Leaving Your Home Alone For the Holidays? Here's What to Know Before You Go

As the holidays approach, you might be getting ready to leave for a stretch of celebration, relaxation or adventure. Whether you're escaping to a sunny destination or gathering with family in a distant city, leaving your home during the winter months — especially for an extended period of time — could use a little extra preparation.

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Cold weather, freezing temperatures and potential storms can really do a number on your home while you're away. But, with a few precautions, you can safeguard your sanctuary and prevent a seasonal disaster.

1. Check and Service Your Heating System

Your home's heating system is your first line of defense against freezing temperatures. A malfunction in your furnace, boiler or heat pump while you're away could lead to catastrophic consequences, including frozen pipes, structural damage and hefty repair costs.

Before heading out, schedule a professional to service your heating system. Ensure that filters are replaced, thermostats are calibrated and any potential issues are resolved. It’s also a good idea to ask your technician to check for drafts or poorly insulated areas that could allow cold air to seep in.

If you have a programmable thermostat, consider setting it to maintain a consistent, reasonable temperature throughout your absence. Even if you're trying to save on energy, do not set the temperature too low. Around 55°F (13°C) is the lowest you should go to avoid freezing issues.

For additional peace of mind, consider installing a smart thermostat. These devices allow you to monitor and control your home’s temperature remotely via an app. If something goes wrong, you can adjust the settings or alert someone locally to intervene before any serious damage occurs.

2. Winterize Your Pipes

One of the biggest risks of leaving your home during winter is the potential for frozen and burst pipes. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and can cause the pipe to crack or burst, leading to significant water damage when it eventually thaws.

Start by insulating exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages or crawlspaces. You can wrap them in foam pipe insulation or heat tape, both of which can help prevent freezing. It's also a good idea to disconnect any hoses and shut off the water supply to exterior faucets to prevent freezing in outdoor plumbing. Cover outside hose bibs with insulated faucet covers.

For extra precaution, if you live somewhere where the temperatures regularly dip below freezing, leave a slow drip of water running through at least one faucet, preferably in a sink that has a pipe susceptible to freezing. This small trick can keep water flowing through your pipes, reducing the chances of them freezing while you’re away.

If you're planning to be away for an extended period, consider turning off your home's main water supply altogether. This step will not only prevent frozen pipes but also protect your home from water leaks that could go unnoticed for days or weeks. If you do this, be sure to drain your lines to remove standing water before you head out.

3. Check Your Windows and Doors

Inspect your windows and doors for drafts before you leave. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any leaks, and ensure that all windows are fully closed and locked. If you have older windows that aren’t well insulated, consider adding plastic film insulation to keep the cold out.

For sliding doors, ensure that the tracks are clean and that the doors close snugly. Adding a draft guard or rolled towel along the bottom of the door can also help block cold air from seeping in.

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4. Install Timers and Security Measures

A house that appears vacant can be a target for potential intruders. Simple measures like installing timers for lights can make it look like someone is home, even when you're miles away. You can set your timers to turn on lights in various rooms at different times to simulate regular activity.

Consider investing in a home security system if you don't already have one. Modern systems offer a variety of features, from motion sensors and door/window alarms to real-time alerts that notify you if something unusual happens. Many systems also include smart cameras, which allow you to check in on your home remotely.

5. Unplug Appliances and Electronics

Even if you're focused on protecting your home from freezing, it’s worth considering other potential risks, such as electrical surges or fires caused by faulty appliances or electronics. Before you leave, unplug any non-essential devices, such as computers, televisions, coffee makers and other electronics.

Not only will this step save energy, but it also reduces the risk of an electrical fire while you're away. Additionally, power surges can damage sensitive electronics, so disconnecting them from the grid adds an extra layer of protection.

6. Have a Backup Plan

Despite your best efforts, there's always a chance that something could go wrong while you're away. Having a backup plan in place can minimize damage and stress.

Ask a friend or neighbor to check on your home every few days, especially during a cold snap. They can ensure that everything is running smoothly, and in case of an emergency — such as a heating system failure or burst pipe — they’ll be able to respond quickly.

Additionally, consider leaving the contact information of your trusted service providers with your neighbor or friend. This way, repairs can be arranged swiftly if anything goes wrong, even in your absence.

Going on a trip can bring a lot of joy during the holidays, but make sure your trip ends well by preparing your home before you leave.