Hey, snowbirds! Spring is around the corner, which means it’s almost time for you to head back to your home up north. Before you head back home for the spring and summer, it’s important to make sure your winter home is ready to be vacant for a few months, both inside and outside.
In order to avoid any unwanted surprises when you return in the fall, make sure to do the following things before you leave.
Inside
- Turn off the water in your house to avoid unexpected leaks while you’re gone.
- Turn off the water heater and gas valve, if you have natural gas.
- Replace batteries in smoke detectors, thermostats and security systems.
- Unplug electronics and appliances that could be damaged by a surge.
- Clean out the refrigerator and turn off the ice maker.
- Put a few drops of vegetable oil in your garbage disposal to keep the seals from drying up.
- Set the thermostat between 80-85 degrees to protect your furniture and flooring without spending a fortune on your cooling bill.
- Cover sinks, toilet bowls, toilet tanks, and floor drains with plastic wrap to prevent water in the trap from evaporating and emitting sewer gas.
- Drain your pipes by opening all the faucets and flushing all the toilets.
Outside
- Schedule your regular HVAC maintenance for your air conditioner.
- Trim your trees and bushes to avoid damage if a storm hits.
- Cover your pool and hot tub.
- Put up your patio furniture.
- Clean your gutters.
- Have your roof inspected and repaired, if needed.
Miscellaneous
- Have your mail forwarded so you don’t miss any bills.
- Don’t post about your empty home on social media.
If you return to any unforeseen problems with your air conditioning, plumbing or water quality in the fall, give us a call. We’re here to help 24/7. We’ll see you again this fall!