Closing up your home for the summer: a snowbird checklist

An empty South Florida house in summer has one big problem: humidity. The University of Florida’s guide for seasonal homes sums up the job in two words: keep the house clean and dry. This checklist covers the parts of that job that involve your air conditioner, ducts, dryer vent, and attic.

An empty house in Florida is a humidity risk

A closed house does not stay dry by itself in Florida. A Florida Solar Energy Center study of vacant homes in Brevard County found that mold and mildew grow when relative humidity stays above about 70 percent for long periods. The researchers aimed to keep indoor humidity below 70 percent nearly all the time and below 65 percent most of the time.

The study looked at only three homes. The researchers noted that some homes need more aggressive action than others, and leaky homes needed more moisture removal. Treat the numbers as a guide.

Have the air conditioner serviced before you leave

The University of Florida recommends having a professional service the central air conditioning system about three weeks before you leave. Its checklist asks the technician to clean the blower wheel and coil, clean the condensate pan and pipe, and check the thermostat. Some steps you can do yourself:

1. Change the air filter, or wash it if it is washable.
2. Clean the condensate line leading away from the indoor unit. Summer heat and humidity can cause mildew and mold spores to grow and spread through the house.
3. Replace backup batteries in the thermostat.
4. Ask your air conditioning company to check your humidistat, if you have one.

Choosing a thermostat setting while you are away

There is no one setting that suits every house. University of Florida advises leaving the air conditioner set no higher than 85 degrees Fahrenheit, so it cycles on when the house reaches that temperature.

The Florida Solar Energy Center study found a few things to watch:

• At 85 degrees, the air conditioner sometimes did not run long enough, or did not run at all on cooler, cloudier days, so little moisture was removed.
• A dehumidifier with a floor fan controlled humidity in all three homes.
• A short morning air conditioner cycle gave mixed results.

Because results differ, ask a licensed air conditioning professional what they recommend for your house, and ask a neighbor or manager to check on it.

Prepare the dryer and washer

• Clean the lint filter, and remove lint from around the drum.
• Have the dryer vent cleaned before you go. NFPA advises cleaning the vent once a year, and we recommend the same. A yearly cleaning removes the lint fire hazard and helps clothes dry faster.
• Turn off the water supply to the washer.
• Leave appliances unplugged. NFPA says to turn the dryer off when you leave home, and University of Florida notes that unplugged appliances are protected from surges during storms.

If you live in a condo, check with your association about common dryer vent shafts and roof fans. Our guide to dryer vents in condos has questions to ask. You can also book a dryer vent cleaning before you leave.

Check the attic and the roof

University of Florida suggests checking for damaged or missing roof material, damaged flashing around vents, and clogged gutters before you leave. If you have a way to look at the attic, check for stains or damp insulation. Wet insulation should be handled by a professional, and the EPA says materials usually do not grow mold if they are dried within 24 to 48 hours.

Checks to make when you come back

1. Use your nose first. A musty odor can point to moisture. The EPA treats a musty odor or visible mold growth as a sign to look closer.
2. Look at the filter, the drain pan, and the vents.
3. Check for water stains on ceilings, near the indoor unit, and in the laundry area.
4. Run the air conditioner and open interior doors for air flow.
5. Ask for a look inside the ducts if you see debris or smell something unusual. Wherever your system allows it, we start with a camera look inside, and we show you what we see. If your ducts do not need cleaning yet, we will tell you.

Blue Pelican can help before you leave and when you return

• Hours. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday by appointment.
• Same day. Same-day visits when our schedule allows, which helps when you have just arrived.
• No surprises. Every visit starts with a free Whole-Home Air & Attic Check. The technician confirms the price, you approve it, and nothing is added without your approval.
• Botanical treatment. If your ducts need cleaning, we remove the dust, allergens, pet hair, debris and bacteria that have settled there. We finish with a botanical product made with thyme oil, with no harsh chemicals.

To check your ducts, dryer vent, and attic in one visit, see our bundles, or book your free Whole-Home Air & Attic Check.

Sources

• University of Florida IFAS, “Closing Your Seasonal Home” (clean and dry; service three weeks before leaving; 85 degree advice; unplugging; roof checks): https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HE887
• Florida Solar Energy Center, “Evaluation of the Impact of Vacant Home Space Conditioning Strategies on Summer Relative Humidity, Energy, and Peak Load,” FSEC-CR-1487-04, 2005 (humidity targets; three Brevard County homes; setting results): https://publications.energyresearch.ucf.edu//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FSEC-CR-1487-04.pdf
• NFPA, “Clothes Dryer Safety” tip sheet (yearly vent cleaning; turn dryer off when leaving): https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/project/storefront/catalog/files/safety-tip-sheets/dryersafetytips.pdf
• EPA, “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home” (24 to 48 hour drying): https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
• EPA, “Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?” (musty odor; visible mold): https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned