Since we are currently “enjoying” a cold winter day (week), I thought it fitting to write a couple of posts on “winterization”.
It is always interesting when I arrive at an inspection to find signs on the windows and doors, as well as the water heater and all of the plumbing fixtures, proclaiming the house to be “winterized.”
So, what is winterizing, why is it done, and when should it be done?
Winterizing is when a house is prepared for vacancy. This process prepares the plumbing system and components to not be affected by temperature extremes (so the pipes don’t freeze). The process should be performed when a house is expected to be vacant through the heating season, a.k.a winter. When completed, the house can now safely sit empty with no utilities, specifically, no heat.
The process of winterizing will involve fully purging the home’s plumbing system of water. This includes emptying the water heater, draining all of the piping, and filling the various fixtures with an anti-freeze solution.
For a home inspector, winterization can mean one of two things: One, the house mightstillbe winterized, meaning that no inspection of the plumbing-related components of the house can be completed. Or, two, it can mean that the housewaswinterized, but has been “de-winterized” (hopefully by a qualified plumbing contractor) and is “inspect-able.”
I’ll talk more about what an inspector encounters at a winterized property in my next post!
FAQs
Winterizing is when a house is prepared for vacancy. This process prepares the plumbing system and components to not be affected by temperature extremes (so the pipes don't freeze). The process should be performed when a house is expected to be vacant through the heating season, a.k.a winter.
What does it mean if a house has been winterized? ›
Winterization of a house is the process of preparing the property to be vacant during the winter. Typically, you will want to take these preventive steps this fall, ahead of winter weather season. Being proactive can help protect against risks of damage due to bursting water pipes and other home and property issues.
What does winterizing mean? ›
winterized; winterizing. transitive verb. : to make ready for winter or winter use and especially resistant or proof against winter weather.
What is the winterization process? ›
Winterization is a type of fractionation (also known as fractionate crystallization), the general process of separating the triglycerides found in fats and oils, using the difference in their melting points, solubility, and volatility. Winterization is an oil refinement technique commonly used in biotechnology.
What does it take to winterize a house? ›
Follow these steps to prepare your home for winter:
- Check the gutters. ...
- Protect the pipes. ...
- Seal the cracks. ...
- Stop the slips, trips and falls. ...
- Install an emergency release. ...
- Keep it cozy. ...
- Have your heating system checked. ...
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
How much should I charge to winterize a house? ›
Normal range: $65 - $1,000. The cost to winterize a house is $250 on average, but it can cost between $65 and $1,000 or more depending on the extent of work you need done.
What is the best temperature for a winterized house? ›
A detailed study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found residents preferred a wintertime heater setting between 67 °F and 70 °F (19 °C to 21 °C). The Department of Energy recommends a winter heat setting of 68 °F (20 °C), which matches up very well with the temperatures most of us are comfortable with.
What happens if you don't winterize your home? ›
From falling snow to cold temperatures, this season can lead to roof damage, siding damage, leaky pipes, and more. You can't keep Mother Nature from having her way, but there are steps you can take to prepare your home for the challenges of winter. This process is often known as winterizing.
What are the different types of winterization? ›
There are two types of winterizations, dry and wet. Dry Heat systems are forced hot air, they will have furnaces, vents and/ or registers. Wet heat systems can either be “Steam Heat” or “Radiant Heat”. “Steam Heat” will have a steam boiler and steam running through the system, generally radiators.
What is the winterization process for property preservation? ›
The winterization process must include a thorough and complete draining of all plumbing and heating systems. Use of air pressure to clear the system or, in some cases, adding antifreeze to the systems are both acceptable provided that the effect prevents freeze-ups.
Conduct Inspections To Winterize Your Home
- Check Your Heating System. Have a qualified HVAC technician inspect your furnace or boiler. ...
- Examine Your Home's Exterior. ...
- Schedule a Weatherization Audit. ...
- Shut off the Main Water Supply. ...
- Winterize Appliances. ...
- Add Extra Attic Insulation. ...
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts. ...
- Seal Entry Points.
Why is winterizing important? ›
Winterizing your home is helpful when looking to avoid high energy costs and structural damage from the winter storm. Adequate winterization is especially important for homes that are unoccupied during the winter.
Do you leave faucets open after winterizing? ›
Pipes: Turn off water supply to the house and drain pipes to protect them from freezing. You can empty pipes by running the water and flushing the toilets after the water has been turned off. After draining the pipes, it is a good idea to leave the faucets open to prevent pressure build up from any water that remains.
What does it mean when a property is winterized? ›
Winterizing is when a house is prepared for vacancy. This process prepares the plumbing system and components to not be affected by temperature extremes (so the pipes don't freeze). The process should be performed when a house is expected to be vacant through the heating season, a.k.a winter.
How to winterize a flush toilet? ›
Winterizing Toilets and Drains
Detach the water supply hose from the side of the toilet and let the water drain out. Have a bucket or towel ready to catch water drips. Pour non-toxic antifreeze into the toilet tank and then flush the toilet to distribute it to the overflow lines.
How do you open a house after winterizing? ›
5 Easy Steps to De-Winterize Your House
- Step 1: Remove aerators from all faucets. ...
- Step 2: Open the water supply valves on each faucet. ...
- Step 3: Open the supply valve at the hot water heater. ...
- Step 4: Open the supply valve at the water meter. ...
- Step 5: Turn on all exterior faucets.
What to do after winterization? ›
How To De-Winterize Your Home
- Turn Your Electricity Back On. ...
- Re-Connect All Water Supply Tubes. ...
- Turn Your Water Supply Back On. ...
- Turn The Water Heater And Boiler Back On. ...
- Turn The Plumbing Fixtures Back On. ...
- Plugin Your Appliances. ...
- Turn The Gas Back On. ...
- Give The Outside Of Your Home A Once-Over.
How do you winterize a house when gone? ›
Conduct Inspections To Winterize Your Home
- Check Your Heating System. Have a qualified HVAC technician inspect your furnace or boiler. ...
- Examine Your Home's Exterior. ...
- Schedule a Weatherization Audit. ...
- Shut off the Main Water Supply. ...
- Winterize Appliances. ...
- Add Extra Attic Insulation. ...
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts. ...
- Seal Entry Points.