Preparation Tips for Seasonal Homeowners to Leave Florida for the Summer

Florida is known for snowbirds or those homeowners that spend winters in Florida and summers in the North and Midwest. Typically, as the weather heats up in Florida, these residents pack up for a summer away.

Leaving your home unattended for many months requires planning and preparation. With a little foresight, you can feel confident your home is safe, even during hurricane season.

Schedule Seasonal Maintenance

Before you leave, you want to know your home is in top shape. Don’t wait until you return to deal with maintenance issues. Instead, schedule any preventative maintenance or home repairs before you go.

• HVAC Maintenance – Fix any worn or damaged parts and leave your HVAC clean and with a new air filter.
• Gutter Cleaning – Before storm season hits ensure your gutters are clean of debris and ready to drain rainwater off the roof.
• Radon Testing – Maintain air quality by addressing radon mitigation issues.
• Plumbing Repairs – Don’t leave running toilets or leaks unresolved. This wastes money on utility costs and could lead to costly moisture damage.

Control the Internal Climate

Install a smart thermostat. Smart technology is perfect for seasonal homeowners. You can manage the systems in your home remotely. Smart thermostats keep your home regulated.

When you are away from home for long periods, you need to ensure your air conditioning system runs regularly. Excess heat in a home can lead to warping, moisture issues, and other damages.

Set your thermostats at 85 to 90 degrees. At this temperature level, you don’t waste energy but you do avoid extreme internal temperatures. With remote access through your smart thermostat, you can monitor for any issues with your HVAC system. You can also change the temperature setting before you return home in the fall.

Prepare for Hurricane Season

Hurricanes are a way of life for Southeast Florida homeowners. Even though you won’t be present for the hurricane, you want to protect your home. Ask a friend or neighbor to check your home after a hurricane to inform you of any major damage, like fallen trees, broken windows, or roof damage.

• Install hurricane shutters
• Add a whole house surge protector
• Store all outdoor furniture and décor

Secure Your Property

Minimize your risk of theft or break-in. You want to deter criminals from targeting your home. A few simple steps can secure your home.

A house sitter is a great investment. Hire someone to visit your house once a week. They can inspect for any issues, remove fliers or packages from your door and ensure services, like lawn mowing, occur regularly.

• Stop mail delivery
• Schedule lawn maintenance
• Lock all windows and doors, including outside storage areas
• Set timers for lights
• Install a doorbell camera that you can access remotely

Ensure Peace of Mind

Do the work ahead of time so you can enjoy your time away. With a little preparation and intention, you can leave your home in great shape and with confidence.

At Kenco Home Inspections, we’ve served clients in Southeast Florida for over 15 years. We’re happy to offer ancillary inspection services like radon testing and mold inspection. Get your home in top shape before you leave for the summer. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.