Pros and cons of closing the heating system in a vacant house

House Doctor | Gary Dymski

November 25, 2004

We are trying to decide whether to close an oil hot-water-heating system for a house we recently purchased. The house will be vacant through the winter, and we are wondering about the pros and cons of turning off the system.

-- Herb S., Center Moriches

Closing a hot-water furnace means draining the plumbing system. This "winterizing" step should be performed by a licensed and experienced plumber. A drained plumbing system means no heat until the system is primed and restarted in the spring. In addition to draining the heating system, the plumber should drain water from toilet tanks and bowls, the water heater and appliances, such as dishwashers, water softeners and washing machines.

The advantage is that the house's water pipes will not freeze and burst. The major disadvantage is the house will be ice cold all winter. This cold air could warp paneling, wood flooring, drywall and other materials that aren't necessarily weather- and temperature-resistant.