It’s almost time to head south to escape the cold weather, so you should start thinking about winterizing your home before leaving it for the season. The right steps will keep your house safe from winter weather, water damage, and electrical issues. Here’s more about why this task is necessary.

How To Winterize Your Home Before Heading South

1. Arrange for Help

An unoccupied home in the winter can accumulate potentially damaging precipitation. Arrange for someone to clear snow and ice from the driveway, gutters, and roof on a regular basis. Have mail forwarded, and ask neighbors or friends to pick up packages for you.

2. Lock Up Wisely

Lock doors, windows, and entryways into the home before leaving. Fix any locks that might need repair, as thieves can potentially break these to gain access to your home.

Store valuable items in a safe deposit box in a bank. If you have home alarms, make sure that they’re working, and set them before leaving.

3. Check the Water Supply

Taking care of your home’s water before leaving can prevent a burst pipe. Many homeowners mistakenly turn the water off and drain the pipes by turning on the faucets and letting the water run out completely. Doing so could cause the pipes to freeze and burst. Instead, call a plumber to tackle this step. 

If you keep the water supply on, set the furnace or home heating system at 55 degrees or higher to keep the water from freezing. You should still shut off water to appliances that will sit unused, such as the dishwasher and washing machine. Also, turn off the hot water heater to save on energy costs.

4. Clean Up

A vacant home left uncleaned can attract pests. Before you leave, mop and sweep floors, vacuum carpets, wash all surfaces, and clean out all appliances. Dry out bathtubs and showers to keep mold and mildew from growing.

If your home has a chimney, have an expert clear out debris and birds. Have them install a guard that will prevent animals from coming into your home while you're away.

5. Prepare the Electrical System

Unplug appliances to prevent them from using up energy or causing an electrical fire. Alternatively, shut off the entire main breaker. 

Let your neighbors and local authorities know that you’ll be gone for the winter so that someone will keep an eye on your home while you're away.

Is it time to winterize your home? McGuire Plumbing & Heating provides comprehensive services throughout New London County, CT. We have 35 years of experience in the area. If it’s your first time winterizing your home, Jeff will come for a free consultation. Explore our services on our website, or call (860) 376-3388 to schedule an inspection.