This Summer, Acadiana suffered one of the more brutal stretches of heat that we’ve ever seen. In October, the transition into a more mild and relenting weather pattern typically presents itself. Preparing your house for cold weather in South Louisiana may not require the same level of winterization as in colder regions, but it’s still essential to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient during the winter months. Here are a few things to consider as you prepare your house for colder weather in South Louisiana:

Seal Drafts and Air Leaks:

  • Check drafts around windows and doors. Seal any gaps or cracks with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering.
  • Consider using draft stoppers or door sweeps to block drafts under exterior doors.
  • Inspect and seal any gaps around plumbing and electrical penetrations, as well as gaps in the attic and crawl spaces.

Insulate Your Home:

  • Insulating your attic can help trap heat inside your home. Consider adding or upgrading insulation to reduce heat loss.  This doubles for summer months when your attic gets to 150 degrees and creates the opposite problem for your space.

Maintain Your Heating System:

  • Replace air filters regularly to ensure efficient operation and clean indoor air quality.
  • Be aware of what type of equipment you have; if it’s a furnace, heat pump, gas or electric heat strips in your unit, check with us on preventative maintenance to stay ahead of potential issues when your equipment is transitioning into heating mode.

Protect Pipes:

  • In extremely cold weather, there is a risk of frozen pipes, which can lead to bursts and water damage. Insulate exposed pipes or allow a slow drip from faucets during particularly cold nights to prevent freezing.
  • Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses to prevent damage to faucets and pipes.
  • Consider installing heat tape on vulnerable pipes to prevent freezing.

While South Louisiana generally experiences shorter and much more mild winters compared to many other places, taking the time to prepare your equipment for colder weather will benefit the lifespan and efficiency when we do experience those cold weather snaps. As always, if you are not sure about the methodology in preparation or your equipment fails, call a professional that you can trust.