Can we leave a house unheated this winter?

Dear Mr. Gocze,
My mother owns a 190-year-old New England style house that wasactually company housing during the lumber run in the 1800's inEllsworth. She can't live there anymore for health reasons and hasmoved in with my sister. Unfortunately, she can't afford the upkeepassociated with the house, let alone the massive heating bills thatwill likely come this winter. She'd like to sell the house, but giventhe slow market, we worry that it won't sell before winter. Myquestion is can we leave the house unheated this winter? And if so,what would we have to do to it before then?Many thanks,
Mark Messer
Ellsworth

Hi Mark,
I do not like to leave homes unheated, but this would be the winter that Iwould consider it!To prepare for leaving a house unheated, the water should be shut off atthe street and all the domestic water lines must be drained. Check with thewater company about removing the meter. The water heater should be drainedand all taps should be left opened. All drains, traps and toilets must befilled with RV antifreeze. It is not unwise to blow all the water lineswith air to push all remaining water out of them.
If the heating system is hydronic, it must be drained and the lines blownout with air also.
Be prepared to possibly find some damage to paint that is older from thecold. It might pop off the woodwork.
Monitor the building during the winter for any problems.
Tom