Winter is a wonderful time to escape the cold and embrace the comfort of a warmer climate. However, leaving your home unattended during this period can lead to potential complications. We’ve created this guide to help you prepare your home efficiently for your winter travel. It walks you through essential steps to winterize your home and safeguard it against the cold. We’ll also go over other invaluable safety measures to ensure your abode remains secure in your absence. Your peace of mind while away can start with the right planning today.
Understanding Winterization
Winterization is the process of preparing homes to withstand the harsh conditions of winter while the occupants are away. It involves a series of protective measures to prevent damage from freezing temperatures, potential burglaries, or infrastructural issues that might arise due to inoccupation. The benefits of winterizing your home are manifold, not only protecting your property but also providing peace of mind during your travels.
Steps to Winterize Your Home
1. Set the Right Temperature
Managing your home's temperature is a key factor in winterization. The ideal thermostat setting during your winter travel would be between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a balance between preventing freezing and unnecessary energy consumption.
2. Turn Off the Water
The risk of your water pipes freezing is high during winter. To prevent this, it's advisable to drain the pipes and turn off the water supply. Also, consider insulating any exposed pipes for added protection.
3. Insulate
Insulation extends beyond pipes—it is integral for doors and windows too. Poorly insulated doors and windows can allow the cold air to seep in, leading to interior freezing. Prior to your travel, check the caulking around windows and weather stripping around doors. Replace them if necessary to ensure a proper seal.
4. Unplug Appliances
Your appliances also need attention. Unplug all unnecessary appliances to prevent potential damage from power surges and to save on electricity. However, don't forget to leave the refrigerator plugged in at a higher temperature setting if it's not empty.
5. Perform Outdoor Maintenance
Outdoor maintenance is just as important when winterizing your home. Simple tasks like cleaning gutters and trimming trees can prevent potential damage to your home during winter storms.
Additional Home Safety Measures
1. Install Home Security
Security should be a high priority when leaving your home vacant. Installing a home security system, if you do not have one already, can be a smart investment. Modern systems offer mobile connectivity, allowing you to monitor your home from anywhere.
2. Add Timed Lights
Timed lights can be a simple yet effective deterrent for potential burglars. By giving the impression of occupancy, these lights can help maintain the security of your home.
3. Tell a Neighbor
Informing a trusted neighbor about your travel plans can also add an extra layer of security. They can keep an eye on your home, collect mail, and alert you or the authorities in case of any suspicious activity.
4. Manage Your Mail
Which brings us to the next point—mail management. An overflowing mailbox can be a clear signal of an unoccupied home. Request a mail hold at your local post office or ask your neighbor to collect your mail until you return.
Connect With Senior Helpers Corpus Christi
Preparing your home for winter travel may seem challenging, but with the right steps, it can be a smooth process. Implementing these strategies can help safeguard your home against winter damage and potential burglaries and give you peace of mind while you're away.
For our readers in Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, Refugio, or Alice looking for more assistance, our team at Senior Helpers Corpus Christi is ready to help. Our services range from in-home care to providing further guidance on winterizing your home. Contact us today and embrace your winter travels with confidence and serenity.