Does a winterized home need to be heated?

Question

I've seen the posts regarding basic preparation for a vacation home in freezing weather. Can anyone let me know if any damage will occur to a winterized home that is not heated in freezing temperatures.

Answer 1

Water left in appliances can do damage, washers , water heaters, dishwashers, I/M water valves, water tanks in fresh food compartments of the refrigerator, and p-traps under sinks. You might save some money now but it might cost you big later!

Answer 2

If the temperature change is gradual, then this is better than a quick and drastic swing in temps. I don't agree with the idea that no heat is ok regardless of winterization. Many materials will be affected by the cold. Adhesives in plywood, o.s.b., laminate glue will suffer. This is because of the different properties of the adhesive and the materials the adhesives are applied to. They do not move or expand and contract at the same speed or degree.

I would suggest some degree of constant temperature that is above the freeze mark, even if just a few degrees. More important is the gradual raising of the temp several days prior to occupying the structure.

This is how I would consider winterizing a structure of my own.

Answer 3

you can winterize a house for purpose of energy conservation, if you plan to live in the house over the winter, in which case damage can occur if the heat is turned off.

but the most common use of the term "winterized" is to remove all water from pipes and add antifreeze to all sewer traps (toilets and sinks and bathtubs) so that it is safe to turn off the heat for the winter.

with your warping concern.   warping will occur when you have materials at different temperatures and different expansion and contraction rates.  or it occures when the ground feezes and expands.

heating the house won't stop the ground from freezing, and the house is already designed with a little give for a hot summer day and an air conditioned interior.

so it should be all set.

Answer 4

That's the idea of winterizing it - draining water out of the pipes, putting antifreeze in the toilets.

You only have to worry about water freezing and breaking the pipes.