It's important to winterize your property when you're away for an extended period, such as closing up a summer vacation home or cleaning a foreclosed home.Don't use unnecessary utilities, keep animals and insects out of your house, and keep your possessions safe from theft by taking precautions.The following suggestions will help you plan and execute a winterization down to the last nut and bolt, whether you're leaving for a few weeks or a year.
Step 1: Make a list.
Look at the exterior and interior of your home to see what needs to be done.When it's time to open up your house again, you probably won't be able to remember all the things that have to be "un-done", so you need to create a plan of action.
Step 2: The water should not be on the exterior.
The water supply needs to be completely turned off at the main supply point.Water in a pipe can freeze and burst if the furnace fails.
Step 3: Remove all water lines.
If you live in an area where freezing pipes can be a problem, drain the toilets, the water heater, and the expansion tank.Blow the lines of excess water with an air compressor.The instructions say to pour an "RV" type antifreeze solution into the drain traps.The sink and tub drain should be closed.If a house is to be empty for a long time, you can prevent sewer gases from entering the home by raising the toilet's lid and seat and covering the bowl with saran wrap.If you have an outdoor pool, drain it.Turn off fountains and other sources of water.You can drain the water from the dishwasher.Follow the manufacturer's directions for washing machines and refrigerators.The water filter needs to be removed from the refrigerator.Remove and empty any "whole house" or "in line" type filters.
Step 4: Go to the thermostat.
To keep things dry, set your thermostat to a level that will keep the inside temperature above freezing.If the home is located in a warm, damp climate, you should install a humidity indicator to maintain a dry interior.
Step 5: Plug all your appliances in.
Electric appliances, including microwave ovens and TVs, should be unplugged if you leave the power on because of the risk of fire in the event of a faulty switch.
Step 6: Don't forget to fill up.
Some experts recommend shutting off gas hot water heaters for long periods of time.
Step 7: It's time to clean out the fridge.
Don't keep things that are likely to go bad when you are away.The freezer should be emptied.If the electricity is off for an extended period of time, don't leave anything in it, as it will thaw and refreeze, which is very dangerous.If you have to keep frozen food, you can determine if the freezer has warmed by freezing a container of water solid and placing a coin on the ice.The fridge and freezer should be washed thoroughly.The best way to prevent mold and mildew from growing in the dark is to open the doors.There is an open bag of activated charcoal on the inside of the open refrigerator.
Step 8: All food should be removed from the pantry.
Grains and seeds should be stored in metal containers with tight lids and locked in tins or cabinets.
Step 9: Guard against insects and rodents.
Throw away soap, sponges, candles and other sources of food for vermin by washing kitchen trash containers.If you want to deter rodents, place a botanical deterrent under the sink, on the kitchen counter, and in the garage.
Step 10: You should remove items that could freeze.
Mineral water, soda, beer and paint should be removed from areas that are subject to freezing.There is empty water in jars, vases and mini-fountains.
Step 11: Before you leave, take all the trash out of your house.
Step 12: It is necessary to wash everything.
If linens, bedding, towels and the like are left, they should be washed or cleaned and stored in boxes.The mattresses should be allowed to air out.Use mothballs in the empty drawers and closets.There are carpets and floors.No crumbs or other sources of food will be left for vermin.
Step 13: Remove the fire dangers.
Before you leave, dispose of oily rags and stacked papers.
Step 14: Close flues and damper.
Step 15: Plants must be watered if necessary.
Step 16: The yard and garden must be protected.
Take care of the lawn and shrubbery.Plants that are frost tolerant should be covered.If necessary, have your garden watered.
Step 17: You can store outdoor furniture.
Tables, chairs, hammocks, delicate garden ornamentation, and other outdoor accessories can be placed in a garage, shed or storage unit.Don't leave anything outdoors that can be damaged by a strong wind.
Step 18: Don't let expensive cars be locked away.
Pleasure craft such as boats, ATVs, bicycles, canoes, kayaks and cars should be locked up.This storage space has window views.
Step 19: All entry points should be locked.
It's important to have high quality locks for your doors and windows.All of your windows and doors are locked.There are doors that do not have a deadbolt.Close window shutters.Along with shutters, drapes, blinds and curtains, carpeting and fabrics can be kept from fading.
Step 20: It should look like someone's home.
Set the light timers to turn on automatically in the evening.This could be less viable if it's a summer vacation home.Have your neighbors keep an eye on you.
Step 21: Don't leave valuables in a vacation home that may attract thieves.
They should be moved out of the line of sight from windows.You should take all small valuables with you.
Step 22: The mail should be stopped.
You can do this online at USPS.gov.Stop all routine deliveries as well.Before you leave, pay your bills.You can make arrangements to pay by internet.You can ask a neighbor to be on the lookout for packages from any service.
Step 23: Someone should make regular checks.
If there is a neighbor who will remain in the area while you are gone, leave them with a key for emergency entry.Leave them with your cellphone number, home phone number and e-mail.If you want to check the status of your temperature, humidity and power, add a remote monitoring system.You don't need an active internet or landline connection if you use a cellular system.