Winterize Your Vacant Home
 
The cold weather is here. Regardless of whether you’re packing up a vacation home for the season or simply traveling from your primary residence for a week or two, caring for a vacant home during the winter months is important. Protect one of your best assets in critical in the colder weather. 

• Keep Your Home From Looking Vacant - Colder weather means fewer neighbors out and about. New technology, such as Alexa, can help you make the home seem occupied. Add a video doorbell and/or CCTV to allow you to “watch” your home from anywhere. 

• Protect Your Pipes – Bursting pipes can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Drain your pipes by opening faucets and flushing toilets, and then turn off the water before you leave.  

• Keep a Minimum Temperature – Even with drained pipes, the home temperature should not drop below 55 degrees. Appliances, hot water heater and other systems still risk damage in freezing temperatures. 

• Perform Preventative Maintenance Before You Leave – In addition to basic upkeep, make sure your systems are working properly. Heating and cooling systems, appliances, wiring and outlets can all create a fire hazard if not in good condition. Unplug all appliances and unnecessary lights before you leave.  

Have an Emergency Plan – Make sure someone is available for help in an emergency.