Migrating birds don’t have much prep work before they fly southward for the winter. Snowbirds, on the other hand, must consider how to shut down their residences before taking flight to flee the Northwest’s gray skies and rain for more southern and sunny states.
“There are two ways to shut down a home for the winter — partial and full,” said Amber Hall, energy counselor for Clark Public Utilities. “Except for a few freezing days, we have mild winters, so choosing a partial or full shutdown becomes the homeowner’s choice and often depends on how often they plan to return during the winter.”
In severe climates, most snowbirds flying south opt for a complete shutdown that requires much work. They need to get the water totally out of plumbing, and that may take a plumber. They need to drain the water heater and shut off the electricity. Their fridge and freezer need special care. They must de-ice the freezer and refrigerator, then wash the insides using a tablespoon of baking soda in a quart of water. After drying the interiors, they should prop open the doors on both. The very cautious turn their water off at the street.
Most Southwest Washington snowbirds opt for a partial shutdown, because severe winters are rare here. However, extreme weather can happen and homeowners need to protect their homes by preparing for the worst. Snowbirds escaping drizzly and cloudy days should consider a three-fold plan — seal and weatherize the home well, conduct a partial shutdown and establish a personal network ready to help when needed.
Hall said closing up your home’s air leaks before your departure goes a long way toward blocking out the cold. Making sure your home is adequately insulated in the walls, attic and crawl space, and adding thermal heating strips to exposed pipes are other good steps for protection. And don’t forget to close the fireplace damper.
When air leaks are plugged and weatherization is in place, consider your heating system. Heating and cooling is a home’s biggest utility cost. “Have your heating system checked to make sure it’s operating reliably before you go,” said Hall. “Then you will be sure that it will cycle as you’ve programmed it.” Also, because heating water makes up 14 percent of an electric bill, turn the water heater down.
Follow a checklist
The day before leaving, Hall recommends following this checklist.
Unplug all appliances, microwaves, TVs, cable boxes and computers that use energy even when turned off.
If unplugged, fridges and freezers do need to be thawed, cleaned and propped open. An alternative is to empty them and turn the fridge and freezer thermostats up a bit if you leave them on.
Make your home look lived-in by using a timer to turn lights with CFL or LED bulbs on and off in different rooms in patterns that mimic normal life.
Use LED bulbs in outside fixtures to reduce operating costs and virtually eliminate the risk of the bulb burning out while you’re away.
Turn the water off at the washing machine to avoid water damage.
Make sure all smoke detectors are working and have new batteries.
“Leaving your home empty isn’t without risk,” Hall said. “That’s where a support group comes in.” Ask friends, family or neighbors to check your place frequently and report back. Stay in touch weekly so they can let you know about any major changes in the weather that might require someone to check your home.
And don’t forget to let your utility and service providers know your plans and arrange to have bills forwarded to your home away from home.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
