- If you are a seasonal resident planning to escape Florida’s brutal summer heat, be sure to take these simple steps to protect your home so you can enjoy a stress-free summer.
- Update photographs and/or videos of both the outside and inside of your home.
- Safeguard important insurance documents.
- Remove perishable foods, including cereals, crackers and pastas.
- Unopened cans and jars of food can be left on shelves.
- Flour, sugars and salt should be stored in tightly sealed containers.
- Thoroughly clean the premises.
- Food soils and body oils left on towels, clothing, or furnishings absorb water and foster mildew fungi and pests.
- Clean cabinet interiors and exteriors.
- Remove spatters in microwave.
- Vacuum carpets and floors to remove all sources of food for vermin.
- Turn off water at the meter if it is not used for lawn irrigation.
- Have your air conditioning system serviced by a professional. Change the air conditioner filter(s).
- Ask your HVAC company what temperature setting they recommend for your home while you are away. Local homeowners differ on this point, but all agree it is important to make sure the AC doesn’t run constantly. Most manufacturers suggest setting a dehumidistat between 50-55 percent relative humidity and the thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If your AC is working properly, it is not necessary to also run ceiling fans. If the AC is not working, leaving the fans on can help circulate the air.
- Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Thoroughly clean your pool. A reliable pool maintenance service should check your pool every 7 to 10 days to maintain proper pH and chemical levels.
- Arrange for lawn and landscaping maintenance.
- Ask your insurance company if there are any specific requirements for homeowners away from their home for an extended period. As a reflection of the inherent risk, some insurance policies contain clauses that void coverage if a property is left unoccupied and unattended for extended periods of time.
- Arrange for a reliable company such as G-Man Home Watch to check your home at least once a week while you are away to prevent problems.
- Advise a neighbor that a professional home watch service will be checking your home and provide them with the telephone number of the home watch company.
These are just some of the steps you should consider to protect your seasonal Florida home. But, don’t worry. If you forget to do something on the list, G-Man Home Watch can help. Our experienced professionals will conduct regular checks of your home to prevent problems or keep them from getting worse. We serve as your eyes and ears and provide electronic reports following each visit. In the event we find something of concern, we will promptly provide photographs and contact you for direction regarding how to proceed. For the best home watch services in Southwest Florida, look no further than G-Man Home Watch to protect your home today!