If you own a seasonal home on Lake George, winter can be tough on your property. Freezing nights, strong winds off the water, and surprise storms can turn small oversights into big repairs. You want to protect your investment and return in spring to a home that is safe, dry, and ready to enjoy. This simple checklist walks you through what to do, when to schedule it, and who to consult locally so you can close up with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Choose your winter strategy
Before you touch a wrench or thermostat, decide how you will manage the home over winter.
- Full drain and blow out: Turn off the main water, open fixtures, drain the water heater, and have a licensed plumber blow out the lines with compressed air. This is common if you plan to keep the heat off.
- Maintain low heat: Keep the thermostat set at a safe minimum to protect pipes. Many professionals recommend the mid‑50s Fahrenheit. Confirm your setting with your HVAC contractor and your insurance policy.
If you have special systems such as humidifiers, fire suppression, or boilers, consult a pro for the correct procedure.
Plumbing and water systems
Frozen pipes are the top winter risk. Handle these steps before the first hard freeze.
- Exterior faucets and irrigation: Disconnect garden hoses, drain hose bibs, and winterize irrigation systems per installer guidance. Frost‑proof bibs or vacuum breakers help reduce risk.
- Water heater: If you will leave the home unheated, drain and shut off the water heater after the plumbing system is drained. If you keep heat on, follow your contractor’s guidance.
- Antifreeze: Never use automotive antifreeze. It is toxic and not for plumbing or septic systems. If needed, use plumbing‑safe antifreeze for traps and toilets, and follow manufacturer instructions and local code. Ask your plumber about environmental safety.
- Private wells: Insulate any exposed piping and secure the well cap. If you will shut the system down, follow your well contractor’s steps to protect the pump and pressure tank.
Heating, ventilation, and insulation
- Service the system: Schedule an annual furnace or boiler tune‑up in early fall. Clean burners, check ignition, inspect the heat exchanger, and replace filters.
- Thermostat and monitoring: Keep the thermostat at least in the mid‑50s Fahrenheit if you leave heat on. Add a smart thermostat or remote temperature alerts so you can act fast if the heat drops.
- Chimneys and wood stoves: Have a professional sweep and inspection if you use wood appliances. Follow manufacturer and local code rules if a solid‑fuel appliance will sit unattended.
- Air sealing and insulation: Insulate attics and rim joists, seal drafts, and wrap exposed water lines. Reducing cold air leaks helps prevent frozen pipes and ice dams.
Power, sump pumps, and backup
Winter storms can cause multi‑day outages.
- Sump pumps: Test the pump and add a battery backup plus a water‑level alarm. Homes near the lake often face groundwater challenges.
- Generators: Decide what you need to power, then size a portable or standby unit for critical systems such as the furnace controls and sump pump. Test and maintain it on a schedule. A transfer switch improves safety and ease of use.
- Remote alerts: Smart outlets and power monitoring devices can notify you of an outage so you can send a caretaker to check the home.
Roof, gutters, and exterior
- Gutters and downspouts: Clean leaves and debris before freezing weather to reduce ice dam formation.
- Roof: Replace missing shingles and secure flashing. Adequate attic insulation and ventilation help keep the roof cold and limit ice dams.
- Trees: Inspect and prune dead or overhanging branches that could fail under snow and ice loads.
Docks, boats, and shoreline
Lake ice and wind can damage docks and boats quickly.
- Docks and lifts: Remove docks and boats before ice forms when possible. If a dock must stay, follow the manufacturer’s winterization steps. Check local rules regarding devices such as bubblers or ice‑eaters.
- Boats: Winterize engines, fuel systems, and batteries. Drain water systems and bilges. Store boats offsite or secure them on properly supported lifts with quality covers.
- Shoreline care: Avoid de‑icing salts near the water and protect shoreline vegetation. Follow local guidance to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Septic and wastewater
- Pumping: If household use will be low and you expect occupancy changes before deep winter, pump the tank in early fall per local health department guidance.
- Protect the system: Do not dump chemicals or automotive antifreeze into septic or sewer systems. Homes near the lake should follow setback and maintenance rules and keep records current.
Security, mail, and local checks
- Regular check‑ins: Arrange for a neighbor, caretaker, or property manager to do periodic interior checks during vacancy. Written procedures help in emergencies.
- Mail and deliveries: Forward or pause deliveries to avoid visible signs of vacancy.
- Safety and leak alerts: Install monitored smoke, carbon monoxide, and water‑leak detectors with remote alerts.
- Contact list: Post emergency contacts for your contractors and local services in a visible location inside the home.
Insurance and documentation
- Policy requirements: Many insurers require maintained heat or scheduled inspections to cover freeze damage. Confirm the details before you close up.
- Records: Photograph key systems and valuables, save service receipts, and store vendor contacts. Good documentation speeds up any claims process.
Lake George timing at a glance
Lake George sits in the Adirondack foothills, so weather can shift fast. Freezing nights often begin in October or November, with sustained below‑freezing stretches most common from December through March. Winds off the lake increase heat loss and can accelerate ice on shallow areas. Plan on early action and build in buffer time.
- Early summer to August:
- Reserve dock and boat removal with your marina or dock service.
- Book HVAC and chimney appointments for early fall.
- September to October:
- HVAC tune‑up, chimney sweep, septic pumping, roof and gutter cleaning, tree pruning.
- Finalize snow removal and on‑site caretaker arrangements.
- Schedule plumbers for shutoff and line blow‑out if closing for winter.
- October to November:
- Complete plumbing winterization or set heat and remote monitoring.
- Remove boats and docks as scheduled. Secure outdoor furniture.
- Install or test sump pump backups and generator systems.
- November to December:
- Final walkthrough, shut down nonessential utilities, activate monitoring.
- Notify your insurer and caretaker of your vacancy dates.
- Winter months:
- Watch remote alerts and schedule periodic local checks. Respond quickly to temperature or power notifications.
Local vendors book quickly in the fall. Aim to schedule work 6 to 8 weeks ahead, and earlier in busy years.
Check rules before you start
Lake George is a protected resource with multiple agencies involved. Before doing shoreline or in‑water work, contact:
- Lake George Park Commission for rules on docks, in‑lake devices, and seasonal removal.
- Warren County Health Department or New York State Department of Health for private well and septic guidance.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of State for shoreline and wetlands considerations.
- Your local town office, such as the Town of Lake George or Town of Bolton, for permits, burning rules, and local service guidelines.
A quick call now helps you avoid fines, delays, and environmental harm later.
If you want a simple, local plan tailored to your property, reach out. As a regional team that serves Lake George and nearby resort areas, we can help connect you with trusted vendors and timing that works. When you are ready to talk real estate goals for your lake home, contact Jamie M Mazuryk. Get your free home valuation and a winter‑to‑spring plan that sets you up for a smooth season.
FAQs
What is the safest thermostat setting for a vacant Lake George home?
- Many contractors recommend at least the mid‑50s Fahrenheit to reduce freeze risk, but you should confirm the exact setting with your HVAC contractor and your insurer.
Can I shut off water and drain my Lake George house instead of keeping heat on?
- Yes. Have a licensed plumber blow out lines and treat traps and appliances correctly. Some systems need special handling, and insurance policies may limit long vacancies without heat.
Is automotive antifreeze okay for toilets and drains?
- No. Automotive antifreeze is toxic and not for potable or wastewater systems. Only use plumbing‑safe antifreeze as directed by a professional and local code.
When should I remove my dock or boat on Lake George?
- Remove them before lake ice forms. Timing varies by year, so schedule with your marina or dock service early and check Lake George Park Commission guidance.
Which vendors should I schedule first for winterization?
- Book marina and dock removal first, then HVAC and chimney service, followed by plumbers and septic pumpers. Line up snow removal and a local caretaker before closing the home.
