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Annual Home Maintenance for “Snow Birds”

Preparing Your Phoenix, AZ Home for an Extended Absence

If you, like many homeowners in the Phoenix area, tend to migrate into town during the cooler months, and then return to your northern home when the threat of winter is gone and the thaw of spring has begun, then you are what is commonly known as a “Snow Bird.”

You probably know better than anyone the difficulties that can arise when leaving your home unattended for months at a time, so we’ve put together a list of must-do tasks to perform before you leave to ensure the safety of your home, along with important HVAC maintenance.

10 Things to Do Before Leaving Your Home Long-Term

If you will be leaving your home unattended for several months at a time, it’s important that you make sure everything is in good shape upon your departure. Not only will this provide you with peace of mind, but it will reduce the chances of an unexpected return trip to deal with emergency maintenance.

Here are 10 things you should do before leaving your house for an extended period of time:

1. Unplug your home. Be sure to unplug all appliances and electronics that aren’t going to be used in your absence. That means television, sound system, microwave, toaster, lamps, computers, and even your internet router and modem (if your security system allows). Not only will this save you money on your electric bill, but it will keep your appliances and electronics safe in the event of an outage or surge.
2. Clean out the fridge. Get rid of any leftover food to avoid pesky insects or animal intruders while you’re away. Disinfect your fridge interior and thoroughly dry everything to prevent mildew.
3. Adjust your thermostat. Depending on the tenure of your vacancy, you’ll want to adjust your thermostat to a temperature that is ideal for your plants, electronics, and plumbing. Since you will most likely be away during the warm summer months, set your thermostat to 85 degrees for optimal energy efficiency. It may be wise to invest in a programmable thermostat that will adjust based on the temperature and time of day. Make sure you don’t require any AC maintenance before you leave.
4. Consider turning off your main water valve. Turning off your home’s main supply of water is the most efficient way to prevent any leaks or pipe damage from going from bad to disastrous. If turning off the main water supply isn’t an option, you could turn the supply off for individual appliances, such as the washing machine, sinks, toilets, and dishwasher.

If you need assistance locating your main water valve or think you may need an air conditioning tune-up, call the friendly professionals at Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical at (480) 747-6800 or contact us online today!

5. Check for leaks. To ensure that your home stays leak-free while you are away, it would serve you well to thoroughly check all sinks, tubs, and outdoor spigots to be sure they are tightly closed. Feel around the base of faucets and sinks for drips, leaks, or stains. Contact a professional if you feel you may have an ongoing leak.
6. Change your air filters. This is a simple and inexpensive way to make sure your HVAC system is operating at peak performance in your absence, while also guaranteeing that you won’t have a buildup of dirt, dust, and carbon deposits in your home.
7. Inspect the hot water heater. Located near the base of your hot water heater is typically a dial with a “low” or “vacation” mode. This enables the water heater to use significantly less energy, saving you money. Be sure to adjust your water heater’s setting or turn it off while you are away.

If you need assistance with your water heater or have questions about energy-saving practices, call the experts at Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical at (480) 747-6800 or contact us online today!

8. Test your sump pump. If you have a sump pump in your basement or crawl space, it’s a good idea to test that it’s working properly before you head out of town for an extended period of time. Once you locate your sump pump, you can test it by pouring a bucket of water over it to ensure it engages in removing water from the retention pit. If not, you may need to have it serviced or repaired.
9. Disinfect your drains & toilet. Toilets are known to accumulate bacteria while inactive. Not only is this unhygienic, but it can become unsightly if the bacteria cause stains. An easy way to combat stain-causing bacteria is to pour half a cup of chlorine bleach into your toilet bowl (not the tank) before you leave.
10. Schedule an inspection with your plumber. Your best bet for avoiding issues while away for an extended period of time is to schedule an inspection with your plumber a few weeks before your departure. You want to give yourself enough time to resolve any problems, should they arise.

Leave Your Home in Trusted Hands

Once you’ve completed everything in the above list, it’s a good idea to provide a friend or neighbor with both your contact information and your plumber’s information. If you had an inspection performed by your plumber before you left, they will be familiar with your home’s systems and where problems may be stemming from.

If you’re looking for a local plumber in the Phoenix, AZ area, look no further than Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical. We would love to be considered “your plumber,” and our friendly professionals will ensure that your home is ready for your extended vacation.

Contact Penguin Air today to schedule your pre-vacation inspection or to discuss further steps you can take to ensure your home’s safety while you’re away! Give us a call at (480) 747-6800 or contact us online anytime!

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