Winter Home Watch Checklist for Snowbirds and Second Homes

Winter in New England can be beautiful, but it can also be tough on homes—especially when homeowners are away for extended periods of time. Each winter at DCN Property Management we check homes throughout Concord, Lincoln, Carlisle, Acton, and surrounding communities to make sure everything remains safe and secure while owners travel.

A vacant home in freezing temperatures can develop problems quickly. Frozen pipes, heating failures, and unnoticed water leaks can cause significant damage before anyone realizes there is an issue.

If you plan to spend time away this winter, here is a practical home watch checklist we recommend to homeowners before they leave.

1. Set Your Thermostat to a Safe Temperature.
One of the most important steps is ensuring your home maintains a safe indoor temperature. Even if you are away, we generally recommend keeping the thermostat set no lower than 55°F. This helps protect plumbing and prevents freezing pipes.

Many homeowners today choose smart thermostats that allow them to monitor and adjust temperatures remotely using their phone. Check out the Ecobee Smart Thermostat and the Google Nest Thermostat.

David’s Tip:
During property inspections we occasionally find heating systems that have shut off unexpectedly. Remote thermostat alerts can notify you immediately if temperatures drop.

2. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Water Lines
Outdoor faucets and irrigation systems are especially vulnerable to freezing.

Before winter fully sets in:

• Shut off exterior water valves

• Drain irrigation systems

• Disconnect garden hoses

• Install faucet covers

These simple steps can prevent costly pipe breaks. Highly recommend Frost King Outdoor Faucet Covers as a great place to start prepping for the cold.

3. Install Water Leak Detectors
Water damage is one of the most common issues discovered in vacant homes. Even a small leak under a sink can cause significant damage if it goes unnoticed.

Small water leak sensors placed near plumbing fixtures can send alerts to your phone if moisture is detected. Both the Govee Leak Detector and the Moen Smart Leak Detector are reliable water leak sensors. See my post about Best Water Leak Detectors. 

Recommended locations include:

• Under kitchen sinks

• Near washing machines

• Around water heaters

• Near sump pumps

• Behind refrigerators with water lines

These inexpensive devices provide valuable peace of mind.

4. Monitor Basement Humidity
Basements can develop moisture issues during winter due to temperature fluctuations and snow melt.

Consider placing:

• humidity sensors

• a basement dehumidifier

• sump pump alarms

These tools help identify moisture problems before they develop into mold or water damage. Start your search with the hOmeLabs Dehumidifier and the Govee Humidity Monitor.

5. Secure Windows and Doors
Before leaving for the season, walk through the home and confirm that all windows and doors are securely closed and locked.

Pay special attention to:

• basement windows

• sliding doors

• garage entry doors

Many homeowners now use smart locks or security cameras that allow them to check access remotely. Check out my post about 5 Smart Devices that help  you monitor your home remotely.

6. Arrange Regular Property Checks
Even with modern technology, nothing replaces a physical home inspection.

A home watch visit can identify:

• heating failures

• storm damage

• water leaks

• power outages

• frozen pipes

At DCN Property Management we perform regular property checks and provide homeowners with updates so they can travel with confidence knowing their home is being monitored.

7. Prepare for Snow and Ice
Heavy snow accumulation can place stress on roofs and block walkways. Tools to have on hand, a Roof rake and an Ice melt spreader. 

Before winter begins, make sure you have a plan for:

• snow removal

• ice control

• clearing roof snow if needed

This helps prevent structural stress and keeps access points safe.

Final Thoughts
Leaving your home for the winter should be relaxing—not stressful. Taking a few preventative steps before you leave can dramatically reduce the risk of winter-related damage.

Technology has made it easier than ever to monitor homes remotely, but regular property checks and proper preparation remain essential.
If you maintain a second home or travel frequently during the winter months, planning ahead is the best way to protect your property and enjoy peace of mind while you’re away.

About the Author
David Nicholson is the owner of DCN Property Management and has spent more than a decade helping homeowners maintain and monitor their properties throughout Concord, Lincoln, Carlisle, Acton, and surrounding Massachusetts communities. His hands-on experience inspecting homes and solving maintenance issues informs the practical tips shared here.