How to winterize a summer home

Goodbye, warm weather. Hello, freezing temperatures. When winter hits, tourism in several destinations goes into hibernation—especially along the coast where homes are typically built for summer vacations, in remote mountain areas, and around lakes and islands where transportation access is limited or on hiatus altogether. If you own a vacation rental in these areas, you might choose to shut down your property and prepare it to sit empty during the cold winter season.

From freezing pipes to losing roof shingles, the potential impact of not properly winterizing your vacation home can rack up thousands of dollars in damage (or, at the very least, lead to higher utility bills and wasted water and electricity). Most of these issues are caused by quick drops in temperature, thermostats set too low, or poor insulation. David Willis, who manages Vacasa's operations across 10 states and 2,000 vacation homes in the northeastern U.S., has overseen the winterizing of hundreds of homes. He outlines how to properly winterize your beach house or cabin to prevent any costly repairs come spring.

1. Start with an inspection

You should be regularly evaluating your vacation home’s condition. It’s one of the best ways to avoid major or last-minute repairs. A few weeks before shuttering for the winter, closely examine your property, inside and out, from top to bottom. For instance, look for cracks or crevices in your home’s foundation, siding, and trim. Needed repairs can worsen in frigid temperatures.

“Then, continue to stay on top of small repairs as they come up throughout the year,” David advises. “You don’t want to be burdened by home improvement projects during your own stays.”

At Vacasa, we have local staff in all of our destinations who consistently keep an eye on our vacation rentals, plus schedule needed home repairs and manage maintenance.

2. Heat and insulate properly

What’s most important is to not let the temperature inside your home get cold enough to freeze pipes in the first place. Some steps to take:

• Set your thermostat to a temperature between 50° and 55°F—just high enough to prevent freezing inside your home. This range is also best to prevent mold and mildew from forming and grouted tiles from buckling.
• Insulate exposed pipes and hose bibs.
• Check insulation in your basement, attic, and crawl spaces.
• Seal air leaks to stop cold air from blowing in. Common spots to inspect are around pipes, dryer vents, and electrical wiring.

3. Shut down your gas line

Whether you use natural gas or propane, call your service provider to shut off your gas line to prevent gas from entering your vacation home while it’s closed for the winter. This eliminates or reduces the risk of gas accidentally being released or ignited, David says.

4. Unplug all electronics and appliances

Pull the plug on all computers, toasters, entertainment centers, washer/dryers, and any charging devices. This will protect them from power surges.

If you’re shutting your vacation home down for the entire winter, unplug your refrigerator. It’s not efficient once ambient temperatures reach near freezing, costing you more money. Clean it out completely, including the freezer, and leave the doors ajar.

5. Shut off and drain the water

Turn off the main water supply. Then, work your way around the house, starting with the lowest faucet and opening it up. Turn on every shower, sink, or faucet. And don’t forget to drain outdoor hoses and appliances, like washing machines and dishwashers. Flush toilets a few times to completely empty all water out of the bowl and tank.

Every home is plumbed differently and your summer home may require more steps beyond these basics, David adds. Consider calling in a professional plumber to help you protect your pipes in the winter.

If you rent through Vacasa, we’ll work with local plumbers to take the necessary precautions specific to your home.

6. Check the roof

Climb up to examine for raised shingles, which could mean the attic is not adequately ventilated or the shingles were improperly installed. Plus, strong winds could also lift up the shingle completely, exposing your roof to leaks. Check underneath your eaves for pests seeking a warm refuge and building nests. Also peek under the chimney, close the flue and damper, then place a cap on the top to prevent animals (and cold air) from coming in.

7. Clear your gutters

An often overlooked task, cleaning out your gutters is actually pretty vital for seasonal maintenance, David says. This ensures that melting ice and snow flow freely away from your home, instead of draining into your ceilings and walls. Top off the gutters with screens to stop pine needles, falling leaves, and other debris from falling in while you’re away.

8. Clean out your pantry and kitchen cabinets

Leaving food behind can attract rodents, the same culprits behind damaged electric wiring. So, it’s crucial to clear out your pantry or at least store non-perishables in air-tight containers. Thoroughly wipe down the kitchen counters and pantry shelves so no crumbs are left behind.

9. Protect outdoor furniture and amenities

“Your outdoor items deserve as much protection from winter’s harsh elements as your home’s interiors,” David advises. Wrap and cover furniture with waterproof tarps, or let your deck chairs hibernate for the winter by bringing them inside. Severe winter storms can easily pick up and dislodge even sturdy outdoor furniture or heavy barbecue grills. If your area is susceptible to storms, clear out and store all items that can easily become projectiles. Vacasa handles both protecting and storing items for all of our vacation homes.

10. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your vacation rental

Even after doing everything right, things can still go amiss. For instance, power outages could shut down your thermostat, leaving your pipes vulnerable to freezing, or loose tree branches could crash through a window. Recruit a neighbor to periodically drop by your vacation home in case of any emergencies.

Even better, hire a property manager to check on your home. Vacasa has staff that live and work near all of our vacation rentals. “Our local team keeps watch over all of our rentals in the area, especially after severe weather events, such as heavy snows and deep freezes,” David explains.

“You should also have snow removal contractors lined up in case of extremely heavy snow on your rooftops, decks, and balconies. When you rent your home through Vacasa, we’ll arrange that work for you.”

Another great option: Leave the heat running and the reservations coming

If you’ve invested in heating systems and your destination is still attracting visitors (and doesn’t normally experience severe weather conditions), a more lucrative option for the winter season is to keep your vacation home up and running and open for bookings. “Travel trends are changing. We have guests searching for quiet and peaceful beach and lake homes in the colder months, especially around the holidays,” David says. “Your winter rental revenue could quickly provide a return on your investment.”

Plus, your local Vacasa team will watch over your home all year round.

Winter is coming. And, along with it the snow, rain, and wind that can wreak havoc on your vacation homes’ exteriors and interiors if not properly protected. With these expert tips, you can safeguard your vacation rental every winter.