Prepping Your Home For Summer
While not as many as there once were, a large portion of the members at our Arizona-based golf and country club have multiple homes or travel extensively during our famously toasty summer months. As what Phoenix residents lovingly call "snowbirds" are starting to get ready for their summer migration, we’ve put together a few essential tips to get your home summer ready. Whether you're heading out for an extended vacation or spending the season at your second home, it’s important to prep your desert nest before you take flight.
Keep Your Cool(ish)
It may be tempting but resist the urge to shut your AC unit off completely. It's better for your system if you keep it running. Excessive heat can cause damage in your home, especially to things like wooden floors, doorframes and cabinets which can warp in the heat. At the same time, there's no need to cool an empty house so set the temperature between 80 and 85 degrees. Be sure to close shutters, blinds and drapes to ward off the strong summer sun.
Tip: If you have a smart thermostat, remotely adjust the temperature the day before you return to ensure you'll come home to a comfortable house.
Pull the Plug
Arizona monsoons and summer storms often come with lightning that can do a number on electrical equipment. Protect yourself from power surges, and lower your electric bill, by unplugging electronic devices that are not needed while you're away. Think extra lamps, TVs, computers, countertop appliances and other small electronics.
Get Your Home A Wingman
It's a good idea to leave a key with a trusted neighbor. If for any reason there's an emergency and someone needs to get into your home, it's better to have someone nearby let them in than someone having to resort to breaking and entering. You should also consider having a friend or that trusted neighbor come by at least once a week to check on your home and remove any papers or fliers that may have accumulated. There are also people you can hire to maintain your home while you are away, check with the Concierge for referrals. If you don't already have them in place, hire a landscaper and pool service over the summer to manage your outdoor spaces. No one wants to be welcomed home by a green pool that hasn't been properly maintained or a jungle of weeds.
Smart Water Management
Many people turn off their home’s main water valve to head off potential leaks. No one wants to come home to a flood. Drain remaining water from faucets and flush all the toilets.
Make A Clean Getaway
It goes without saying, but it’s time to purge your kitchen. Throw out anything perishable or that may expire while you are away. Pantry staples are usually fine but it’s a good idea to invest in dry storage containers for things like cereal, crackers, flour, sugar, etc. Properly sealed containers not only keep in freshness, they keep out critters.
Overall, be sure your house is clean and tidy for a smooth return. If you are able, have someone come in for regular vacuuming and dust control while you are away and just before you return schedule a deep cleaning appointment for an extra luxurious homecoming.
If you’re leaving a vehicle behind for more than a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to have someone take it for a 15-30 minute spin every week or two. If it must sit idle while you are away, take a few quick steps to keep it in good shape: disconnect the battery or hook it up to a trickle charger to prevent it from dying. Inflate the tires to their maximum recommended PSI to help avoid flat spots and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gas from breaking down while it sits.
Leave interior doors open to allow for better air circulation and prop open the doors of your washer, dryer and dishwasher to avoid musty odors. Turn your water heater to “vacation” mode or lower the temperature and close all toilet lids. Don’t forget to check or replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace air filters, pause or forward your mail and notify your alarm company that you'll be away.
Following a few simple steps can help protect your investment, reduce stress and make your return all the more enjoyable. Whether you're chasing cooler temps, planning an extended vacation or settling into your second home for the season, a well-prepared desert home means peace of mind all summer long. Reach out to our real estate team to learn more about finding your dream home in our guard-gated private community.
