Leaving Your Home Empty for the Winter? Here’s How To Cut Utility Costs and Avoid Damage

Before you snowbirds head south for the winter, a little home prep can go a long way.

A few smart utility adjustments and preventive maintenance tasks can save money and prevent headaches like frozen gutters or burst pipes, while keeping your home safe and energy-efficient.

So before you lock up to leave for warmer weather, make sure you're following a few of these expert tips.

Prep your home before the holidays hit

Homeowners should use the holiday season as their benchmark for when to get all of their preparations done before heading south for the winter.

For instance, schedule HVAC servicing to ensure systems are clean and efficient before you go.

"It's not like you are going to have your system completely turned off all winter," says Eli Zimmer, director of operations of Luxaire HVAC Services. "It will still need to be set at a reasonable temperature to keep your pipes from freezing, to prevent moisture from building up in the home, and to keep the entire property running properly."

Turn off water to outdoor spigots, and unplug nonessential electronics.

"Devices like blenders, coffee makers, TVs, gaming consoles, computers, and smart home assistants consume energy even when turned off—known as 'vampire' energy," says Daniel Mock, vice president of operations at Mister Sparky. "Unplugging them not only saves money but also protects against power surges and potential fire hazards."

Have a professional evaluate your roof, gutters, flashing, and windows.

"This will help catch any potential leaks or risks of ice dams before freezing temperatures take hold," advises Wes True, general manager at Pella Windows and Doors of Omaha and Lincoln.

If leaving before the holidays, it's especially important to make the home appear occupied to help keep intruders at bay.

"Use smart plugs or timers to turn the lights on and off," advises home maintenance expert Scott Kegerreis, the owner of Kura Home Services. "Have your mail forwarded or arrange for someone to collect your packages."

Utilize smart home automation such as remote cameras, and enable your security system.

"Notify your alarm company that you'll be traveling," advises Kegerreis.

According to True, the most common oversights before long trips include forgetting to drain the water heater, failing to leave faucets dripping, or shutting interior doors that restrict airflow and increase the risk of frozen pipes—so make sure those tasks are on your to-do list, as well. 

How to keep utility costs down while you’re gone

Focus on energy-saving adjustments that protect your home without wasting money.

"Set your thermostat to around 55 to 60 degrees to prevent your pipes from freezing while minimizing energy use," says John Akhoian, founder of Rooter Hero Plumbing and Air. "This temperature keeps enough warmth circulating through your home to protect sensitive appliances and the plumbing in your walls and crawl spaces."

Use smart thermostats and programmable outlets to manage energy remotely.

"They are easy to use, allow you to have greater control over your system, and they bring you peace of mind when you’re away for several months," says Akhoian. "Being able to control the temperature of your home in Michigan while you’re enjoying the winter weather in Arizona is a game changer."

Close blinds and curtains—but leave a few slightly open for security visibility.

"This helps insulate your home, keeping it warmer in winter," says Mock. "Leaving a few curtains slightly open can also give the appearance someone is home, balancing energy savings with peace of mind."

Turn down the water heater or set to vacation mode.

"Water heaters are one of the top energy-consuming appliances in any home," says Mock. "Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees or using vacation mode reduces unnecessary heating without compromising safety."

Check with your utility company to see if they offer any seasonal utility programs, since some energy companies let snowbirds pause or reduce certain services.

"It's always worth a shot to see what programs your providers offer," says Mock.

These small steps can save you big bucks.

"If you employ these energy-saving strategies while you're gone, you can expect a 5 to 15 percent reduction in your utility bills on average," says Akhoian.

Avoiding damage while you’re away

Some parts of the home are more vulnerable to damage when left unoccupied.

Frozen pipes are one of the biggest risks.

"Wrapping and insulating exposed pipes is one of the best ways to prevent freezing, especially in garages, basements, and under sinks," says Akhoian. "Leaving interior doors open can also help air circulate throughout the home, reducing cold spots that can lead to frozen pipes."

Roof leaks and ice dams are another concern, so Kegerreis says you should clear out your gutters and inspect flashing prior to your departure.

Homeowners should also be mindful of potential issues like basement flooding or sump pump malfunctions.

"Installing smart leak detectors and Wi-Fi water sensors is a great way to prevent basement flooding or catch sump pump failures early," says Akhoian. "These devices send instant alerts to your phone if they detect water, allowing you to act before major damage occurs."

Pests may try to move in while you’re gone, so be sure to seal any entry points before you leave.

"Don't forget to empty trash, clean out your pantries, and seal dry goods in order to protect from pests while you're away," says Kegerreis.

It's also a good idea to have someone check in on your property if you can. Having a neighbor stop by or hiring a local caretaker even once a week can make a difference.

Melanie Musson, a home insurance expert with Quote.com, says home insurance policies may have vacancy clauses—so snowbirds should always confirm their coverage before hitting the road.