Preparing Your Home for the Holidays (and the Cold) with Latitude 44

November always seems to flip a switch in Minnesota. One day we’re raking leaves, and the next we’re waking up to a frosty lawn and the first real hint that winter is settling in. As families start planning their Thanksgiving gatherings and thinking about the months ahead, it’s also the perfect time to give your home a little attention—especially the parts of it that work the hardest when the temperatures drop.

Around this time of year, we always get calls from homeowners who suddenly remember a hose still connected outside. If that’s you, don’t worry—you’re not alone. It’s an easy thing to forget, but that simple oversight can lead to frozen pipes, split hoses, and headaches no one wants right before the holidays. Taking a moment now to disconnect outdoor hoses and ensure exterior faucets are drained is one of the simplest ways to protect your home when freezing temps start to linger.

Inside the house, your plumbing and heating systems are entering their busiest season. Your water heater is working harder to keep up with cooler water entering the home, your boiler is running more consistently, and your appliances—from dishwashers to laundry machines—see extra use as guests arrive and routines shift. If something has been “acting a little off,” now is the time to pay attention. Strange noises, slow drains, inconsistent hot water, or odd smells from your boiler are signs that a repair may be needed before the winter fully locks in.

This season is a reminder of how much we rely on the unseen systems in our homes. It’s also a time to be grateful for the comforts that keep us warm, safe, and gathered together. At Latitude 44, we’re here to make sure those comforts stay reliable throughout the winter. Whether it’s servicing your boiler, preparing your home for freezing temperatures, or troubleshooting an issue before family arrives, Troy and the team are ready to help.

From our family to yours, we wish you a cozy, worry-free Thanksgiving season—filled with good food, warm homes, and time spent with the people who matter most. If you need a hand keeping your heating and plumbing in top shape, we’re just a call away.