Opening the cabin checklist
- Check the exterior dryer and exhaust hoods for bird nests, wasp nests and cottonwood fluff.
- Make sure the hood flap moves freely and is not stuck or blocked.
- Inspect the furnace filter and replace it if it looks dusty or damp.
- Look into the registers for debris, droppings or insects.
- Note any musty smell and open windows to air the home out.
If you smell gas or see damaged wiring, do not run the furnace or dryer. Contact your gas utility or a licensed professional.
Closing for winter checklist
- Clean the lint screen and the part of the dryer vent you can reach safely.
- Cover or screen exterior hoods only as the manufacturer guidance allows, and never in a way that blocks required venting.
- Replace the furnace filter so the home does not sit closed with a dirty one.
- Close registers only if your heating system instructions say it is fine.
- Leave a note to remove any cover before the dryer or furnace runs again.
Moisture near lakes
Lake homes can stay damp, especially in shoulder seasons and in rooms that are closed up. Moisture in or near ducts may encourage musty smells and may be a sign that air is not moving the way it should.
Keep exterior hoods clear, air the home out when you arrive and watch for damp spots near vents. For suspected mold, call a licensed mold professional.
Common questions
Should I turn the furnace on right away when I open the cabin?
Look over the furnace filter, the registers and the area around the furnace first, so you are not blowing months of dust or debris through the home. If you smell gas or anything burning, stop and call a licensed professional or your gas utility.
What if the cabin smells musty when I arrive?
A musty smell can point to trapped moisture, a closed-up space or dust in the ducts. Air the home out, check for damp spots and look at the registers. If you suspect mold, ask a licensed mold professional to assess it rather than trying to treat it yourself.
Can animals nest in dryer vents and ducts?
Yes. Birds, rodents and insects can use an unused exterior hood or vent opening as a sheltered spot, and nests can block airflow. Clear what you can reach safely, and contact a licensed wildlife removal service if animals are still present.
Do I need to cover the dryer vent hood when the cabin is closed?
Some manufacturers allow a cover or screen on an exterior hood while a home sits empty, and others do not. Follow your dryer and hood instructions, and never leave a cover in place that could block the vent when the dryer runs.
