How Snowbirds Should Winterize Their Homes

If you’re a snowbird heading south for the winter, there are several things you can do to winterize your vacant home. Taking the right precautions can help protect your home from theft, water damage, heating or electrical malfunctions, and other potential threats while you’re away for an extended period.

• Forward your mail, stop newspaper delivery, and ask a friend to pick up deliveries left at your door.
• Arrange for someone to remove snow after storms.
• Install motion-activated exterior lights and put interior lights on timers. Be sure to set the timers to come on at varying times to discourage prowlers.

• Make sure your alarm systems are working and have been activated.
• Secure all doors and windows with locks and deadbolts (where applicable), including sliding doors.
• Store valuables that you are not taking with you in an offsite location like a safe deposit box.
• Do not post vacation or travel plans on social media. Potential thieves can use that information to learn when your house will be empty.

• Consider completely turning off the water supply if you will be away for an extended period of time. You may want to skip this step if your home has a steam heating system or internal sprinklers.
• If you turn off the water supply, drain the pipes of all water by opening the faucets and flushing the toilet. Consider pouring antifreeze in toilet tanks and bowls to prevent remaining water from freezing. Always use non-toxic antifreeze rated for plumbing systems.

• Set your thermostat to 55°F or higher to protect plumbing.
• Open interior doors and cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the house.
• If possible, shut off water to washers, dishwashers, and hot water heaters. Be sure to also shut off the heat source to the water heater (if separate from your boiler).
• Consider wrapping water piping in UL-Listed heat tape and insulating if it is exposed in unheated areas such as garages.

• Have your heating system serviced by a licensed professional.
• Clean or replace the furnace filter on forced hot air systems.
• Add weather stripping around doors and caulk windows to guard against drafts and heat loss.
• Clean out your gutters.
• Unplug all unnecessary appliances, like your stove and microwave, before you leave.

• Clean your home thoroughly.
• Deep clean your oven/toaster, removing any crumbs or food particles.
• Empty and clean your refrigerator. Defrosts and clean your freezer. Wipe them dry and leave the doors propped open to prevent mildew.
• Close your fireplace flue and plug up and holes that rodents could use to get into your home

• Notify the police that the property will be vacant and provide emergency contact numbers.
• Ask a trusted friend, neighbor, or relative to keep an eye on your home and be available in emergencies.

Be proactive about protecting your home. Contact Great Lakes Auto Home to make sure your homeowners coverage is up to date so you’ll be covered in case anything happens while you’re away.

Call (630) 441-1003 or Email [email protected]