Winterize Your Home: The Ultimate Checklist for a Worry-Free Getaway
If you’re escaping the cold for warmer weather this winter and leaving your home vacant, follow these top 10 winterizing tips to help protect your home– even when you’re not there.
Whether you have a house on the water or a cabin in the mountains, avoid burst pipes, and keep everything in tip-top shape while away. Here’s everything you need to know!
Winterizing Steps For Your Home
1. Shut Off the Water and Drain the Pipes
Shutting off your water can be the first defense against frozen pipes. Once you’ve turned off the main water supply, open your faucets to let any remaining water drain out. Wondering, should you leave faucets open when the water is turned off? Yes! This step helps ensure that pressure doesn’t build up in your pipes, which can lead to cracks and costly damage.
2. Insulate and Encapsulate the Crawl Space
If your home has a crawl space, take steps to keep it sealed. Insulating and encapsulating your crawl space helps prevent outside air from seeping in, which can otherwise cause the pipes in this area to freeze and burst. No one wants to return from a vacation to a flooded crawl space, so this is definitely a must-do!
3. Adjust Your Thermostat
You don’t need to heat an empty house as you would if you were home. Setting your thermostat to around 55°F ensures that your house stays warm enough to prevent freezing without wasting energy. This simple step helps you save money and keep your home safe from the cold.
5. Inspect Your Basement Sump Pump
Before you head out, getting your sump pump inspected is a good idea to ensure it’s ready to handle any water in your basement while you’re gone. Heavy, wet snow can bring down power lines, leading to outages that leave your sump pump without power. To avoid a flooded basement, consider installing a backup sump pump system. Battery-powered backup pumps protect your basement even during power outages, so you can have peace of mind while away.
6. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
With winter comes melting snow, and clean gutters and downspouts help direct that water away from your home. Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling and potentially cause damage to your foundation. Taking a few minutes to clear out leaves and debris can save you from significant headaches later on.
7. Turn Off Your Water Heater
Save on energy costs and prevent potential issues by turning off your water heater before you leave. For electric heaters, simply switch off the breaker. If you have a gas heater, set it to the “vacation” mode if available, or lower the thermostat to the lowest setting. This step will help protect your heater from damage and avoid unnecessary energy usage while you’re away.
8. Secure Doors and Windows
Give all your doors and windows a final check before you head out. Ensure they’re locked tightly, and that window latches are secure. If you want added security, consider installing window locks or motion detectors. A securely locked house is a safer house.
9. Unplug Unnecessary Electronics
Avoid unnecessary energy consumption (and potential electrical issues) by unplugging any non-essential electronics before you leave. Devices left plugged in still consume energy, which is both costly and wasteful. Save on your energy bill and keep things safe by unplugging the TV, toaster, coffee maker, and any other appliances.
10. Delay Your Mail with the Post Office
Avoid a pile-up in your mailbox by scheduling a mail hold with the post office. It’s quick and easy to do online or at your local branch. This way, you won’t have to worry about your mailbox overflowing while you’re away, and it adds a little extra security for your home.
Don’t Forget: Winterizing Is Key to a Safe, Cozy Return Home
By taking these steps to winterize your home, you’ll set yourself up for a worry-free getaway. From how to winterize pipes to keeping your crawl space protected, these actions ensure you can enjoy your vacation without stressing over home maintenance.
Whether you’re planning a short escape or a lengthy stay in warmer weather, prepping your home beforehand means you’ll return to everything just as you left it.
If you’re looking for professional help with winterizing solutions, like crawl space encapsulation, contact Groundworks to schedule a free inspection today.
Enjoy your vacation with confidence, knowing your home is well-protected.
FAQs
Seal windows, doors, and other openings. You can also add weather stripping or draft stoppers for extra insulation.
Yes, disconnect hoses, drain them, and turn off any outdoor faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Arrange for someone to shovel snow from walkways and driveways. This maintains safety and gives the appearance that someone is home.