also cause your electric bills to increase. This happens because drafts allow cold air to come in and warm air to escape. Sealing any drafts in your home before winter storms arrive is important.

We find drafts in homes and suggest ways to seal them, like around windows and doors. This can include using weather stripping or caulking to seal gaps and cracks.

Inspect Your Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so it’s important to ensure it is in good condition before winter storms hit. We can check your roof for damage or problems like missing shingles or leaks and suggest repairs or maintenance.

A well-maintained roof can help prevent heat from escaping your home and reduce the risk of damage from winter storms.

Prepare for Power Outages

Many of you experienced this during the Snowmageddon of 2021 in Texas but, power outages are common and can last for extended periods of time. Being prepared for these situations is important to ensure the safety and comfort of your family.

As home inspectors, we recommend emergency supplies to have on hand, such as flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food. To keep your home warm and reduce costly electric bills, we recommend using a generator as a backup power source.

How to Avoid High Electric Bills During Winter Storms

Use a Programmable Thermostat

A smart thermostat can save you money on electricity by adjusting your home's temperature according to your schedule. This can be especially helpful during winter storms when you may be using more electricity to keep your home warm.

We can recommend the top programmable thermostats for your home. Additionally, we can provide helpful tips on how to use them efficiently. By following these tips, you can save money on your electricity bills.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

During the winter, the sun can provide natural warmth and light for your home. Take advantage of this by opening curtains and blinds during the day to let in natural light and warmth. This can help reduce your reliance on electric lighting and heating, ultimately lowering your electric bills.

Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

If you’re in the market for new appliances, consider investing in energy-efficient models. These appliances use less energy, which can help reduce your electric bills during winter storms.

We can suggest energy-efficient appliances and explain the energy ratings and costs of different models.

Getting ready for winter storms in Texas is important for your family's safety, comfort, and to avoid expensive electric bills. Follow Green Scene Home Inspections' tips to prepare your home for winter storms and use less electricity during them. Stay safe and warm this winter by preparing your home now.