20 must do’s before heading south for the winter. A must read for all snow birds!
Here are a few helpful check points before you closing up your unit.
- Turn off or set your hot water meter to vacation setting.
- Make sure your water supply is turned off at the service entrance.
- Drain all the water from the system from lowest outlet.
- Place non-toxic antifreeze in all drains and toilet bowls. Which can be purchased from any RV or Boating Supply store.
- Be sure to drain and blow out all exterior hose connections. You don’t want anything freezing up, expanding, and then bursting and ruining your valuables.
- For air circulation open all sink cabinet doors.
- For security reasons place pieces of 1×2 wood, in all first floor windows to hold the bottom sash from being opened from outside
- Lower all window shades or close all blinds and store your furniture, rugs, etc. so they do not fade.
- Place a wooden pole in the track of all sliding doors, and lock garage doors from the inside.
- Don’t forget to shut off your pilot light to gas fireplace and close the damper and or fireplace doors.
- Disconnect power to all appliances, computers, modems, printers, TV, etc.
- If you do happen to want to leave some lights on, make sure you put them on timers.
- Empty all perishable food from refrigerator. This is also a good time to wash out your refrigerator.
- Lock garage door from the inside. Remove any liquids from garage which could freeze, latex paint, etc.
- If you have a refrigerator in the garage remember to disconnect, empty and properly prop the door open.
- Cancel all newspaper deliveries and other deliveries.
- Place a draft block under door from garage to house.
- In case of emergency give your key to a close neighbor, friend, etc. Along with your key give them your phone number just incase you need to be reached.
- Have someone come check the house at least once a week to collect the mail and water the plants.
- And last but not least remember to set your thermostat at, 62 degrees “HOLD”. This will keep a constant heat on in the house. Just like you your unit needs to be comfortable during the winter.
Enjoy your time in the warmer climates!