While so many prefer to travel during the summer, embarking on a winter getaway can be just as exciting. The breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains, hot cocoa by the fire, and winter activities like skiing — all of it can make for the getaway of a lifetime.
But unlike summer travel, you must take extra precautions to ensure your home is ready for the cold weather before you leave. Proper preparation protects your home from potential damage and gives you peace of mind to enjoy your vacation fully.
Why Preparing Your Home for Winter Travel is Essential
Neglecting to prepare your home before you leave for vacation during the cold months can lead to a host of problems.
Frozen pipes, drafts, and energy inefficiencies are common issues that could cost you time and money upon your return. For example, pipes can freeze and burst during really cold temperatures, causing water damage and expensive repairs.
Meanwhile, keeping your home prepped for the winter gives you much-needed peace of mind. When you know your property is secure and winter-ready, you can focus on making the most of your time away rather than obsessing over what could potentially happen to your home.
Ultimately, preparation eliminates the worry of returning to unexpected home emergencies.
Pre-Travel Home Improvement Checklist
Before you head out, tackle these essential tasks to keep your home safe and in good shape for your return home:
- Adjust your thermostat: Set your thermostat to a temperature that prevents freezing pipes while conserving energy. A good rule of thumb is to maintain it at 55 F (13 C) or slightly higher.
- Insulate pipes: Frozen pipes and water line breaks are two of the most common winter plumbing problems. Use insulation — even styrofoam can work — or heat tape on pipes to save them from freezing temperatures. Don’t forget to regularly inspect pipes in unheated areas like basements and garages to ensure they don’t get frozen over.
- Inspect the roof: Check for loose shingles or damage that could allow water or ice to seep in. Repair any issues to avoid leaks and costly repairs.
- Secure outdoor items: Store or secure outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations to protect them from winter weather and high winds.
- Install timers or smart systems: Use light timers or smart home devices to simulate occupancy and deter potential burglars.
Sustainable and Energy-Saving Tips
If you’re an eco-conscious traveler, include these sustainable measures on your checklist too:
- Install a smart thermostat: Invest in a smart thermostat to monitor and manage your home’s temperature remotely. Many models can detect extreme temperature drops and send alerts to prevent freezing pipes.
- Unplug appliances: Reduce phantom energy use by unplugging non-essential electronics like TVs, chargers, and kitchen appliances before leaving.
- Use LED bulbs: Replace traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights, especially for fixtures you plan to leave on for security purposes.
These small changes can lower your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint while you’re away.
Returning to a Cozy, Functional Home
A little pre-arrival planning goes a long way in ensuring your home is comfortable when you return:
- Schedule deliveries: Arrange for any groceries, packages, or supplies to arrive shortly after your return. This saves time and effort after your travels.
- Automatic thermostat adjustment: Set your smart thermostat to warm up your home a few hours before your arrival. Walking into a cozy space after a cold journey is a small luxury that makes a big difference.
- Check appliances: Before leaving, ensure essential appliances like your refrigerator and heating system function correctly. This avoids unpleasant surprises when you’re back.
By taking these steps, you’ll come back to a home that’s safe, welcoming, and ready to ease you back into your routine.
Conclusion
Preparing your home for winter travel is a simple yet vital process that protects your property, saves energy, and ensures a worry-free vacation.
From insulating pipes to managing energy use, these proactive measures give you peace of mind while you’re away and a warm, functional home to return to. Don’t let winter weather dampen your travel plans!
