Closing the chalet for winter

Regardless of the summer weather – sunny, rainy, cold or scorching – Thanksgiving often marks the time to prepare the cottage for the winter season. Garden furniture is cleaned and put away, boats are removed from the water, and all outdoor tools, such as lawnmowers, bicycles and barbecues, are put away.

The flower bulbs are planted and everything is in order, so all that’s left to do is close up the cottage. Before moving on inside, a final look outside is in order to ensure that all openings, including chimneys and window wells, are properly caulked to prevent intrusion by rodents and other animals.

Inside the home
In the kitchen, empty cupboards of any food likely to attract insects or animals. Bottles of alcoholic beverages are repacked to be taken home, so as not to tempt potential unwanted visitors. The refrigerator is then defrosted, cleaned, unplugged, and the door left ajar to prevent mold.
In bedrooms, sheets are removed and washed, then stored in airtight chests, along with a few lavender sachets or fabric softener sheets to keep them smelling fresh. Some also suggest putting mattresses upright against the walls to prevent small animals from settling in.

Heating
If you’re worried about the pipes freezing during the winter, it’s a good idea to maintain a minimum temperature in the cottage, between 5 and 7°C, to prevent freezing and humidity. The Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec recommends setting thermostats to their lowest setting. This not only protects the pipes, but also significantly reduces energy costs.

Cutting off water and electricity
In the event of a power cut while you’re away, it’s essential to take extra precautions to avoid water damage. It’s a good idea to turn off the cottage’s water supply and cut the power to the pump to prevent flooding when the power returns.

If you plan to turn off the heating completely, make sure all thermostats are set to “off”. If this is not possible, it’s best to cut off the circuit supply via the electrical panel. Don’t need electricity in winter? If you don’t have a sump pump, you can cut off the electricity completely by switching the main circuit breaker to “off”.

Draining the pipes
Once the water has been turned off, it’s crucial to drain all the pipes to prevent bursting due to freezing. Open all the taps to allow the water to drain, and use an air compressor to blow out the pipes if possible. Don’t forget to drain the hot water tank and flush the toilet. Also, pour antifreeze down the drain pipes to protect the pipes.

Final preparations
Your cottage is now ready for its winter hibernation. Before you leave, draw the curtains, but leave them slightly open so that passers-by can see there’s nothing to steal. Make sure all doors and windows are securely locked, and if you have neighbors staying in the area all winter, leave them a number where you can be reached in case of need, as well as a spare key.