Many of us are Snowbirds and leaving your valuable properties for the hot summer. Here is our Top Ten List for preparing your home for your absence:
- Have your A/C serviced – twice per year, once each in April/May and again in Oct/Nov. The amount of sand here makes it necessary, especially to keep the condensate lines clear.
- Leave the thermostat at 85 degrees or less – That is the optimal temperature you need to help protect wood, furniture, fabrics and art in your home—anything hotter can lead to very serious problems.
- Clean your windows before you leave and at least once over the summer—harsh sun can etch dirt and sand into the glass, or an irrigation sprinkler might spray the windows, leaving hard water marks that the sun can exacerbate.
- Leave your refrigerator on – but turn off the icemaker. Purge all perishables and open storage containers (this is true for your pantry as well). Add an open box of baking soda to the refrigerator to absorb odors.
- Adjust all timers – Irrigation, pool motors and outdoor lighting all need to be adjusted for the hot weather and longer days (and FYI, pool maintenance must be twice per week here, given conditions).
- Weekly absentee home checks – an inexpensive investment that can help avoid or minimize problems at your home. Be sure there is proper water management as well as checking security and for any other problems which might occur.
- Local emergency contact – When you’re away, it is wise to entrust someone local with a key to your home; someone you have authorized to act in your absence.
- Golf cart /automobile battery – these need to be charged, run, and the water in the batteries refilled. Nothing will ruin your batteries faster than water loss and/or lack of use; also consider putting cardboard or a golf cart mat under the tires to help stop them from flattening out in the heat.
- Have your roof inspected – the sun and wind can create all sorts of problems that can lead to leaks or rodent access spots. Don’t wait for rain (even though it rarely rains). Check your roof, repair loose or broken tiles, and seal all gaps.
- Pest control service – this is the desert. You need to have pest control—enough said!
