Seasonal Home Departure Tips

As the vibrant seasons change in Naples, Florida, many homeowners embark on seasonal departures. Amidst the excitement of travel and relaxation, it’s crucial to ensure that your home is well-prepared for your absence. At Casa Naples Home Watch, we understand the significance of safeguarding your property, and we’re here to guide you through best practices to prepare your Naples home for seasonal departure.

1. Prepare & Secure Property: While Naples boasts stunning weather year-round, it’s essential to be prepared for the occasional tropical storm or hurricane. Secure outdoor furniture, trim trees and shrubs, and clear your yard of any debris that could become hazardous in high winds. Consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows to protect your home from potential damage. Secure all doors, windows, and entry points to prevent unauthorized access. Consider reinforcing sliding doors with security bars or dowels as a backup. Don’t forget about your garage and any outbuildings—ensure they’re properly locked and secured as well.

2. Smart Technology: In today’s digital age, technology offers invaluable tools for home security, including investing in a comprehensive home security system with remote monitoring capabilities. Smart cameras, sensors, and alarms enable homeowners to keep an eye on their property between home watch visits and receive instant alerts in case of any malfunction or issues with vital systems such as A/C and plumbing. While having a home watch company is crucial in mitigating home damage, leveraging smart technology and tools can only provide additional benefits. For instance, imagine receiving a high temperature notification from your thermostat, signaling a potential A/C unit failure to maintain temperatures below the set limit. With your next scheduled home watch visit still 10 days away and the risk of mold growth within 72 hours, swift action is imperative. By promptly utilizing smart technology and notifying us of the issue, we can address it before significant damage occurs, which may have otherwise gone unnoticed until the next scheduled visit.

3. Plumbing, Electrical & A/C: Your home’s mechanical systems can present significant threats, particularly during extended periods of vacancy.

Plumbing
To mitigate the risk of costly water damage from leaks, it’s always recommended to shut OFF the main water supply. There are two additional options, both with advantages and disadvantages; draining any remaining unpressurized water in the lines can help prevent residual damage in the event of a leak. However, leaving water in the lines can serve as an expansion buffer if someone such as a landscaper or pool service was to quickly opens the valve (ALWAYS open valves slowly!) causing water to hammer the system at city pressure and potentially create a blow out.

Electrical
By turning OFF breakers for appliances or areas of the home that aren’t in use, you reduce the risk of electrical hazards such as fires or shocks. Some appliances like dryers, water heaters or entertainment systems, may be susceptible to power surges or electrical fluctuations. Turning OFF their respective breakers can help protect them from damage during storms or power outages.

HVAC
Setting the A/C temperature between 74º-78ºF to primarily dehumidify and circulate air throughout the home. This range helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment while efficiently managing humidity levels. Setting the temperature below 74ºF can strain the unit, leading to coil frost and more frequent condensate line backups reducing the efficiency and lifespan of the system. Before leaving, perform preventive maintenance to ensure the A/C system operates smoothly during your absence; Replace filters, add drain cleaner to the condensate line to prevent clogs and clean debris from outdoor unit.

4. Notify Trusted Neighbors or Friends: Organize with trusted neighbors who can keep an eye on your property and report anything suspicious between home watch visits. Having multiple sets of eyes on your home only provides additional benefit.

5. Home Insurance: Before departing, review your home insurance policy to ensure that it provides adequate coverage during your absence. Consider adding additional coverage for specific risks, such as water damage or vandalism, especially if your home will be vacant for an extended period. Furthermore, it’s crucial to check your policy to determine the allowable duration for your home to be unoccupied between home watch inspections. Arrange visits accordingly to comply with these requirements.

By following these best practices, you can enjoy your seasonal departure from Naples with confidence, knowing that your home has been properly maintained and prepped for departure. From there, leave it up to us to continue providing professional, comprehensive home watch services tailored to your needs. Contact Casa Naples Home Watch today to learn more about how we can protect your Naples home while you’re away. We’re here for you; Your Property is Our Priority!