The Upper Valley Winter Home Guide

1. Before the first hard freeze

Most winter trouble starts with something that could have been handled in October or November. A short fall walk-through covers the big risks in an older Upper Valley house.

• Find and label the main water shutoff, and make sure everyone in the house knows where it is.
• Disconnect hoses, then shut off and drain outdoor spigots.
• Book chimney and heating service before the busy season fills schedules.
• Clean gutters after the leaves drop so meltwater has somewhere to go.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level.

2. Keeping pipes from freezing

Pipes along outside walls, in crawlspaces and in unheated ells are the usual culprits during a cold snap. Prevention is cheap compared to a burst pipe.

• Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawlspaces, garages and attics.
• On the coldest nights, open sink cabinets on outside walls and let a faucet drip slightly.
• If you leave for a few days or the season, keep the heat at 55°F or higher and have someone check the house.
• On a private well, protect the pump, pressure tank and any lines in unheated spaces.
• If a pipe does freeze, shut off the water before it thaws and call a plumber.

3. Heating: furnaces, boilers, woodstoves and heat pumps

Many homes here run more than one heat source. Each one needs a little attention before it carries the house through January.

• Have oil, propane and gas systems serviced once a year by a qualified technician.
• Have chimneys, woodstoves and vents inspected yearly and cleaned as needed; burn dry, seasoned wood.
• Keep outdoor heat pump units clear of snow and ice, and check that the drain path isn't blocked.
• Thinking about a cold-climate heat pump? Check NHSaves or Efficiency Vermont for current programs before you get quotes.

4. Roofs, snow load and ice dams

Heavy, wet snow and repeated freeze-thaw cycles are hard on roofs. Ice dams usually point to heat escaping into the attic.

• Watch for icicles and ice ridges along the eaves, and for stains on ceilings or walls below.
• Use a roof rake from the ground on reachable edges; leave climbing on a snowy roof to a pro.
• Air sealing and attic insulation fix the cause of most ice dams, not just the symptom.
• Line up roof repairs before the snow flies if you've noticed missing shingles or leaks.

5. Storms, outages and getting out the driveway

Nor'easters and ice storms can knock out power for days on back roads. A plan for heat, water and access makes those days easier.

• Run portable generators outdoors only, well away from doors, windows and vents.
• Have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch or standby generator.
• Keep flashlights, batteries, water and a few days of food on hand; on a well, no power means no water.
• Arrange plowing before the first storm; many plow routes fill up early.

6. Hiring help for winter work

Winter emergencies make it tempting to hire the first person who answers. A few quick checks protect you even when you're in a hurry.

• Ask for proof of insurance and any license the trade needs in NH or VT.
• Get the scope, timing and price in writing before work starts.
• Ask who to call if something goes wrong after hours.

7. Common questions

What temperature should I keep my house at when I'm away in winter?

Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher, and have someone check the house regularly, especially during a cold snap.

When should I have my chimney inspected?

Fire-safety standards recommend an inspection at least once a year, ideally before you start burning in the fall.

What causes ice dams?

Heat escaping into the attic melts snow on the roof; the water refreezes at the colder eaves. Air sealing and insulation address the cause.

Do heat pumps work in Upper Valley winters?

Cold-climate heat pumps are designed for northern winters, and many local homes use them. Many keep a backup heat source for the coldest nights.