With summer in our rearview mirror, Midcoast Mainers await the lovely fall foliage with an important task on our minds — winterizing our homes. If this is your first Maine winter, preparing your vacation property or primary home for winter requires thoughtful measures.
That’s because winter months can usher in more than a foot of snow, with temperatures in Cumberland, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties dipping below freezing. But not to worry. Mainers know how to keep Old Man Winter in check. These tips will help you prepare your home and stay cozy.
Seal Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors account for as much as 30 percent of a home’s energy loss. Let’s start by identifying places where the air is seeping in or out of the living space. Be sure to pay extra attention to these areas by checking the caulking. We recommend using temporary foam tape and weatherstripping to eliminate unnecessary heat loss. If a window is particularly drafty, consider using plastic sealants to cover it for the season.
Maintain Heating Systems
It’s essential to schedule routine heating system maintenance and repair every fall. The last thing a homeowner wants is to spend their first cold night buried under a pile of blankets. We recommend having a professional run a systems check, replace the filters, and make any minor repairs to ensure it’s ready to keep you cozy and warm.
Insulate Pipes
Insulating your home’s pipes calls for some thought and strategizing. People tend to cover the sections they find in plain view. Take some time to explore your water pipe system and identify hidden areas and those in unheated places. By making sure everything is protected now, you can avoid a water pipe bursting in January.
Use a Smart Thermostat
If your Midcoast home doesn’t have smart technology — yet — consider starting with a thermostat. These convenient devices can be programmed to raise or lower the indoor temperature based on when you are home or at work. You can also manage the smart thermostat from your phone, so your home is already toasty when you pull into the driveway.
Perform Outdoor Preparations
The importance of clearing out gutters during the fall cannot be understated. Allowing leaves, pine needles and debris to accumulate prevents melting snow and ice from flowing through the downspouts and away from your exterior walls. Ice build-ups result in sagging gutters that may need to be replaced. It’s also essential to store items such as patio furniture, outdoor grills and any personal property that could be damaged by winds, snow, ice or freezing rain.
Complete Pool Maintenance
Although some say there are chemicals that can effectively winterize a pool, we recommend draining the basin, lines and appliances until the risk of a freeze passes. It’s not unusual for the overnight temperature to slip below zero occasionally. If that happens just once, you could end up with expensive repairs. As the adage goes, “better safe than sorry.” So, close the pool by draining it and covering it until you’re ready for a dip.
Take Security Measures
Summer homes along Coastal Maine can become targets for burglars. Fortunately, there are deterrents you can put in place. If you don’t already, have a security system installed and use an entry code (that is not 1-2-3-4. You’d be surprised.) Have the landscaping maintained while you are away, forward your mail, and consider using smart lighting technology or timers to make the house appear occupied.
Contact Fletcher and Michael at City + Harbor Real Estate
If you are interested in buying or selling a property in Midcoast Maine, we’re here to help. We are lifelong Mainers who know the area intimately and its prime real estate locations. Call City + Harbor Real Estate and ask for Fletcher at 207.542.0412 or Michael at 207.450.4514; or fill out our online contact form. Let’s get the process started!