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RR Valley, ND; MN native | When my now late mom moved to asst living in '21, I discontinued the cable TV but had internet added. Got some wifi connected temperature sensors. I am able to monitor the temperature from my house (3+ hrs away). The modem is on a UPS with a power loss monitor so I also know if the power went out too.
House main floor set for 55 deg and upstairs about 46 or so. I put a sheet of foam board over the stair opening to upstairs to limit the heat loss (no insulation up there).
That first winter, those sensors ($$) paid for themselves as the furnace had some issues and I had a heads up to get the HVAC folks out to work on it about 2-3 times.
Letting the place freeze is going it invite mold and cracking of the plaster/drywall. I usually spend a few days to a week there every other month or so and a frozen place would not work for that!
If I updated to a smart phone I would add some live security cameras (vs a trail cam) and a remote thermostat to turn the heat on a few hours before arriving. I do have a relative that lives nearby that can check on stuff if I ask.
One thing to do if you have a reduced temperature is leave the cabinet doors under the sinks open in case cold temps could freeze the pipes.
I do not turn off the water in my case as the heating is hot water baseboard and needs a feed in case it gets low. Otherwise I would turn that off in case of issues.
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What all would you do to winterize a house?
