Will you be Winterizing Your Vacation Home? Check List?
First to do is to create a check list. Go room to room looking for items that may freeze during the winter months or areas that you will need to keep heated. The exterior will need attention some attention to.
Lets start with the exterior.
Turn off the water to the exterior fittings.
Walk the exterior of the home and seal any areas where pests may enter looking for a cozy warm environment.
Clean off any roof debris and make sure the gutters are clean and drain properly.
Pleasure craft such as boats, ATVs, bicycles, canoes, kayaks and cars should be locked in a garage or storage shed. All exterior furniture should be put under cover. Especially glass topped tables. The glass will break under the weight of snow.
Security lights should be functioning with an interior light left on. A security system maybe the best insurance for confidence that you home will be protected.
If you are closing down the home for the winter completely drain all water lines. If you plan on using the home in the winter months turn off the water supply and open all cabinets that have exposed water pipes so in case of a power outage those areas will keep at room temperature. Opening the cabinets on exterior walls lets interior heat into the cabinets to prolong pipes from freezing.
Turn down your thermostat. Set your thermostat to a level adequate to keep the inside temperature above freezing. As an additional safety precaution have a temperature alarm installed that will notify you if the temperature drops below 45 degrees. It is recommended that you keep the home heated during the winter months for structural soundness to your home even if you drain the water from the pipes.
Unplug appliances and turn off your water heater.
If you are shutting down the home clean out the refrigerator and unplug. Don't keep anything that is likely to go bad during the time you are away.
If you must keep frozen food, here is one method for determining if your freezer has warmed during the winter: freeze a container of water solid, then place a coin on the surface of the ice; if the coin has sunk into the ice when you return, then the freezer warmed, letting the ice melt and then refreeze.
Wash the refrigerator and freezer thoroughly. Prop open their doors, the better to forestall mold and mildew (which like to grow in the dark) and their odors, which may transfer to the refrigerator's plastic parts.
Remove all items in the kitchen that may freeze and store dry goods in plastic containers to keep pests from enjoying a free meal if they find there way in.
Clean and vacuum the home to keep opportunities for pests to a minimum.
Heating systems should be serviced and inspected and if you have a forced hot water system you may consider putting antifreeze in the lines with a plumbers recommendations.
One last recommendation is have a neighbor or service company stop by and check on your home.
The winter is a great time to be in the NH Lakes Region. Skiing - Snowmobiling - Ice Fishing - Tons of Winter Attractions - Winter Carnivals to Pond Hockey
Snow is Right Around the Corner