Winter has officially begun! If you’re like a lot of homeowners in Mooresville and Martinsville, Indiana, you’re probably heading south for warmer weather. Which means in the midst of packing swimming wear you’re also trying to figure out how to properly winterize your home for the winter. Below are some things to add to your winterization checklist if your home will sit vacant over the coming months.

Adjust Your Thermostat

One of the most important things to consider before leaving your home for the winter is how you’re going to adjust your thermostat. If the home will be sitting completely vacant, there’s no need to maintain a comfortable temperature. Instead, adjust the thermostat to a temperature between 50 - 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This will be cool enough to save on energy costs and warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing and busting.

Protect Your Pipes From Freezing

Speaking of freezing pipes, if your home isn’t adequately insulated and prepped before the chilling weather rolls in, you might be at risk of ruptured pipes. Ruptures most often occur between the freezing point and the faucet due to water expansion and built up pressure. Pipes in under-insulated crawlspaces and attics are most at risk of rupturing. Additionally, outside hose bibbs are vulnerable to the cold temperature. You can prevent freezing by installing freeze-resistant hose bibb spigots or by using insulated faucet covers.

Caulk Cracks to Stop Cold Air

Cracks and exposed seams around your home’s exterior greatly put your pipes at risk of freezing. Cold-air infiltration is one of the most overlooked causes of ruptured pipes year after year. To mitigate this risk, spend a few hours before your trip filling cracks and seams with an acrylic-latex caulk. Most deficiencies will likely be discovered around your windows and doors.

Shut Off Main Water

The surest way to prevent burst pipes from flooding is to shut off the water to your home. (Check with your local water company to see if it offers scheduled water shut off and turn on.) Once you’ve located the main shut off valve and stopped the flow of water to your home, open up all your faucets to drain the remaining water from the lines. Allow the faucets to remain open to keep pressure from building in your pipes while you’re away.

Using Antifreeze Solution

Are you going to be gone for an extended period of time? If the answer is yes, then you’ll want to utilize antifreeze to prevent your pipes from freezing. If you don’t have experience applying antifreeze to your home’s plumbing, call a local licensed plumber for help. Antifreeze solution is used during the winterization process to lower the freezing point of the remaining water in your home.

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