By: Chris Hancock, CMCA, AMS, PCAM | KS Management Community Association Manager
As winter approaches, homeowners must take proactive steps to protect their homes from cold weather-related damage. For those planning to leave their homes vacant or head south for the winter, the stakes are even higher. Proper winterization ensures your home stays safe, warm, and free of costly surprises when you return. Here are essential recommendations to prepare your home for the colder months.
Maintain Interior Warmth
Adjust Your Thermostat: Keep your home at a minimum of 55°F (13°C) to prevent frozen pipes. Check your association’s guidelines, as some require higher temperatures. Replace thermostat batteries annually for optimal operation.
Reverse Ceiling Fans: Set fans to rotate clockwise to push warm air down, improving heat circulation.
Leave Interior Doors Open: Promote airflow by keeping interior doors and cabinet doors open, especially under sinks, to allow warm air to reach pipes.
Heating and Insulation Checks
Inspect Your Heating System: Schedule a professional HVAC checkup for your furnace or boiler to ensure efficiency.
Seal Drafts: Use weatherstripping, caulk, or foam insulation gaskets to seal gaps around windows, doors, and outlets. Preventing drafts is one of the easiest ways to lower heating costs and maintain comfort.
Install Heavy Curtains: Insulate windows with thick curtains, which can help retain heat and elevate your home’s style. Remember to check any exterior-facing window covering requirements set by your association.
Plumbing Preparations
Flush Sprinkler Systems: Drain and blow out irrigation systems to prevent pipe damage.
Protect Outdoor Faucets: Remove hoses, shut off exterior water valves, and insulate spigots.
Shut Off Main Water Supply: If leaving for an extended time, turn off the water and drain pipes. For homes where shutting off the main supply isn’t feasible, winterize appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters by turning off their individual valves.
Insulate Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes in insulation. During extreme cold, consider running a small stream of water in select faucets to prevent freezing as long as you will be home to monitor it.
Safety Measures
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Check detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed. Install a carbon monoxide detector if your home doesn’t already have one.
Fireplace Safety: Before lighting your first fire, have the chimney professionally cleaned and inspected to minimize fire hazards.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Maintain indoor humidity between 30%–50% to avoid problems like attic condensation, which can lead to ice dams and water damage. Check your humidifier daily or avoid its use if regular monitoring isn’t possible.
Outdoor Readiness
Check Exterior Lighting: Ensure outdoor lighting is operational to prevent accidents in icy or poorly lit areas. Promptly report outages to the management or maintenance team.
Prepare for Snow Removal: Familiarize yourself with your community’s snow removal policy. For smaller accumulations, keep a sturdy snow shovel on hand to clear walkways and driveways.
For Snowbird Homeowners
If you’re leaving for the winter, arrange for a friend, neighbor, or professional service like KS Property Maintenance to check your home regularly. This ensures issues like leaks or drafts are addressed promptly and signals that the property is monitored, deterring potential intruders.
Act Quickly on Problems
Winter weather can cause unexpected issues. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a drafty window, or a power outage, addressing problems immediately minimizes damage and keeps repair costs under control.
Taking these steps to winterize your home ensures a safer, more comfortable winter. For additional peace of mind, contact KS Property Maintenance for house-sitting services or help with any of these preparations. Stay warm and worry-free this season!
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