Ontario Propane Blog

How to Prepare Your Cottage for the Winter Season

Posted by James Callow on Fri, Aug 24, 2018 @ 02:31 PM

Cottage in Ontario

The school year has nearly started which means summer vacation will soon be a thing of the past. Temperatures will be dropping, air conditioners will be turned off and then eventually we will be preparing the cottage for winter.

While some winterize and close-up their cottage until the weather starts to warm up again in the spring, many continue to use the cottage during the cold winter months. 

Due to the fact we aren’t always there, we get into the habit of turning down the heat or turning it off completely in between trips so that we can minimize energy consumption. Nobody is at the cottage, so why bother keeping it warm?

The problem is, when you turn down the heat, you are giving your water pipes an opportunity to freeze up, which could result in severe damage.

When your pipes freeze they can burst, and while the pipes themselves are frozen, the water is not, and it can flood your home within minutes.

If this happens, the next time you visit the cottage for some well-deserved relaxation, you will be welcomed by a disaster that not only damages your belongings but the foundation and structure of your property - often resulting in costly repairs.

To reduce the risk of pipes bursting while you are away from your vacation home, there are two major steps you can take:

Thermostat - Don’t leave your thermostat lower than 10°C/50°F. This will help you save on energy while stopping your pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. As an added bonus, you will not have to arrive to a cottage that is barely warmer than the winter temperatures outside.

Water Tank - Similarly, leaving your water heater on the lowest temperature when you are away will stop the lines and the tank itself from freezing.

In addition to ensuring your pipes will survive the winter chill, you will also want to ensure your propane tank is full. There is nothing worse than taking all the necessary precautions to protect your water system only to have the heating system turn off because you ran out of propane.

To prevent this from happening and keep delivery drivers safe, remember the following:

  • Monitor your propane tank levels.
  • Lay salt or sand on the pathway to your propane tank to minimize the risk of slipping.
  • Keep your propane tank clean and clear of snow and ice-build up, as well as the surrounding area of the tank.

For more information about propane delivery and safety at your cottage, contact Budget Propane today!

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Tags: Home & Cottages

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