Do it Yourself: Re: [DIY] Re: Winterizing an Unoccupied House

16 January 2014

Re: [DIY] Re: Winterizing an Unoccupied House

I don't know about structural damage to long term cold but I would think that any liquids may be jeopardized. For example, any shampoos or other liquids could burst if they freeze.

I know that certain products also lose their effectiveness if they're frozen. I'm sure that

canned goods don't fare well (or even burst) if they're exposed to freezing temps.

Maybe to cut down on heating costs, install a solar panel..either on the roof or on a pole that could power a small heater that would keep temps in the house just above freezing?

Just some things to consider.

-aki

On Wed, Jan 15, 2014 at 12:30 PM, Mountain Master <mountain953346@yahoo.com> wrote:

Well....so far one great viewpoint to turn the heat off
and another great point citing preventable damage
by keeping heat on..which was my first thought that
at least keeping wood, windows, dry-wall..warm above
freezing by leaving heater set at 34 might be wise...

But both points are well taken...any other experiences?
And are we are we are we sure the damage to the
walls was due to lack of heat, or moisture that would
have been present with or without the heat? I know the
relative humidity would change with hear..but you said
he closed off rooms even when occupied..I do that as
well in the Sierra cabin for 10 years..and no damge to
that bedroom...

So again it is a conundrum...to be heated or not to heat
is still the question for winterizng...in the end it costs
me about $250 or so to keep house at 34 deg F during
the Oct-March heating season..it may spike at $4-500
if it stays very cold ...but house is south facing great
exposure so it does heat up during the sunny days..
but if damage was really caused by lack of heat than
even $500 to heat is cheap compared to potential
repairs costs....especially labor even if DIY...

Rich and Kate

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