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!

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.