Why Winterizing Before You Travel Matters
For Minnesota homeowners who head south each winter, peace of mind is priceless. Whether you’re gone for two months or half the year, preparing your home before you leave is critical to avoiding costly damage and wasted energy.
According to State Farm, more than 250,000 homes in the USA experience broken pipes per year—most often during freezing weather. A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in a matter of hours, causing extensive flooding, mold, and structural issues. When no one’s home to catch it, the consequences multiply quickly.
But preventing damage isn’t just about plumbing. Unoccupied homes are also vulnerable to break-ins, power failures, and energy waste. The good news? With smart technology, routine maintenance, and a trusted local partner, snowbirds can keep their homes secure, efficient, and worry-free all winter long.
The High Cost of Frozen Pipes and Unattended Homes
Frozen pipes aren’t just inconvenient—they’re one of the most expensive winter emergencies homeowners face. When water freezes, it expands, putting immense pressure on pipe walls. Even a small crack can leak hundreds of gallons per day.
Beyond pipes, winter creates other hazards for unattended properties:
- Ice dams can cause roof leaks and ceiling damage.
- Uncleared snow can collapse decks or block exhaust vents.
- Power outages can leave heating systems offline long enough for temperatures to drop dangerously low.
Addressing these risks before you leave is far more affordable than repairing the damage later. The two biggest areas to focus on are security and energy efficiency—each critical to keeping your home safe and sound while you enjoy the sun.
Security First: Smart Ways to Protect Your Home While You’re Away
A secure home doesn’t just deter burglars—it protects against accidents, system failures, and even natural events while you’re gone. Modern home security systems now integrate seamlessly with smart devices, giving homeowners total visibility and control from hundreds or thousands of miles away.
Start with the essentials:
- Smart locks that allow you to control who enters your home remotely.
- Lighting timers and smart bulbs that simulate occupancy.
- Security cameras and motion sensors that send alerts to your phone.
- Remote water and temperature sensors that detect leaks, drops in temperature, or humidity spikes.
These devices work together to make your home look lived in, provide real-time updates, and alert you—or your trusted contact—at the first sign of trouble. With the right setup, you can enjoy your time away knowing you’ll be the first to know if anything happens back home.
Smart Locks: Modern Access with Peace of Mind
Gone are the days of leaving a spare key under the doormat. Smart locks offer a much safer and more convenient way to grant access to maintenance workers, cleaners, or neighbors checking in.
You can create unique entry codes for each person and revoke them anytime. Many systems also provide real-time notifications each time the door opens, giving you total transparency about who’s coming and going.
Paired with a video doorbell camera, you can even see who’s at your door and communicate with them directly. This allows for secure home access in emergencies—like letting in a contractor to fix a frozen pipe or a family member to check your mail—without compromising safety.
Honey-Doers frequently helps snowbirds integrate smart lock systems before they travel, ensuring both convenience and protection through the winter months.
Lighting, Cameras, and Remote Monitoring
Lighting and surveillance are simple but effective ways to make your home appear occupied. Thieves are far less likely to target a property that looks active, especially in well-lit areas.
Lighting Timers and Smart Bulbs
Set up timers for a few lamps throughout your home so lights turn on and off at natural intervals. Better yet, use smart lighting systems connected to your phone or voice assistant, allowing you to adjust brightness and schedules from anywhere.
Smart Cameras
Install exterior and interior cameras in key locations—entryways, driveways, and mechanical rooms. Many models include motion detection, night vision, and cloud storage, so you can check in anytime.
Environmental Sensors
Pairing your camera system with temperature and water sensors adds another layer of security. If your furnace shuts off or a water heater leaks, you’ll get instant alerts before the situation escalates.
With this technology in place, you can respond to emergencies in real-time or coordinate a quick visit from your local maintenance partner, such as Honey-Doers.
Energy Efficiency: Protecting Your Home and Wallet
When your home sits empty for months, efficiency and prevention go hand in hand. You’ll want to lower your energy bills without exposing your home to freezing risks. Here’s how to strike that balance:
1. Adjust Your Thermostat
Install a programmable or smart thermostat to maintain safe temperatures while minimizing energy use. Set it to around 50–55°F—warm enough to prevent frozen pipes but cool enough to reduce heating costs. Smart thermostats let you monitor and adjust temperatures remotely, ideal if weather conditions change.
2. Shut Off and Drain Water Systems
If you’ll be away for more than a month, shut off your home’s main water supply and drain the pipes by opening faucets and flushing toilets. For shorter absences, at least drain outdoor spigots and insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces like garages or crawlspaces.
3. Unplug Unnecessary Electronics
Electronics still draw small amounts of energy when plugged in—a phenomenon called “phantom load.” Unplug televisions, computers, and small appliances to eliminate waste and reduce fire risk.
4. Weatherproof and Prevent Ice Dams
Check windows and doors for drafts and apply weather stripping or caulk where needed. Add insulation to attic spaces and ensure roof ventilation is clear to prevent ice dam formation. Ice dams can lead to water leaks, ruined insulation, and costly roof repairs.
5. Manage Exterior Maintenance
Snow and ice can do serious damage if left unchecked. Hire a professional for:
- Roof raking and gutter clearing
- Snow removal from driveways and decks
- Checking exterior vents for ice blockages
These services not only protect your property but also signal to others that your home is being maintained—discouraging intruders.
When paired with smart devices and a solid maintenance plan, these energy efficiency strategies can reduce winter heating bills by up to 30% and prevent the kind of damage that leaves homeowners paying for costly spring repairs.
Hire Local Help: Maintenance, Mail, and Monthly Check-ins
Even the most advanced smart systems can’t replace an in-person inspection. That’s why snowbirds should always have a trusted local contact or contractor to monitor their home regularly.
A professional can perform:
- Monthly walkthroughs to check for leaks, drafts, or signs of entry.
- Snow and ice management to prevent roof stress and blocked vents.
- Mail and package pickup to prevent accumulation that signals vacancy.
By pairing smart locks and camera systems with scheduled check-ins, you create multiple layers of protection. If a sensor alert is triggered or an energy bill spikes unexpectedly, your local partner can respond immediately.
Honey-Doers specializes in winter home care and maintenance programs tailored for snowbirds—ensuring your home stays safe, efficient, and well-cared-for no matter how long you’re gone.
Partner with Honey-Doers for a Safe, Efficient Winter Home
Being a snowbird shouldn’t mean worrying about your Minnesota home all winter. With the right combination of smart security, energy-efficient systems, and reliable local support, you can leave confidently knowing your home is in good hands.
Before you pack your bags, contact Honey-Doers Remodeling to prepare your property for winter. From smart lock installation to weatherproofing and regular maintenance checks, we’ll help protect your home—and your peace of mind—while you’re away.
