Closing Up For the Summer

[Grady223]

Well, retirement is here (6/30) and we will be abandoning the PA home and moving to the Island for the summer, plus part of the fall.

We have closed up the Island for the winter but aren't there other issues in closing up for the summer?

Here's the advise I have been given so far: A/C on 82, dehumidifier for basement, shut off water, shut off gas, Saran Wrap over toilets (stop evaporation), antifreeze in sink drains (for same reason), close all shades.

Question - drain hot water tank? Issues: Can spring a leak and dump 30 ga. - or if you drain it will rust faster.

Can some of you who close up FL homes to come up north give some advise?

[Winnipesaukee Divers]

Don't drain the DHW tank, letting air in will oxidize
(rust) the insides. Just turn off the power (gas) and water to it. If it should leak, it will be very slow as it won't have any pressure on it and air needs to get in to let the water out.

I wouldn't leave the A/C on because a lot can go wrong with it and could end up costing you the house.

You know where I'm coming from with this information... Just email me if you need any other information or instructions.

[Lakepilot]

At our condo in Florida, we shut off the water valve, so if there is a leak it'll be small. We leave the AC on and it's set at 80 degrees or 60% humidity (has a humidistat). My in-laws lost their AC and the mold the following fall was unbelievable (floors lifted, wood cabinets fell apart etc.). We used to use Saran Wrap and now we use Mineral Oil. It doesn't evaporate.

The summer in NH isn't as hot or humid as the summer in FL, but then the AC wouldn't turn on as much up here. By the way we have a large dehumidifier in the basement. Looking at just the cost, AC is a lot cheaper then what can go wrong with excessive heat and humidity.

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by Winnipesaukee Divers

Don't drain the DHW tank, letting air in will oxidize
(rust) the insides. Just turn off the power (gas) and water to it. If it should leak, it will be very slow as it won't have any pressure on it and air needs to get in to let the water out.

I wouldn't leave the A/C on because a lot can go wrong with it and could end up costing you the house.
You know where I'm coming from with this information... Just email me if you need any other information or instructions.

I've heard many a story from Florida snowbirds who didn't leave their A/C on of huge mold problems upon their return.

[SAMIAM]

Lakepilot is right on.Water main off and A/C on at 80-82 degrees.
It will only come on occaisionally and better to run it than let it sit idle.
A humidistat is very cheap to install and you'll never have to worry about mold.

[SIKSUKR]

Florida is mandatory for leaving the ac on to keep out moisture and mold. I question why you would need it here. I've never had ac in my house and I'll bet maybe up to half the homes don't either. Never heard of mold problems around here for lack of ac.

[Grady223]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

Florida is mandatory for leaving the ac on to keep out moisture and mold. I question why you would need it here. I've never had ac in my house and I'll bet maybe up to half the homes don't either. Never heard of mold problems around here for lack of ac.

Actually here is southern Pennsylvania, we will be moving north to NH. Have had minor mold issues here (in the finished walk out basement) during short summer breaks away before - don't want to face more severe issues being away the entire summer. (90's with 80+ % humidity is not uncommon)

[KBoater]

I just replaced the condensor on my AC in Florida. I would suggest leaving the AC on as suggested.
I would add having a friend or service check your house for failures periodically.
Welcome to the slow life.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Lakepilot

At our condo in Florida, we shut off the water valve, so if there is a leak it'll be small. We leave the AC on and it's set at 80 degrees or 60% humidity (has a humidistat)...We used to use Saran Wrap and now we use Mineral Oil. It doesn't evaporate...Looking at just the cost, AC is a lot cheaper then what can go wrong with excessive heat and humidity.

I can see where Saran Wrap might not be a good idea! I use plastic grocery bags against evaporation.

In FL, I turn the water off at the street, because hurricane-uprooting of trees or utilities may rip out the waterline to the house: the water company advises they will continue to bill you for all the water lost!

Because of a local drought—and that it's particularly windy where I winter in Florida—the thermostat is set at 88°. (The house "leaks" A/C because of the wind, and it doesn't know that it's "unbearably hot" inside).

This may be the last winter with the A/C set at 88°, as December saw a new "TPO" roof installed, and any radiant heating inside has been measurably reduced.

The condensate is collected in a weighted bucket outdoors, and drains through a hose to keep my little "crop" of banana trees happy.

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

In FL, I turn the water off at the street, because hurricane-uprooting of trees or utilities may rip out the waterline to the house: the water company advises they will continue to bill you for all the water lost!

Isn't your water meter inside your house?I'm guessing by your post that it might be at the street connection?

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

The condensate is collected in a weighted bucket outdoors, and drains through a hose to keep my little "crop" of banana trees happy.

I like the use of otherwise discarded water.