How to control the heating in your winter cottage

Winter is a wonderful time of year to have a cottage adventure. Having a four-season secondary home is great for families with kids of all ages. What could be better than spending the day on snowshoes, skates, or skis and then returning home to cozy up with hot chocolate in front of the fireplace? After dinner, there's always time for a romantic moonlit walk on the frozen lake. Remember to dress warm and pack everything you need for your winter getaway. That means food, too. You know your car is ready for winter driving, but what about the heating in your winter cottage?

In this interview, an expert from the Master Group shares tips on getting the best out of your furnace at your winter cottage.

If you only use your second home on weekends, should you lower the heat or turn it off when you're not there?

Lowering the temperature in a second home when it is not occupied allows for significant energy savings. However, you need to make sure the temperature is set at a level that does not damage the building's structure. It is important, then, not to completely turn off the heat, unless the residence is completely shut down for the winter season.

Is it the same procedure for a vacation condo in a multi-apartment building as for a cottage? Or different?

Same procedure for any secondary home. Lower the temperature during your absence. Do not shut it off completely.

Does the orientation of the windows matter? Is it harder to heat a home that has mostly north-facing windows than a home with south-facing windows?

Orientation, number of windows, and window insulation can all have an effect on your home's heating capacity. However, these are all taken into account by your contractor when selecting a heating system.

Is it possible to remotely control the temperature? If so, what are the options?

Thanks to new technologies, it is now possible to control the temperature inside your second home at a distance with smart thermostats. All you need is an internet connection or a mobile app. Smart thermostats do your thinking for you, turning off when no one is there or targeting occupied rooms only.

Can heating at a low temperature create humidity problems?

A drop in temperature can cause some discomfort in the residence but does not create excessive humidity in a well-insulated cottage, unless there is already a problem in the home. There's no need to worry.

What is the most recommended type of heating system for a winter cottage?

There is no specific recommendation. It all depends on the available energy source, the type of building, and your comfort needs. It's a personal choice and one that your contractor can help you with. You may want to choose a system that heats up quickly, for example.

Does it make sense to also lower the water heater temperature?

The temperature of your water heater must never be lowered because you want to prevent the development and proliferation of bacteria such as Legionella. Legionella, especially, grows in stagnant water when the temperature drops below 50°C and is responsible for a rare type of pneumonia. Always keep the water heater at a constant temperature of 60°C.

What should you do in the case of a prolonged absence?

Ask a family member or a neighbour to regularly visit your residence to ensure the proper operation of your system and to intervene in the event of a malfunction.

Have fun playing in the snow at your winter cottage!

By Judith Brown