East Texas could be in for an unexpected winter this year. In its August 13 El Niño Advisory, the NOAA Climate Prediction Center reported greater than 90% odds of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter, with a 69% chance of an event exceeding the strength of any recorded since 1950 during October through December. While individual storms can't be predicted months ahead, El Niño winters tend to bring cooler, wetter conditions to the southern U.S.
For homeowners in Tyler, Longview, and surrounding areas, preparing now can reduce the risk of heating failures, frozen pipes, and electrical problems once winter weather arrives.
4 Steps to Prepare for El Niño
To get your home ready for low temperatures or storms rolling through East Texas, focus on the home systems you'll rely on most during an El Niño winter.
Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up
Scheduling a furnace tune-up before winter hits guarantees you’ll get service before demand rises. If your furnace has been making unusual noises, cycling frequently, or struggling to heat your home evenly, have those problems checked now. Fall heating maintenance gives a technician a chance to inspect the system, identify worn components, and address small problems before they cause a breakdown. It can also help your furnace operate at its best when cooler-than-normal weather keeps it running more frequently.
Protect Your Pipes From Freezing
East Texas doesn't typically experience freezing weather all winter, which can make a sudden hard freeze particularly disruptive. Taking measures to prevent frozen pipes before temperatures plunge can help protect your home from expensive water damage. Cover exposed pipes in attics, garages, and other unheated spaces with appropriate insulation. Disconnect outdoor hoses, protect exterior faucets, and seal gaps that allow cold air to reach plumbing, particularly around exterior walls. A plumber can also provide professional winterization and recommend additional plumbing services based on your home's vulnerabilities.
If you end up with frozen pipes, here’s what to do. First, turn off the water supply. Make sure every household member knows where the main water shut-off valve is and how to use it. For additional protection, an automatic water shut-off valve can detect a leak and close the water supply automatically.
After turning off the water, open faucets to relieve pressure in the pipes. Then, find the frozen section of pipe and warm it using a hair dryer, heating pads, or warm towels. Never apply open flames to a pipe.
Ensure Your Water Heater Is in Good Shape
A cold winter can be tough on an aging water heater, since it must work harder than usual to heat colder incoming water. Your family may also use more hot water for showers, baths, and household chores.
Watch for warning signs of water heater troubles, such as inconsistent water temperatures, unusual noises, rusty or discolored hot water, leaks around the tank, or a noticeable decline in available hot water. Professional water heater maintenance can catch developing problems before they lead to a breakdown. If you've noticed a change in performance, schedule water heater service before winter puts additional demand on the unit.
Prepare for Storms & Outages
A wetter El Niño pattern can bring more storm activity to East Texas, making electrical protection another part of winter preparation. Power fluctuations can damage sensitive electronics and appliances, and an extended outage can leave your home without heating, lighting, refrigeration, and other necessities.
A whole-home surge protector provides protection against voltage spikes throughout your home's electrical system. Homeowners who want backup power during an outage should also consider a standby whole-house generator. If you already own a generator, schedule generator service and test the system before severe weather arrives.
Call C. Woods Company for Expert Home Services in East Texas
C. Woods Company provides heating, plumbing, water heater, generator, and electrical solutions for homeowners throughout Tyler, Longview, and surrounding East Texas communities. With hassle-free service, upfront pricing, background-checked technicians, financing options, and emergency service, our team can help get your home's essential systems ready before colder, wetter weather arrives.
Contact C. Woods Company today to prepare your East Texas home for the upcoming El Niño winter.
FAQs
What temperature do pipes freeze at?
Water freezes at 32°F, but pipes are generally at greater risk when outdoor temperatures remain around 20°F or below for several hours. Pipes in unheated or poorly insulated spaces are especially vulnerable.
What does a furnace tune-up include?
A furnace tune-up typically includes inspecting key components, checking system operation and safety controls, cleaning components as needed, and identifying signs of wear. The exact maintenance performed depends on the furnace model and its condition.
What does a whole-house surge protector do?
A whole-house surge protector helps divert excess voltage away from your home's electrical system and connected devices. It provides broader protection than individual plug-in surge strips.
What is an El Niño winter?
El Niño is a climate pattern involving unusually warm waters in the tropical Pacific that can influence weather patterns around the world. In the southern United States, El Niño typically increases the likelihood of cooler, wetter winter conditions.
