Tips for Leaving Town
1) Install a humidistat on
your A/C and set it to cycle the A/C whenever the humidity exceeds 65%.
This is the most energy efficient method of ensuring no mold or mildew
growth. Check with your service person as to the correct settings for
your type of unit. And don't forget to put clean filters in you A/C units
before you leave.
2) Water heaters left on in vacant homes are wasteful. If no
one is going to be home to use the water, you can turn it off at the circuit
breaker. The refrigerator can be set to the warmest setting. The
pool heater can also be turned off at the circuit breaker before you leave.
3) Let trusted neighbors know before you head out of town. That way
they know to keep an eye on things while you are away. Tell them where
you will be and when you will be back. Give someone an emergency phone number.
Let them know who has a key (do not hide it near the door). Avoid unnecessary
anxiety by letting people know if repairs or visitors are scheduled.
4) Keep the mailbox clear.
Even if you arrange to have your mail "held" at the post office,
there may still be door-to-door flyers and weekly circulars that end up outside
your house. Ask a neighbor to occasionally check and clear out your
mailbox and front door area.
5) Make the house look and
sound lived in. Set a timer to turn lights on and off. Maybe include a
radio too, tuned to your plants' favorite station.
6) Florida is famous for being the lightning capital of the
country. Unplug all electric equipment and appliances such as stereos,
TVs, washers, dryers and even the phones.
7) Have your smoke detectors
and burglar alarm checked before you go. It's a good time of year to have
your annual service call.
8) Make sure your golf cart
is fully charged and then unplug it. Check that the batteries have water
too.
9) Many people advise that
you leave closet doors, vanities, drawers and cabinets open to allow for good
air circulation. For the same reason hang all clothing loosely in closets
and do not leave them inside plastic bags.
10) Do not forget the people back
home. Send postcards from exotic locations or even bring back a small gift as a
"thank you" for watching over your home.
11) Be sure to let your neighbors know when you are back. This is a good
time to offer to watch their homes when they go away, catch up on the latest
neighborhood doings and pick up any mail.
