MADISON, Wis., Oct. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- With last year's polar vortex fresh in the minds of many Americans, the flock of snowbird travelers could grow considerably this season as folks head to the sunny states. Whether families spend a couple of weeks or the majority of the winter in a different state, preparing a residence for a prolonged absence is important. Snowbird travelers need to protect their homes from the forces of Mother Nature and potential burglars or trespassers.
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Preparing a House for an Extended Absence
When leaving any property for more than a week, there is more to do than just pack a suitcase. Topping the list for most snowbird travelers preparing for a vacation is keeping their property secure. According to Travelers Indemnity Company, a house should appear occupied when owners are away. While it's important to keep energy costs down, a property that looks dark and vacant is very inviting to burglars. Here are a few other tips:
- Forward mail, stop newspapers and have a neighbor collect fliers. A house with mail and papers piling up is a sure sign the owners have flown the coop.
- If absent during the growing season, snowbird homeowners must make sure someone is mowing the lawn. This maintains the appearance that someone is in the residence and keeps the property in compliance with local ordinances.
- Ensure motion sensing exterior lights are working, some interior lights are on timers and alarm systems are activated.
Keeping Out Pests and Weather
While having a house burgled certainly ruins a vacation, it's more likely for property damage to occur in a more natural way – mainly the result of bugs and weather. Make sure a home is as uninviting to pests as it is to burglars with these tips:
- Close fireplace flus to prevent birds, bats and rodents from making their way indoors.
- Clean the kitchen and pantries before leaving. Even a small amount of garbage or loose food could be signal to bugs that the buffet is open.
- For season-long trips, it's a good idea to unplug and defrost freezers and refrigerators and turn off the water.
Controlling Climate at a Vacation Home
While many snowbird homeowners leave for better weather, they must remember their houses have to endure the very climates they are fleeing. A significant problem no matter which direction a snowbird is flying is humidity. Dry winter weather can destroy hardwood floors, furniture, electronics and musical instruments. Conversely, leaving a residence exposed to high levels of humidity can quickly result in mold growth and water damage. In severe cases, snowbird travelers have even found mushrooms growing in their second homes.
Controlling humidity at a permanent residence and vacation home both require the same products. Whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers that are installed as part of an HVAC system can be programed to keep humidity levels within acceptable ranges even when owners are hundreds of miles away. This not only protects valuable investments but also creates peace of mind for travelers, so they can enjoy their vacation – not stress about their house.
About Aprilaire:
Aprilaire has been a brand leader in IAQ for more than 60 years, delivering a wide range of whole-home systems that improve comfort, health and energy efficiency. Our brand products are sold through and installed by HVAC contractors across the United States and Canada. Visit Aprilaire.com to learn more about whole-house air cleaners and total comfort solutions to purity, humidity, freshness and temperature.
SOURCE Aprilaire
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