OT - Closing Up a House for the season

[romarc]

Not sure, but do I remember someone on this board having rentals, and closing up rentals for the season?  Hoping someone will be willing to share tips on closing-up a house…

A friend’ s home will not be lived in for 11 months, and I have volunteered to Flush n Flo once a month.  Besides flushing toilets and running water down sinks, what else should I be doing?  (The a/c and electricity have been left on). 
.  Should I also run water in the showers and bathtubs? 
.  Is there anything special I should  do to the appliances? 
.  Should doors to showers/dishwasher/washer be left open to prevent mold?

Thanks so much for your help!!

[katary]

 i think that was doug & umpa when moving from florida to north carolina? i remember them talking about that also.... hopefully they will respond:)

[Doug Varrieur]

Romarc, what state is the empty home in?

[umpa]

Yes Katary. We are in the rental business.We close our houses when we go from florida to North Carolina and back again.We will be more than happy to help Romarc.You can email us if you like

[romarc]

Hi, Doug!  The house is in humid Florida!  Thanks for any tips you are willing to share!!

[Doug Varrieur]

1- Turn the A/C up to 85
2- Shut off the water heater
3- Empty the fridge, clean it and unplug it, look under the kitchen sink and shut off the auto ice-maker line, Prop the doors open to prevent mold.
4- Unplug all appliances, TV's and stereo....this will save them from power surge damage and reduce electric bills. Even though they're turned off they draw power.
5- Turn the water off to the house, you'll find a main valve under the home. When you come to the home every 8 weeks to fill the traps with water simply turn it back on then off again when you leave. Filling all the traps with water every 8 weeks will stop the sewer fumes from backing into the home. A broken water line will cause tremendous damage which will most likely be covered by insurance BUT the water bill which can get into the thousands of dollars will most likely be the home owners responsibility.
6- Finally, this is a good time to bug bomb the home if desired. If you choose to do so make sure to turn off ceiling fans and the AC during the process.

[romarc]

Thanks so much, Doug!!!