Winter comes with many challenges - tiny houses on wheels require special protection in the fall and winter season. Both off-grid houses and houses connected to the media on the plot should be equipped with systems that protect them against the negative effects of temperature drops. Prepare your house for winter early enough to avoid unpleasant consequences.
Here are the 5 most important steps:
1. Check the stove and the chimney
Before the first freeze of the season check the condition of the wood burning stove. Make sure that the chimney is clear of any buildup. A dirty chimney can be a fire hazard, so you might hire a sweep to ensure it’s clear. If necessary, also service the HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning system). Replace the furnace filter or schedule a service appointment so that your heating system is ready to use before you need it.
Photo: REDUKT
It is also a good idea to prepare a supply of wood, especially if the wood burning stove will be the main source of heat on cold, long evenings. Stoves in tiny houses might need small size logs. The sight of a live fire in the stove and the smell of wood will certainly create a cozy atmosphere so that you can enjoy the winter views outside the window with a cup of hot tea in your hand.
2. Clean the gutters
Gutters collect and carry away rainwater and melting snow away from the roof to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage. However, gutters can’t do this very important job when they’re clogged with dead leaves and other debris. So step up on a ladder and make sure your gutters are clear before the first snowfall.
Photo: REDUKT
3. Prepare snow removal tools
Before there is even a single flake in the forecast, make sure that all of your snow removal tools, including shovels and de-icing agents for downpipes, are ready to use. Having an anti-freezing installation in downpipes helps but still needs some care. Shovel your roof to reduce the burden of snow and ice and protect your gutters. This might be a small task on your winterizing list, but it’s an important one.
4. Be sure that the anti freezing water installation is turned on
REDUKT houses are equipped in anti-freezing water installation to protect water pipes, valves and a tank from damages. Heating cables in gutters are also an additional option. This is our “winter package”. The system turns on automatically when the temperature drops below the temperature set on the controller. Check if the system is connected to the network and if the appropriate activation temperature has been set.
Additionally, for houses that are not used in winter:
5. Drain the water from the water installation
If your house is used only as a summer residence and you won’t use it in winter, be sure to drain the water from the water installation before the temperature drops below zero. The excessive water pressure may exceed the pipes' structural capacity to withstand force, leading to a sudden burst.
If you have an off-grid house equipped with a water tank, empty it along with the entire installation.
Photo: REDUKT
The consequences of low temperatures if the house is not properly prepared before the winter season can cost a lot. Following the above steps will allow you to use your tiny house and enjoy the charms of winter, without having to worry about its condition during the cold period.