Keep the heat on at 55 degrees or higher, set up regular checks, and decide whether to drain the water system. Know who to call before you leave.
Keep the heat on and set no lower than 55 degrees, have someone check the house on a schedule, and decide before you leave whether to drain the water system. Confirm what your insurer expects for an empty home. Write down which licensed plumber and heating company you will call if a check finds a problem.
Heat and frozen pipes
The State of Michigan's frozen pipe guidance says that if you are away, set the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees and ask a friend or neighbor to check the house daily. For colder stretches, a town notice citing the American Red Cross also advises opening cabinet doors so warm air reaches pipes under sinks on exterior walls (Harrison, NY). Sources differ on the best setting, and some suggest a higher one, so treat 55 as a minimum.
Pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and on exterior walls are the first to freeze. Insulate what you can before the first hard freeze. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency winter guidebook lists wrapping exposed pipes and sealing leaks that let cold air reach them.
Draining the water system
For a long absence, some owners shut off and drain the water system. A Kentucky Division of Water fact sheet describes shutting off the main valve and opening every fixture, hot and cold, until water stops running.
Two cautions. Homes with hot-water heating or fire sprinkler systems need advice from a heating or sprinkler professional before the water is shut off. And draining the plumbing is a plumber's job when it involves the water heater or lines you cannot reach.
Insurance for an empty home
Insurers often treat an unoccupied home differently, and the time limits and winter conditions are in the policy. A Fox Business article on empty homes and insurance explains the risk. Call your agent before you leave and ask how your policy defines vacant or unoccupied, how many days are allowed, and what winter steps it requires, such as keeping heat on or shutting off water.
Before you leave
- Service the furnace first.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace batteries. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends testing monthly and replacing batteries every year.
- Clear gutters and downspouts so melting snow drains away from the foundation, as State Farm's fall checklist advises.
- Disconnect hoses and shut off outdoor faucets. See the fall and winter checklist.
- Stop or forward mail and packages.
- Arrange snow removal, so the driveway and walks do not look empty.
- Put lights on timers.
- Give your checker a key, the alarm code, and a one-page contact list.
What a visit should cover
Whoever checks the house should walk through every floor and look at:
1. Thermostat reading and whether the furnace is running.
2. Floors under sinks, around the water heater, and in the basement for water.
3. Ceilings and walls for stains or drips.
4. Doors and windows for signs of entry or drafts.
5. Sump pump, if the house has one, and the alarms.
6. Mail pile, exterior lights and snow on walks.
Have them send dated photos each time. Photos also give you a record if you need to make an insurance claim.
Who to call
- Water leak or frozen pipe: shut off the water at the main, then call a licensed plumber.
- No heat: a heating and cooling company. Name one before you leave.
- Roof or ice dam leak: an IDFPR-licensed roofing contractor.
- Electrical issue: an electrician licensed or registered with your village. See Handyman vs. licensed contractor in Illinois.
- Loose gutter, sticking door, torn weatherstripping, small repairs: a handyman.
Enhaus refers plumbing, electrical and roofing to licensed independent contractors.
FAQ
What temperature should I leave the heat at?
The Michigan guidance says no lower than 55 degrees while you are away. Some sources suggest higher, so ask your heating company about your house.
How often should someone check the house?
Michigan's guidance suggests a daily check by a friend or neighbor. Many owners choose a set schedule; ask your insurer whether your policy sets one.
Should I drain the pipes?
For a long absence it is an option. Ask a licensed plumber, especially if you have a hot-water heating system or sprinklers.
Can a handyman look after an empty house?
A handyman can fix small items found during a check. Plumbing, electrical and roofing problems go to licensed independent contractors.
To get small winter repairs done before you leave, text your list to Enhaus at (847) 877-1877.
