Staying in a vacation home during warmer months can be full of excitement and relaxation. Knowing how to winterize a vacation home in preparation for leaving during the colder months can help keep your vacation property in great condition and ready for your next stay. 

Cut off the water supply & gas line

First, shut off the water supply and the gas line to avoid potential accidents while you’re away from your vacation home. When you open all the faucets and open them, it prevents pressure from building from freezing temperatures, which can cause a burst pipe.

Insulate the pipes

In addition to cutting off the water supply, it’s crucial to keep pipes at a moderate temperature to avoid frozen pipes. When frozen, they could burst, causing expensive water damages. Using insulation foam can keep away the cold and help keep the temperature leveled. 

Check smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors & your security system

Before cold weather arrives, check your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, so neighbors will be alerted in case of an emergency. 

If you have a smart security system, see if it includes a low temperature sensor. When installed into the device, this sensor can alert you if temperatures are low enough to cause problems. With some systems, you can get a fast notification directly to your phone via an app. 

Packing up for the colder months can be a bit melancholic, however with the right steps you can keep your vacation home safe the entire winter.