{"id":291,"date":"2011-03-30T09:04:49","date_gmt":"2011-03-30T13:04:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=291"},"modified":"2011-10-02T15:04:46","modified_gmt":"2011-10-02T19:04:46","slug":"protect-your-florida-residence-in-summer-tips-for-the-absentee-homeowner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/protect-your-florida-residence-in-summer-tips-for-the-absentee-homeowner\/","title":{"rendered":"Protect your Florida Residence in Summer: Tips for the Absentee Homeowner"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-304\" style=\"margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px;\" title=\"temperature monitoring, flood monitoring, humidity monitoring, vacation home monitoring, vacation home, flood sensor, flood sensors, humidity control, temperature control, internet thermostat, phone thermostat,water alarm,water alarms, sump pump\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/iStock_snowbirds.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"299\" height=\"199\" \/>\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cSnowbirds\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d preparing to head north to avoid Florida\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s brutal summer heat will want to safeguard their winter residences before taking off.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 The state\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s near-tropical summer climate makes <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-408-bay-controls-llc.aspx?SearchTerm=advanced&amp;Pagesize=30&amp;Order=6&amp;CategoryID=0&amp;VectorID=0');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-408-bay-controls-llc.aspx?SearchTerm=advanced&amp;Pagesize=30&amp;Order=6&amp;CategoryID=0&amp;VectorID=0\" target=\"_blank\">humidity control<\/a>, <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-172-water-flood-devices.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-172-water-flood-devices.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">flood protection<\/a> and mold and mildew prevention three areas of concern for every snowbird.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 If you are a part-time Floridian, here are some important home closing procedures to help you protect your property.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Humidity <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Summer in Florida means oppressive heat and very high levels of humidity.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Nearly <em>everything<\/em> in your Florida home is vulnerable to the effects of high humidity, which causes:\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 rusting appliances; mold and mildew growth; corrosion to electronic equipment and computers; deterioration to wood, cotton and leather; warping of woodwork; musty odors; insect infestation; and flaking paint and peeling wallpaper.<!--more--><\/p>\n<p>HUMIDITY MANAGEMENT:\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Normal humidity levels are between 30 and 50 percent.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 You can control humidity levels in your home and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew by blocking outside moisture and minimizing indoor moisture by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Weathersealing      doors and windows<\/li>\n<li>Covering      kitchen and bath vents with plastic<\/li>\n<li>Closing      fireplace dampers<\/li>\n<li>Running      the air conditioning for a couple of hours a day (note that this is the      MOST important thing you can do!).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>OPTIMIZE A\/C PERFORMANCE:\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Have your air conditioning system inspected and cleaned by a professional a week or two before you depart.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Program the A\/C to run in the cool morning hours for about two hours beginning at 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. Use timers to operate individual room air conditioning units.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 If your home has central air conditioning, use a <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-177-remote-control-thermostats.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-177-remote-control-thermostats.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">programmable thermostat<\/a>. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Be sure to set <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-177-remote-control-thermostats.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-177-remote-control-thermostats.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">thermostats<\/a> low enough to so the A\/C runs continually during the two-hour period.<\/p>\n<p>REMOTE MONITORING:\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 To check the temperature and humidity levels in your Florida residence while you are away, consider installing a <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-174-remote-thermostat-control.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-174-remote-thermostat-control.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">remote thermostat control<\/a>.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0These nifty devices allow you to monitor your home\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cvitals\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d via <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-175-phone-thermostats.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-175-phone-thermostats.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">phone<\/a> or <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-204-internet-thermostats.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-204-internet-thermostats.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Internet<\/a> (depending upon your communications capabilities) and make temperature adjustments from afar.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 They also send out automatic alerts to your <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6268-sensaphone-400-cottagesitter-remote-monitor-wtemp-ctrl-fgd-0400.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6268-sensaphone-400-cottagesitter-remote-monitor-wtemp-ctrl-fgd-0400.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">phone<\/a> or <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-408-bay-controls-llc.aspx?SearchTerm=advanced&amp;Pagesize=30&amp;Order=6&amp;CategoryID=0&amp;VectorID=0');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-408-bay-controls-llc.aspx?SearchTerm=advanced&amp;Pagesize=30&amp;Order=6&amp;CategoryID=0&amp;VectorID=0\" target=\"_blank\">email address<\/a> if the inside temperature gets too high or too low, based on your set points.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Two popular systems are the <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6268-sensaphone-400-cottagesitter-remote-monitor-wtemp-ctrl-fgd-0400.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6268-sensaphone-400-cottagesitter-remote-monitor-wtemp-ctrl-fgd-0400.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Sensaphone 400<\/a> and the <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-408-bay-controls-llc.aspx?SearchTerm=advanced&amp;Pagesize=30&amp;Order=6&amp;CategoryID=0&amp;VectorID=0');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-408-bay-controls-llc.aspx?SearchTerm=advanced&amp;Pagesize=30&amp;Order=6&amp;CategoryID=0&amp;VectorID=0\" target=\"_blank\">BAYweb Internet Thermostat Advanced<\/a> which communicate via <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/t-phonethermchart.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/t-phonethermchart.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">phone<\/a> or <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/t-internetthermchart.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/t-internetthermchart.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Internet<\/a>, respectively.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flooding &amp; Leaks<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In addition to keeping humidity out of your Florida home, you\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2ll want to prevent unwanted water from seeping in.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 That moist, salty sea air wreaks havoc on appliances and electronics.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Remember too that hurricane season hits in the summer and fall, bringing torrential rain and high winds, along with the risk of leaks and flooding.<\/p>\n<p>CHECKLIST TO PROTECT AGAINST WATER DAMAGE:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Inspect      windows and doors &#8212; fill in gaps and cracks with caulking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Check flashing around      chimneys and vents for damage<\/li>\n<li>Clean out gutters and downspouts      and repair if damaged<\/li>\n<li>Remove debris from roof so      rain will run off quickly<\/li>\n<li>Turn off the water to the      washing machine and the hot water heater<\/li>\n<li>Turn off the water at the      emergency cut-off valve outside the home<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>REMOTE MONITORING:\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 A strategically-placed water sensor hooked up to either the <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6268-sensaphone-400-cottagesitter-remote-monitor-wtemp-ctrl-fgd-0400.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6268-sensaphone-400-cottagesitter-remote-monitor-wtemp-ctrl-fgd-0400.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Sensaphone 400<\/a> or <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-408-bay-controls-llc.aspx?SearchTerm=advanced&amp;Pagesize=30&amp;Order=6&amp;CategoryID=0&amp;VectorID=0');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-408-bay-controls-llc.aspx?SearchTerm=advanced&amp;Pagesize=30&amp;Order=6&amp;CategoryID=0&amp;VectorID=0\" target=\"_blank\">BAYweb<\/a> remote monitoring systems will alert you by <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6268-sensaphone-400-cottagesitter-remote-monitor-wtemp-ctrl-fgd-0400.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6268-sensaphone-400-cottagesitter-remote-monitor-wtemp-ctrl-fgd-0400.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">phone<\/a> or <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-408-bay-controls-llc.aspx?SearchTerm=advanced&amp;Pagesize=30&amp;Order=6&amp;CategoryID=0&amp;VectorID=0');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-408-bay-controls-llc.aspx?SearchTerm=advanced&amp;Pagesize=30&amp;Order=6&amp;CategoryID=0&amp;VectorID=0\" target=\"_blank\">email<\/a> if there is a water leak in your home.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-244-bayweb-hybrid-internet-alarm-systems.aspx?pagesize=30&amp;order=6&amp;vectorids=14,7&amp;list=0');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-244-bayweb-hybrid-internet-alarm-systems.aspx?pagesize=30&amp;order=6&amp;vectorids=14,7&amp;list=0\" target=\"_blank\">Water sensors<\/a> can be situated anywhere prone to flooding and leaks \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 in the basement or crawlspace, by doors and windows, and under appliances like the washing machine and dishwasher.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Another flood-risk location is the condensate pan in your A\/C unit which can clog and overflow.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 A <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6068-sumpbobber-waterflood-sensor.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6068-sumpbobber-waterflood-sensor.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">simple float switch<\/a> (like the <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6068-sumpbobber-waterflood-sensor.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6068-sumpbobber-waterflood-sensor.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">SumpBobber<\/a>) connected to your <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6268-sensaphone-400-cottagesitter-remote-monitor-wtemp-ctrl-fgd-0400.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6268-sensaphone-400-cottagesitter-remote-monitor-wtemp-ctrl-fgd-0400.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Sensaphone 400<\/a> or <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-408-bay-controls-llc.aspx?SearchTerm=advanced&amp;Pagesize=30&amp;Order=6&amp;CategoryID=0&amp;VectorID=0');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-408-bay-controls-llc.aspx?SearchTerm=advanced&amp;Pagesize=30&amp;Order=6&amp;CategoryID=0&amp;VectorID=0\" target=\"_blank\">BAYweb<\/a> can be used to monitor that situation.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Install a second <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6554-fgd-0222-float-switch-waterflood-sensor.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6554-fgd-0222-float-switch-waterflood-sensor.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">float switch<\/a> in the <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-173-sump-pumps.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-173-sump-pumps.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">sump pump<\/a> pit in your basement to warn of a failure there.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mold and Mildew <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Florida\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s warm, humid weather creates the perfect environment for mold, mildew and bacteria to grow.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Since pests and organisms attack organic materials, it is important to do a thorough job cleaning, vacuuming and disinfecting your home before you vacate.<\/p>\n<p>CLEANING CHECKLIST:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In the kitchen, clean      kitchen appliances, cabinets and countertops with sudsy water and dry all      surfaces.<\/li>\n<li>Dispose of fresh or      perishable foods, including cereals, crackers and pasta<\/li>\n<li>Clean out refrigerators      and freezers and toss opened condiments<\/li>\n<li>If you unplug the refrigerator,      be sure to leave door propped open<\/li>\n<li>Clean dishwasher interior      and filter and leave door open<\/li>\n<li>Thoroughly clean bathroom fixtures      and all surfaces and wash all bath towels<\/li>\n<li>Remove any plastic wrappings      or bags around clothing<\/li>\n<li>Run air conditioning for      two hours a day, as discussed previously.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Following these steps should help ensure that your Florida residence will be clean and beautiful when you return in the fall.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 For additional information on closing your Florida home, see:\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.p2pays.org\/ref\/08\/07673.pdf');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.p2pays.org\/ref\/08\/07673.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.p2pays.org\/ref\/08\/07673.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cSnowbirds\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d preparing to head north to avoid Florida\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s brutal summer heat will want to safeguard their winter residences before taking off.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 The state\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s near-tropical summer climate makes humidity control, flood protection and mold and mildew prevention three areas of concern for every snowbird.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 If you&hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/protect-your-florida-residence-in-summer-tips-for-the-absentee-homeowner\/\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,9,6],"tags":[28,29,33,34,8,7,30,31,13,24,25],"class_list":["post-291","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-flood-intervention","category-home-monitoring-security","category-internet-thermostats","tag-flood-sensor","tag-flood-sensors","tag-humidity-sensor","tag-humidity-sensors","tag-internet-thermostat","tag-internet-thermostats-2","tag-sump-pump","tag-sump-pumps","tag-vacation-home-monitoring-2","tag-water-alarm","tag-water-alarms","clearfix"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/291","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=291"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/291\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":747,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/291\/revisions\/747"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=291"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=291"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=291"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}