Closing up my house for winter. Is it necessary to keep heat on if all water is off and pipes drained?

Question

anti freeze has been added to any standing water in toilets etc,

Answer 1

It Is recomended to maintain just above freezing temp. especialy if there are any slight drafts.  It also does not do the fame work of a home alot of good (walls) to be subjected to below freezing temps. for extended periods of time

Answer 2

Did you drain the washer and water heater of all water?  You might think about any wood products in the house that might be damaged by the lack of heat.  If the house is not heated you might have condensation problems as the weather heats and cools.

Answer 3

It is not necessary, but smart to keep it on. As #1 mentioned, condensation and temperature variations can be dangerous to the house, inside and out - mold and spores are a common problem, and wood furniture can break down. If it gets cold in the winters where you are, that can also be bad for electrical items. Critters such as squirrels and rats also will take up residence quickly, but I think that's the case whether or not you leave the heat on!

Answer 4

did you consider all the "p" traps as well(under the sinks)?  How did you drain the main supply line coming out of the floor into the meter into the house?          And the water should be shut off at the water main(by the water  people).   Also, did you drain your hotwater tank? I am figuring you are shutting off the power as well.

   I think at that point you should be about ready to go(but ask the water people when they shut off the water from the road if it is good.    Around here, 2 feet into the ground is the frost line(where stuff still can freeze)  so you want to be sure there is no water in any lines that are closer to the surface.  The water main to the house may need to be drained(by the water guys)

  Also, do not shut the house up right tight.  Cross ventilation such as having the window open slightly(1/8") at the extreme corners of the house will keep the house from getting stuffy or moldy or skunky.   Humidity will not be a problem either.     Look at old houses that have windows that did not fit very tight or had fireplaces in each room and have been abandoned.  The inside of the house is fine even though it has been abandoned for 5-10 years.  The multiple open fireplace hearths kept the air flowing.

Answer 5

It's not necessary to maintain heat if you are not there . drain all the water out of the lines  , water heater , disconnect the water supplies to the washing machine , dishwasher   ice maker on the fridge . also a good practice is to make up a way to blow the water lines out with  an air compressor . this can be done by going to your hardware store and making a hose connection with a shraeder valve  on it . This will help make sure that any water traped in the pipes is out and not laying in the low spots in pipes   and fixtures , blow it out by the boiler drain at your well tank or even  from an hose bibb on the house if it doesn't have a backflow preventer .sounds like you already added non toxic antifreeze to the traps in the house , all the sinks , shower , tubs and toilets .  not much more than that can be done, We winterize homes each autumn and have very good success but it is not a guarantee that you won't have a break in the water lines . If  you have hot water heat you will have to drain and blow that down as well if you turn it off . obviously with forced warm air you would have no problem . If you do have  hot water heat what happen if the power went out during freezing weather  ?  Do you have someone  to look in on the property ? If not they do make alarms that will call you if the temp inside the house drops dangerously low .

Answer 6

Don't forget the water heater and well pump if you have one.