Tallahassee, Florida – Another surge of Arctic air is lining up to push into the Florida Panhandle, and homeowners across the region are being reminded that overlooked winter prep issues can quickly lead to costly damage when temperatures drop near or below freezing.
While cold snaps are less common this far south, homes in the Panhandle are often more vulnerable when they do arrive. Frozen pipes remain the most common winter problem, especially in homes with exposed plumbing in crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls. Even a few hours of hard freeze conditions can cause pipes to crack or burst.
Blocked exterior vents are another frequently missed issue. Dryer, bathroom, and kitchen vents can become clogged by lint, leaves, or debris, trapping moisture that freezes and forces airflow back into the home. This can lead to moisture damage and raise fire risk when appliances cannot vent properly.
Ice-related roof issues, while rare, can still occur during unusual snow or sleet events followed by prolonged cold. Poor attic insulation allows heat to escape, melting precipitation that refreezes along roof edges. Water can then back up beneath shingles, damaging ceilings and insulation. Homes in Tallahassee and surrounding inland communities are more susceptible than coastal areas.
Frozen sump pump discharge lines also create problems during extended cold. When outlet pipes freeze solid, groundwater has nowhere to drain, increasing the risk of basement or crawl space flooding once temperatures briefly rise.
Rounding out the top five is neglected heating equipment. Furnaces and heat pumps that haven’t been checked can struggle during peak demand, leaving homes without reliable heat and pushing residents toward unsafe space heater use.
Homeowners are urged to insulate exposed pipes, cover outdoor faucets, clear debris from exterior vents, seal crawl spaces where possible, and ensure heating systems are operating efficiently before the cold tightens its grip. Additional cold-related alerts are expected as January’s winter pattern remains active across the Florida Panhandle.
