Buttoning Up the Beach House for Winter

This is the short version. The full guide — Winterizing Second Homes — covers pipes, HVAC setpoints, humidity control, storm shutters, remote monitoring, vacancy insurance, and lining up a local check-in person in detail. Read that before you close up for the season. The holiday-season essentials:

• Heat stays on, low. Set the thermostat to the mid-50s — warm enough to protect pipes, cool enough to keep the bill sane. Never shut the heat off entirely.
• Water gets attention. Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs; know where your main shutoff is; consider having pipes blown out or antifreeze added if the house will sit empty for weeks (see the full guide).
• Humidity matters as much as temperature. A beach house closed up damp grows mold quietly all winter. Dehumidifier settings, ventilation, and moisture absorbers — details in the full guide.
• Storm readiness. Shutters or panels accessible and functional; outdoor furniture secured or stored; gutters clear before the first freeze.
• A local set of eyes. The single highest-value move: someone nearby with a key who walks through after storms. If you don't have that person, the full guide covers how to find one.
• Insurance check. Confirm your vacancy provisions before an extended absence — some policies limit coverage for unoccupied homes.

See "Winterizing Second Homes" for the complete walkthrough.