If you own a second home in Kennebunkport, the first hard freeze can sneak up fast. Nights dip below freezing, nor’easters roll in, and coastal flooding can complicate even simple prep. You want to protect your investment without overcomplicating the plan.
This guide shows you exactly how to winterize a Kennebunkport home: two safe strategies to choose from, a step-by-step checklist, timing, and what to budget. You will also find key local rules and resources to keep handy. Let’s dive in.
Know Kennebunkport’s winter window
Kennebunkport winters are cold, with average lows in the teens and 20s and regular freeze–thaw cycles that stress roofs, pipes, and finishes. Review the local climate profile to understand your risk and plan early. See the Kennebunkport climate summary for typical temperatures and snowfall patterns at U.S. Climate Data.
Plan to finish exterior work before the first freeze. In Kennebunkport, the first frost can arrive in early October, so aim to complete outdoor tasks by late October to early November. Check the Almanac frost dates for Kennebunkport when scheduling your work.
If your home sits near tidal waters, factor in storm surge and coastal flooding. Nor’easters can elevate water levels and batter shoreline structures. Review Maine’s guidance on coastal hazards to tailor your plan if you are waterfront or low-lying. See Maine Geological Survey’s coastal hazard overview.
Choose your winter plan
You have two reliable paths. Pick the approach that best fits your risk tolerance, insurance requirements, and access to local support.
Option A: Heat on with monitoring
- Set thermostats to about 55 to 60°F to reduce freeze risk and protect finishes. Many insurers support this range; see guidance on vacant-home temperatures.
- Insulate exposed pipes, open sink-cabinet doors, and install leak and temperature sensors you can monitor remotely.
- Arrange a local caretaker for regular checks, especially after storms.
Option B: Full drain and shutoff
- Shut off the main water supply and professionally drain supply lines and the water heater.
- Open faucets to relieve pressure and add non-toxic plumbing antifreeze to traps and toilets. Follow trade best practices outlined in this plumbing winterization guide.
- Label shutoffs and leave written instructions for anyone checking the property.
Confirm insurance requirements
Vacancy and unoccupancy clauses vary. Many policies limit coverage after 30 to 60 days without an endorsement and may require specific winterization steps or thermostat setpoints. Review your policy and speak with your carrier about documentation and monitoring. Learn more about vacancy clauses from this overview on vacancy insurance.
Exterior checklist
- Roof and gutters: Clear leaves and debris so meltwater can drain and ice dams are less likely. Check shingles and flashing, especially around chimneys.
- Downspouts and drainage: Confirm downspouts direct water away from the foundation and that splash blocks are in place.
- Windows and doors: Add storm windows and doors if you have them, replace worn weatherstripping, and consider removable interior film to limit heat loss. For DIY weatherization ideas, see Efficiency Maine’s tips.
- Hose bibs and irrigation: Shut off and drain exterior spigots and irrigation lines. Install insulated covers on hose bibs.
- Trees and outdoor items: Trim limbs that could fall during wind or ice events. Store or secure furniture, planters, and grills.
- Shoreline and docks: For waterfront homes, remove or winterize docks and small craft per your marina or harbormaster guidance.
Plumbing, wells, and septic
- Plumbing strategy: Choose Option A (heat on) or Option B (full drain). If you opt for a full drain-down, use a licensed plumber and follow best practices for appliances and traps.
- Appliances and water heater: If draining, turn off and drain the water heater and disconnect appliance water lines according to manufacturer guidance.
- Private wells: Insulate above-ground well components and protect exposed piping. For testing and well care, follow Maine CDC guidance for private wells.
- Septic: Avoid compacting the leach field and maintain vegetative cover. Consult a septic professional for property-specific questions if the home will be fully vacant.
Heat, fuel, and power
- Service equipment: Schedule annual service for boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, and oil burners. Clean or replace filters and confirm safe operation. Have chimneys cleaned and capped.
- Fuel planning: Top off oil or propane tanks or set deliveries to avoid run-outs. If you rely on electricity, consider a maintained generator.
- Safety musts: Never run a generator indoors and keep it well away from doors and windows. Install and test smoke and CO detectors. Review storm safety guidance from Maine Emergency Management Agency.
Interior safeguards and security
- Moisture control: Leave some interior doors open for circulation. If power stays on, a dehumidifier can help. Remove perishables and items sensitive to humidity.
- Lighting and appearance: Use timers or smart bulbs to create normal lighting patterns.
- Mail and access: Place a USPS mail hold or arrange pickup. Provide your caretaker with written instructions, emergency contacts, and access details.
- Monitoring: Install water leak sensors and temperature alerts. Test notifications before you leave.
Timing and cost
- When to start: Begin exterior work and service calls in September and October so you finish before the typical early November freeze window.
- Suggested sequence:
- Early fall: Service heat system and chimney, clear gutters, trim trees, line up a caretaker and fuel deliveries.
- Mid fall: Winterize exterior taps, install storms and weatherstripping, insulate pipes.
- Final week: Set thermostat and activate monitoring or complete a professional drain-down, then leave written instructions.
- Ballpark costs: Expect roughly 50 to 300 dollars for basic DIY materials. Professional winterization packages, including plumber drain-down, HVAC service, and inspections, often range from 200 to 1,000 dollars or more depending on home size and scope.
Local rules and contacts
- Parking bans: Kennebunkport enforces winter parking restrictions on public ways during the snow season. Review current rules and dates in the Kennebunkport municipal code before leaving vehicles on the street.
- Outages and alerts: Central Maine Power serves the area. Save your account info and outage hotline, and test any alarm or monitoring services you use.
- Floodplain info: If you are near tidal waters, review FEMA flood maps and your flood insurance policy, then plan dock or waterfront equipment removal accordingly.
Protecting your Kennebunkport retreat through winter comes down to a clear plan and reliable local support. If you would like a tailored checklist for your property or introductions to trusted local pros, reach out to Bedard Realty. Our integrated brokerage and in-house build team can help you prepare smartly and return to a home that is ready for spring.
FAQs
Thermostat setting for a vacant Kennebunkport home
- Most guidance suggests about 55 to 60°F if you keep heat on, with remote temperature alerts and a caretaker to respond quickly.
Plumbing winterization: heat on or drain the pipes
- Both work when done right; keeping heat on reduces plumbing work while full drain-down removes freeze risk to lines. Choose based on access to monitoring, insurance requirements, and comfort level.
How often should someone check my second home in winter
- Weekly check-ins are common and should increase during storms or after any temperature or leak alerts.
What should waterfront owners do differently
- In addition to standard freeze protection, plan for nor’easters and high tides, remove or secure docks and small craft, and confirm flood insurance and elevation details.
Do I need to winterize my private well
- Insulate exposed components and protect piping from freezing; follow Maine CDC guidance on testing and seasonal well care if you shut systems down.
