[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Tustin714

If I'm only going to be gone for 30 days, is there still a worry about toilet/bath/sink evaporation, and having to saran wrap the toilet? We have a 3rd bathroom in this house (coming to TV for October), and it hasn't been used since early July, and there's still water in the toilet, so I'm just curious which recommendations are for longer-term absence. Thanks.

I wouldn't worry about it for 30 days, but I would turn off the water supply valve.

[Tustin714]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I wouldn't worry about it for 30 days, but I would turn off the water supply valve.

Thanks, that's what I was thinking.

[VTrunner]

If you have a home watch service do you still turn off the water and then do they turn it on to flush toilets etc.?

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by VTrunner

If you have a home watch service do you still turn off the water and then do they turn it on to flush toilets etc.?

Personally, I would turn off the water and leave it off. If you are concerned about your drains drying out, the home watch person can bring a bucket of water to add it to the drains. The toilet bowls can be covered with plastic wrap, but it is probably not necessary.

[tophcfa]

Don’t forget to shut off The Daily Sun delivery and the Villages dot net t time system.

[kschwi]

Originally Posted by MrLonzo

When leaving the Villages for extended periods (>6 months), what services to your home is it cost effective to shut down while you're gone? I think cable tv can be shut off and still keep WiFi, but anything else?

Also, I saw a thread offering many good tips about home shut-down procedures for Snowbirds here a few months ago, but can't seem to find it again -- any help? Sorry- still learning how to use these Forums.

Can someone discuss the need to keep the WiFi on? We will probably do so but is it mostly for peace of mind or are there other benefits?

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by kschwi

Can someone discuss the need to keep the WiFi on? We will probably do so but is it mostly for peace of mind or are there other benefits?

Cameras, various sensors (water leak in particular), thermostat, home automation (turn on/off lights), and alarm systems may all use wifi when you are away.

I can access a home computer remotely to take care of things that are difficult to do on a tablet.

If you have none of these, or don't care about them while you are gone, then some ISPs may allow you to pause service and save some money.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by kschwi

Can someone discuss the need to keep the WiFi on? We will probably do so but is it mostly for peace of mind or are there other benefits?

A ring doorbell and security cameras may need wifi. Some people use wifi devices for the irrigation system, thermostat, water leak detection, operating door locks and garage door, and turning lights on and off.

[kschwi]

Originally Posted by MrLonzo

When leaving the Villages for extended periods (>6 months), what services to your home is it cost effective to shut down while you're gone? I think cable tv can be shut off and still keep WiFi, but anything else?

Also, I saw a thread offering many good tips about home shut-down procedures for Snowbirds here a few months ago, but can't seem to find it again -- any help? Sorry- still learning how to use these Forums.

Does anyone unplug their refrigerator and leave the doors open?

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by kschwi

Does anyone unplug their refrigerator and leave the doors open?

I wouldn't. Lift the wire to turn off the ice maker, but leave the refrigerator running. Turn off the main water house shut-off valve and leave it off. It is not necessary to have a home watch person turn the water on for any reason.

[suebu]

Originally Posted by MrLonzo

When leaving the Villages for extended periods (>6 months), what services to your home is it cost effective to shut down while you're gone? I think cable tv can be shut off and still keep WiFi, but anything else?

Also, I saw a thread offering many good tips about home shut-down procedures for Snowbirds here a few months ago, but can't seem to find it again -- any help? Sorry- still learning how to use these Forums.

I also leave all kitchen, bathroom and closet doors open for air flow. Also had thermostat changed to one i can watch and change on my phone from afar....if I have an AC issue, it will show a rise in house temp that would cause me to have someone investigate further...

[barbara828]

Originally Posted by nancyre

When you return run water in all locations for a few minutes - including flushing the toilets to WET the line otherwise using the toilet materials may stick in the dry line. There is a list available FCS3154/HE887: Closing Your Seasonal Home

There is a list available FCS3154/HE887: Closing Your Seasonal Home

I need a vacation just reading all that !

[MrLonzo]

RE: turning off the refrigerator

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I wouldn't. Lift the wire to turn off the ice maker, but leave the refrigerator running.

Could you elaborate on that?
When I leave for several months, I do turn off the refrigerator and open the doors. I don't see any reason to keep it on if there's no food in it. It's one of the biggest electricity users in the home.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by MrLonzo

RE: turning off the refrigerator



Could you elaborate on that?
When I leave for several months, I do turn off the refrigerator and open the doors. I don't see any reason to keep it on if there's no food in it. It's one of the biggest electricity users in the home.

Yes, you may save about $10 to $15 per month in electricity by turning off the refrigerator. Actually, it may be less than that because, if you leave it on, the door will be closed all the time while you are gone. Filling it with beverages can also reduce electricity usage. My concern would be the possibility of the refrigerator becoming defective because of it not running for several months. Refrigerators are designed to be on all the time. So, my choice would be to just leave it on.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Yes, you may save about $10 to $15 per month in electricity by turning off the refrigerator. Actually, it may be less than that because, if you leave it on, the door will be closed all the time while you are gone. Filling it with beverages can also reduce electricity usage. My concern would be the possibility of the refrigerator becoming defective because of it not running for several months. Refrigerators are designed to be on all the time. So, my choice would be to just leave it on.

I've had a refrigerator go bad due to not running though it was off for more than a few months.

I would empty the ice and turn off the ice maker. This would prevent the ice from melting and creating a puddle or mold if there was a problem. I would also use the quarter on top of a glass of ice trick to let me know if it ever became warm enough to defrost the freezer section.