This is the time of year. Autumn. The temperature decreases, the leaves begin to change, and the owners of the host lakes begin the process of removing boats from the water and overwinter their houses. If this includes you, then surely you will want to return home to your lake in the spring of next year, with the certainty that everything will be ready to go on another summer of pleasure and relaxation. And if you plan to visit from time to time during off hours, wintering means protecting your property, as well as being able to use it from time to time.
If you are absent for several weeks or for the whole winter, you definitely do not want to return to unpleasant surprises from the long, cold winter.
To be sure that this is not happening, here is a checklist of things you need to do in the winter for your home this fall.
Inside the house
Make sure your power and water are in the correct mode for extended absences. If you warm your place in the winter, continue and gain heat, but probably not less than 55 degrees. If you do not heat the winter, be sure to drain the pipes by connecting the hose to the lowest point in the plumbing and blow all the water with an air compressor. Then put the antifreeze into the traps and drains.
Additionally:
- Clean or replace the furnace filter to maintain an efficient heating and cooling system.
- Turn off electronics and appliances in the event of overheating or lightning.
If you turn off the refrigerator, leave the door open to prevent stale odors. - Keep the shades closed or cover the furniture so that it is not bleached by the sun.
- Put drying sheets or naphthalenes near the bedding.
- Restore and save the first aid kit.
- Remove all perishable foods; Store those that remain in sealed / sealed containers. If you do not heat the cabin in the winter, do canned food so that they do not freeze.
- Turn off the dryer and water heater.
- Remove all containers used for fuel storage. If you do not plan to return in winter, drain gas from lawn mowers, trimmers, sheet blowers and other garden tools, and also drain the fuel line.
- Clean and remove ashes from fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, as well as close the damper.
- Winterize washing machine, kitchen appliances and any other appliances that use water.
- Check the smoke detector batteries and change them if necessary. If there is ever a problem, a neighbor can hear how they leave in your absence.
Outside your lake house
- Check for damage, clean, then store boats, docks / elevators, stairs, life jackets, ski equipment, patio furniture, and other recreational items. Write down all the items you need to purchase for repair. It is easier to wait for a replacement in the winter months, rather than in the summer when you want to use them.
- Dig the lawn for the last time.
- Check the roof for loose or damaged tiles and repair if necessary to avoid leaks.
- Clear the gutter
- Check for air leaks around electrical wires, vents, pipes, windows, and doors. Seal any leaks with insulation or seal to keep out cold air and pests.
- Isolate pipes and wires in crowded places by wrapping them with thermal tape or thermal cables.
- Consider leaving the cabinet doors open so that the heat reaches the uninsulated pipes under the sinks and appliances next to the external walls.
- Compact or close vulnerable windows to prevent damage.
- Remove the line in your sprinkler system (if you have one).
- Cancer is a thick leaf area.
Warming your boat
- In Michigan, we often have variable temperatures that can create condensation inside engines. To prevent condensation, use a lubricant for lubrication inside the engine.
- Make sure that none of the fillings are bad.
- Clean the bottom of the boat with a hull cleaner. There are various cleaners for boats made of aluminum and fiberglass, so do not forget to choose the right boat.
- If you store the boat outside, the boat must be covered or shrink-wrapped.
Of course, if you expect to travel for a long time, nothing beats the fact that someone will take care of your property professionally. In areas with a lot of second homes, there are often businesses that offer home inspections, as well as cleaning, gardening, lawn mowers, raking leaves and snow removal.
