Winter in New Hampshire is beautiful, but it can be tough on lake homes! Properly winterizing your New Hampshire lake home can help keep it secure and well-maintained through the season’s harsh conditions. Whether you’re planning to stay cozy in the Lakes Region all winter or heading somewhere warmer, this checklist will help you prepare your property for the cold months ahead. Here’s everything you need to know to protect your home and ensure it’s ready for a safe, worry-free winter.
6 Tips for Winterizing Your NH Lake Home
1. Heating System Check
Before temperatures drop, have your heating system serviced to ensure it’s ready to go. If you’re leaving for a while, set the thermostat to at least 55°F to prevent pipes from freezing. This small step can prevent big problems! For extra peace of mind, consider a smart thermostat that lets you control settings remotely.
Recommended Vendor: Constant Comfort – Serving New Hampshire, Constant Comfort offers reliable heating system checks and maintenance to ensure your home stays warm and efficient all winter. Visit Constant Comfort for expert service you can count on.
2. Plumbing Power Down
To avoid frozen or burst pipes, make sure to drain and shut off your water system if you’ll be away all winter. This includes draining water heaters, pipes, and any appliances connected to the water supply.
If you don’t turn your water off, consider a smart water sensor (Phyn or Moen) to monitor remotely. The system will notify you of any leaks or changes.
Recommended Vendor: CL Plumbing and Heating, LLC – Visit C&L Plumbing and Heating for trusted seasonal plumbing services.
3. Draft Defense
Take the time to seal windows and doors with weather stripping or caulk to keep cold air out and maintain a consistent indoor temperature. A quick seal now can save on heating bills later and keep things cozy.
Recommended Vendor: Pemi Glass – For new window pane installations, Pemi Glass is a reliable local source.
4. Gutter and Roof Maintenance
With New Hampshire’s snow and ice on the way, gutters and roofs need to be in top shape. Clean out your gutters and inspect the roof to handle the weight of snow without leaks or damage. Gutter and roof maintenance now can prevent costly repairs down the line.
Recommended Vendor: Lakes Soft Washing – Specializing in gutter and roof maintenance, Lakes Soft Washing ensures your home’s exterior is clean and ready to handle New Hampshire’s winter weather. Visit Lakes Soft Washing for expert care.
5. Pest Prevention
Winter in New Hampshire means critters will be looking for warmth, and your home may be a tempting spot! Seal up any small cracks, add screens to vents, and make sure utility line openings are sealed.
Recommended Vendor: JP Pest – Keep your lake home critter-free all winter with JP Pest Services. They offer expert pest prevention to seal and protect your property. Visit JP Pest Services for comprehensive solutions.
6. Security and Local Check-Ins
If you’re leaving for a while, consider installing a security system and arranging for a local contact or property service to check on your home, especially after storms or extreme weather. Here’s a comparison guide on security systems to help find what works best for you.
Recommended Vendor: Mason Alarms and Electronics – Protect your lake home this winter with security solutions from Mason Alarms. They offer customized alarm systems and monitoring for peace of mind. Visit Mason Alarms and Electronics to learn more.
Thinking of a Winter Remodel?
Winter is a great time for a remodel, with contractors more available than during the busy summer months. At Lighthouse Contracting Group, we use Buildertrend, a top-notch project management app, to keep you in the loop on every aspect of your renovation. With Buildertrend, you can track timelines, view daily progress, and communicate directly with our team—all from your smartphone or computer. Imagine coming back to a beautifully updated home, ready for the new season!
For all your remodeling needs, our team is ready to handle your project professionally and efficiently, with full transparency through Buildertrend. Contact us to discuss your vision and set your project in motion this winter.
Embrace Winter Fun or Plan a Sunny Getaway?
Staying Local: The Lakes Region transforms into a winter wonderland, perfect for skiing at Gunstock Mountain Resort, snowmobiling on the region’s extensive trails, and even ice fishing on local lakes. It’s also the season for cozy fireside gatherings at home—nothing says New Hampshire winter like a warm hearth.
Heading South? If you’d rather skip the snow, consider heading to sunny Florida. Before you go, ensure all winter prep is in place so you can relax and enjoy the sun without worrying about your lake home.
With this comprehensive checklist and reliable local vendors, you can rest assured that your New Hampshire lake home is ready for winter. Whether you’re looking forward to snowy adventures or a warm retreat, a bit of preparation now will keep your home safe and sound. Reach out to us at Lighthouse Contracting Group for any assistance with winter prep, or to discuss a potential remodel to greet you on your return!
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