Do you have a cottage, a second residence, or perhaps a rental unit that doesn't have year-round occupancy? If so, have you thought about what you need to do to winterize your property? The weather is cooling off and the summer heat is dispersing — this may be the perfect time to make those adjustments to a place you may not see again for the next few months. Beat the first frost and keep your property in tip-top shape with these winterizing musts.

Shutters

An extra layer of protection on your windows helps shelter against many environmental hazards. Shutters can deter burglary, keep animals out, and safeguard against harsh winter storms. There are four main types of outdoor shutters, each with different price points and pros and cons — research which option works best for your residence and budget. If new shutters are not in the budget this season, a DIY window covering made from plywood is a great temporary solution.

Maintenance

Before leaving for several months, make sure your property is in top-notch shape:

• Check that the furnace is in working order.
• Look for air leaks around window seals, pipes, and vents.
• Clean and properly store all gas-powered tools.

Turn Off, Unplug, and Drain

Save money and hassle by removing any chance of flooding, electrical shorts, and fires. Machines that pump water — like dishwashers and clothes washers — will need all three of these steps.

Turn Off:

• Clean, empty, and unplug the refrigerator, leaving the door slightly cracked to prevent mildew.
• Shut off main valves.
• Consider shutting off gas and electricity for the season.
• Check and close all exterior faucets.

Unplug:

• All light fixtures, countertop appliances, and electronic attachments.

Drain:

• The water heater.
• All pipes — attach a hose to the lowest point in the plumbing and blow out all remaining water with an air compressor.

Your cottage is most likely home to many wonderful memories. Keep it in the family for generations with these crucial winterization steps. If you are curious about how to apply the same level of care to your primary residence, check out our tips for home winterization. Keep checking back to the Kratos Gas & Power blog for excellent lifestyle tips!