Winter on Mount Desert Island can be unforgiving to homes, especially when temperatures drop to single digits and properties sit vacant for extended periods. Frozen pipes, heating failures, and unnoticed damage can quickly turn into costly repairs if a home isn’t properly protected.

Whether your home is occupied year-round or seasonally, taking proactive steps can help ensure your heat stays on and your plumbing stays intact through even the coldest winter months.

Keep Heat Consistent—Even When You’re Away

One of the most common winter mistakes is lowering the thermostat too far when a home is vacant. While it may seem like a cost-saving move, it significantly increases the risk of frozen pipes.

Best practice:

• Maintain indoor temperatures at no lower than 55°F
• Use programmable or smart thermostats to monitor fluctuations remotely
• Install temperature alerts to notify you if heat drops unexpectedly

Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Pipes located in unheated areas are especially at risk. As we go through the next winter months, it’s important to identify and protect these weak points.

Focus on:

• Basements and crawl spaces
• Utility rooms and garages
• Pipes near exterior walls
• Outdoor spigots and irrigation lines

Foam pipe insulation, heat tape, and proper sealing around foundation penetrations can make a significant difference during prolonged cold snaps.

Shut Off & Drain Unused Water Lines

If your home stands vacant for long stretches, shutting off and draining certain water lines adds an extra layer of protection.

Consider:

• Shutting off exterior water supply
• Draining hose bibs and irrigation systems
• Winterizing secondary bathrooms or guest areas

In some cases, a full winterization may be appropriate, depending on how often the home is visited and monitored.

Schedule Regular Winter Property Checks

Storms, power outages, and equipment failures are part of winter life. Without regular checks, issues can go unnoticed until significant damage occurs.

Routine winter inspections should include:

• Verifying heat is operational
• Checking for frozen or leaking pipes
• Inspecting crawl spaces and basements
• Looking for ice buildup, drafts, or moisture

Consistent oversight provides peace of mind and allows small issues to be addressed before they become emergencies.

Prepare for Power Outages

Extended outages during cold weather can quickly lead to frozen pipes.

Helpful precautions include:

• Backup power sources for heating systems
• Monitoring systems that alert you during outages
• Having a local contact who can respond quickly

Smart Home Devices

Smart home devices can play an important role in protecting a property during winter, especially when a home is vacant. Smart thermostats, temperature sensors, and leak detectors allow homeowners to monitor indoor conditions remotely and receive alerts if temperatures drop, heat systems fail, or water is detected where it shouldn’t be. These tools provide early warning of potential problems, making it easier to respond quickly and reduce the risk of frozen pipes, water damage, or prolonged heat loss during cold weather.

Peace of Mind Through Proactive Care

Protecting your home through the winter isn’t just about preventing damage. It’s about knowing your property is safe, warm, and cared for no matter how harsh the weather becomes.

Rabasca Property Services

We offer experienced, professional winter property care across Mount Desert Island.
Call us anytime – we are only a few minutes away.