🏜️ Snowbirds: How to Secure Your Arizona Home for the Summer Heat
As temperatures rise in Arizona, it’s important for winter residents—also known as Snowbirds—to properly secure their homes before heading north. Think of this as summerizing your home: the hot-weather version of winterizing.
Use this guide to prep your desert home for the heat, humidity, pests, and monsoon storms of summer.
🔐 1. Secure the Property
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Lock all doors, windows, and garage entries.
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Close blinds to protect interior furnishings from UV damage.
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Install a smart security system you can monitor remotely.
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Let a trusted neighbor or a home-watch service know you’ll be away.
🌡️ 2. Adjust the Thermostat
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Set your thermostat to 82–85°F—cool enough to protect electronics and interior finishes.
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Use a smart thermostat to monitor and adjust remotely.
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If applicable, set a humidistat to 55%.
💧 3. Shut Off the Water Supply
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Turn off the main water valve.
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Drain water from dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines.
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Switch off the water heater or set it to “Vacation” mode.
🚽 4. Prep Toilets and Drains
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Add baby oil to the toilet bowls to prevent mineral rings.
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Pour bleach or RV antifreeze into sink and floor drains to prevent sewer gas odors.
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Cover floor drains with plastic wrap to slow evaporation.
💦 5. Protect Wood from Dry Heat
🔌 6. Electrical Safety
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Unplug small appliances and electronics.
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Use surge protectors to guard against monsoon-season outages.
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Replace smoke detector batteries before leaving.
🧼 7. Deep Clean Before You Go
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Remove all perishable food and take out the trash.
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Clean the fridge and prop doors open to prevent mold.
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Place open boxes of baking soda or charcoal in closets and cabinets.
🐜 8. Pest Control Measures
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Schedule a pest control treatment before departure.
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Seal cracks and entry points around the home.
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Use natural repellents (like dryer sheets or citrus peels) in drawers.
🌳 9. Monsoon-Proof the Exterior
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Trim trees and shrubs away from the house.
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Clean out gutters and downspouts.
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Secure or store outdoor furniture.
🗂️ 10. Final To-Dos Before Locking Up
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Set timers or smart plugs on interior lights to mimic activity.
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Use a fake TV light for added security.
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Take photos or a video walkthrough for insurance purposes.
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Leave emergency contacts and a spare key with a trusted person.
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Review your home insurance for extended absence coverage.
🧾 Grab the Printable Checklist
Want an easy reference to keep on hand? I’ve created a free, editable checklist in Canva—perfect for printing or sharing.
👉 [Contact me to get your copy!]
Need Assistance While You’re Away?
Whether you're looking to list your home, lease it seasonally, or need referrals for trusted home-watch professionals, I’ve got you covered.
Paulette [Your Last Name]
Arizona Realtor | Snowbird & 55+ Community Specialist
📞 [Your Phone] | ✉️ [Your Email] | 🌐 [Your Website or Social Media]