Summer Is Coming to an End. Here Is What We Found in Vacant Homes

As summer comes to an end and snowbirds return, we wanted to share a few of the things we found while checking on vacant homes this summer.

For many Southwest Florida homeowners, leaving for the summer means trusting that everything at home will be exactly as they left it when they return. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Homes can develop problems even when nobody is living in them. A small issue can quickly turn into significant damage when it goes unnoticed for days or weeks.

Here are a few of the issues we encountered this summer.

Multiple AC Units Frozen or Drain Lines Clogged

Southwest Florida heat puts a tremendous amount of demand on air conditioning systems.

We found multiple homes with frozen AC units or clogged AC drain lines. When an AC system is not operating properly, it can lead to water damage, increased humidity and potentially expensive repairs.

A clogged drain line can be especially concerning in a vacant home because there may be nobody there to notice water accumulating until significant damage has occurred.

Regular Home Watch inspections can help identify these issues early.

Sewage Backup in a Master Bathroom

One of the more serious problems we discovered was a sewage backup in a master bathroom.

A plumbing issue like this can create extensive damage and unpleasant conditions if it is not discovered quickly. In an occupied home, you would likely notice the problem immediately. In a vacant home, it could sit unnoticed for days.

This is exactly the type of situation where having someone physically checking your home can make a major difference.

Pool Autofill Leaks

Swimming pools require regular attention, especially during the hot Southwest Florida summer.

We found pool autofill leaks that could result in excessive water usage and potentially contribute to other pool or equipment problems.

A Home Watch inspection can help identify unusual water levels, visible leaks and other signs that something may not be operating correctly.

Spoiled Food

Not every problem we find involves a major repair.

We also find things homeowners simply forgot about before leaving for the summer.

Spoiled food left behind can create unpleasant odors, attract pests and make returning home a much less enjoyable experience.

A quick inspection of refrigerators and other areas of the home can help catch these issues before they become bigger problems.

Fire Ants

Florida homeowners know that pests do not take the summer off.

Fire ant activity can become noticeable around vacant properties, landscaping and outdoor areas. Catching an infestation early can make treatment much easier than discovering a major problem when you return months later.

Regular inspections give homeowners another set of eyes on the exterior of their property.

Broken Sprinkler Heads

Irrigation systems work hard throughout the Southwest Florida summer.

We found broken sprinkler heads that can waste water, damage landscaping and potentially cause areas of a yard to receive too much or too little water.

A broken sprinkler head may seem like a small problem, but leaving it unchecked can lead to unnecessary water usage and landscape damage.

Power Outages

Power outages are another concern for vacant homes.

A power outage can affect air conditioning, pool equipment, security systems, refrigerators and other important systems throughout the home.

If nobody is checking the property, a homeowner may not know there has been a power interruption until they return.

Regular Home Watch inspections provide an opportunity to identify signs of a power issue and alert the homeowner when something does not look right.

The Scary Part Is What You Do Not Know About

The biggest concern with a vacant home is not necessarily that something will go wrong.

It is that something can go wrong and nobody will know about it.

A clogged AC drain line can become water damage.

A small pool leak can become a much larger problem.

A power outage can affect multiple systems inside the home.

A plumbing problem can continue getting worse while the property sits empty.

The longer a problem goes unnoticed, the greater the potential for damage and expense.

That Is Where Professional Home Watch Makes a Difference

At ParadiseSafe Home Watch, we provide regular visual inspections of your home while you are away.

We look for visible signs of problems throughout the home and provide detailed photo reports so you can see what we see.

Our goal is simple.

Give you peace of mind while you are away and help identify potential problems before they become expensive surprises.

We are:

Licensed

Insured

Bonded

Accredited by the National Home Watch Association

We are also locally owned and committed to providing dependable service to Southwest Florida homeowners.

Your Home Is One of Your Biggest Investments

Whether you are heading north for the summer, traveling for an extended period or simply leaving your property vacant for a few weeks, having someone regularly check on your home can provide valuable peace of mind.

You may not be able to prevent every problem from happening.

But having someone there to find the problem early can make all the difference.

Don’t leave your home to chance while you’re away.

Contact ParadiseSafe Home Watch today to learn more about our Home Watch services or request a free quote.

ParadiseSafe Home Watch

Protecting Your Piece of Paradise.

Local. Trusted. Reliable.