January 19, 2021
January is the coldest month of the year in Southeastern Massachusetts, with an average low temperature of only 22° Fahrenheit! Whether you’re a seasonal or year-round Cape Cod homeowner, winterizing your home is an important yearly procedure you should add to your to-do list. Proper winterization can prepare your home for the worst when it comes to the brutal ice and snow that our region tends to experience.
6 Tips for Home Winterization on Cape Cod
1. Detach and store any garden hoses.
If you haven’t already put away your outdoor living equipment, it’s a good idea to put your outdoor garden hoses into storage. This will reduce the risk of the water inside of them freezing; since ice expands, this could burst and ruin your hose.
2. If you’re leaving the Cape, turn off your water and lower your heat.
Heading to a warmer climate for any length of time? Don’t forget to turn off your Cape Cod home’s water access and let your sinks run for a few minutes to drain the pipes of any excess water. You can also turn down your heater’s temperature to 55 degrees. Remember to keep your furnace running and arrange automatic delivery with your heating oil provider, so your home will be protected against the elements while you’re away.
3. Seal any cracks, leaks, or drafts that could allow warm air to escape.
Run your hands along any windows and doors in your home to determine if any cold air is seeping through. If cold air can get in, warm air can get out—fix that with caulk or weather stripping.
4. Clean out your home’s gutters so they don’t freeze and burst.
It’s simple, but necessary. Find someone to spot your ladder (or hire a professional) and empty your gutters of any residual water and debris that may have gotten stuck up there during the fall.
5. Make a plan for combatting ice on walkways and paths.
Black ice and other Massachusetts winter hazards can cause serious injury. Be sure to stock up on ice melt and shovel your walkways (and a path to your fuel storage tank’s fill pipe) after a snowfall.
6. Create a winter-weather safety kit for your home.
You can never be too prepared when it comes to cold weather. It’s a good idea to create a safety kit that includes things like a flashlight, extra batteries, first aid materials, water, nonperishable snacks, pet food, a shovel, portable phone charger, blankets, and an ice scraper. If you were to lose power or be snowed in, you’ll be glad you thought ahead!
Cape Cod’s Winter Safety Experts: Falmouth Energy
Need help with any of these home winterization tips on the Cape? Get in touch with the energy experts at Falmouth Energy! We would be more than happy to assist with your Cape Cod, MA home comfort and safety.