Winter Prep Checklist for Pine Mountain Club Homeowners

Every year around late October, I start getting calls from Pine Mountain Club homeowners asking the same question: "Am I ready for winter?" After living and working up here on the mountain, I've put together the checklist I personally use — and share with every client.

Propane: Your Lifeline

There's no natural gas up here in PMC — everything runs on propane. Before the first storm hits, make sure your tank is at least 75% full. Delivery trucks have a harder time getting up Mil Potrero Highway once the snow starts sticking, so don't wait until December to schedule a fill. I recommend setting up automatic delivery with your propane company so you never have to worry about running low mid-storm.

Pipes and Plumbing

Frozen pipes are one of the most common — and most expensive — winter problems in Pine Mountain Club. If you're a part-time resident, never turn your heat completely off. Keep it set to at least 55°F. Insulate exposed pipes under the house, and know where your main water shutoff is. The Mil Potrero Mutual Water Company can help if you have questions about your service line.

Roof and Gutters

Pine needles pile up fast on PMC roofs. Get them cleared before winter. A heavy snow load on top of a layer of wet pine needles is a recipe for leaks and even structural damage. While you're up there, check your gutters and downspouts for clogs.

Heating System

• Have your furnace serviced before November
• Clean or replace filters
• Test your thermostat and backup heaters
• Make sure your chimney is inspected if you use a wood stove or fireplace

Emergency Kit

Power outages happen every winter in PMC. Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable food on hand. If you have a generator, test it now — not during the storm. A battery-powered radio is also a good idea since cell service can be spotty during severe weather.

I always tell my clients: a little prep now saves a lot of headache later. For a full breakdown of what to expect during a PMC winter, check out my guide to winter in Pine Mountain Club. If you're buying up here and want to know what to look for in a winter-ready home, give me a call. I'm happy to walk you through it.