Winter (Snowbird) Home Prep for Tampa Bay Properties

If you leave your Tampa Bay property for the winter — whether you are a snowbird heading north or just traveling for an extended period — the biggest risk is not theft. It is humidity, mold, and undetected water damage. Florida homes need active climate control year-round. Here is how to prepare your home so you come back to a clean, dry, well-maintained property.

What Should You Do With Your AC?

This is the most critical step. Never turn your AC completely off in Florida, even in winter.

• Set the thermostat to 78-80°F. The system will cycle periodically to maintain temperature and — more importantly — dehumidify the air. Without this, indoor humidity will climb above 70% within days, creating perfect conditions for mold.
• Set the fan to "Auto" — not "On". The "On" setting runs the fan continuously, which can re-evaporate moisture from the coils and increase humidity.
• Install a smart thermostat: A smart thermostat lets you monitor your home's temperature and humidity from anywhere. If the AC fails while you are away, you will know immediately instead of discovering mold three months later.
• Replace the filter before leaving: Install a fresh filter so the system runs efficiently during your absence. If you will be gone for 3+ months, have someone change it mid-trip.
• Schedule AC maintenance before departure: Get a full tune-up so the system is in peak condition for the months of unattended operation ahead.

What Should You Do With Plumbing?

Water damage from a failed supply line or running toilet in an empty home can be catastrophic. Take these precautions:

• Turn off the main water supply: This is the single best protection against water damage in an empty home. Locate your main shutoff valve and test it before you leave.
• After shutting off water, flush toilets and run faucets: This relieves pressure in the lines. Add a small amount of antifreeze to toilet bowls and drains to prevent the water in P-traps from evaporating (which lets drain odors enter the home).
• Set the water heater to "Vacation" or "Pilot": No need to heat water nobody is using. This saves energy and reduces wear.
• Check all supply lines: Inspect supply lines under sinks, behind toilets, and at the washing machine. Replace any that are cracked, bulging, or more than 10 years old. A $10 supply line can prevent $10,000 in water damage.

How Do You Protect Against Mold?

Mold is the number one threat to unoccupied Florida homes. Beyond keeping the AC running:

• Leave all interior doors open: Including closet doors, bathroom doors, and bedroom doors. This allows air to circulate throughout the entire home.
• Run exhaust fans on timers: Set bathroom exhaust fans to run for 30 minutes a few times per day. This supplements the AC's dehumidification.
• Place moisture absorbers in closets: Damp-Rid or similar products absorb excess moisture in enclosed spaces. Replace them mid-season if possible.
• Clean the home thoroughly before leaving: Mold feeds on organic material. Clean counters, empty trash, clean the refrigerator (leave the door cracked open if empty and unplugged), and vacuum thoroughly.

What Security Steps Should You Take?

• Set lights on timers: Randomized light timers create the appearance of occupancy. Smart plugs make this easy to manage remotely.
• Forward mail and pause deliveries: Packages on a porch and an overflowing mailbox signal an empty house.
• Tell trusted neighbors: Give a neighbor your contact information and ask them to call if they notice anything unusual.
• Check your insurance: Some policies have vacancy clauses that reduce coverage if the home is unoccupied for more than 30-60 days. Ask your agent about requirements — you may need periodic check-ins to maintain full coverage.

Should Someone Check on the Home?

Absolutely. Having someone walk through the property every 1-2 weeks is the best insurance against undetected problems. A check-in visit should include:

• Walk through every room looking for water stains, mold, or unusual smells
• Check the AC filter and thermostat settings
• Flush toilets and run faucets briefly (if water is on) to keep P-traps filled
• Check for pest activity
• Verify exterior is secure (no broken windows, fence damage, etc.)

What Pre-Departure Maintenance Should You Schedule?

Before you leave, get these tasks done:

• AC tune-up and filter replacement
• Pest control treatment
• Pressure wash exterior surfaces (mold and algae will grow while you are away regardless, but starting clean slows the process)
• Fix any known repair issues — a small leak or drip that is minor now can become major over three months unattended

Need Pre-Departure Help?

Best Bay Services helps Tampa Bay snowbirds and part-time residents prepare their homes for extended absences. AC service, smart thermostat install, plumbing checks, and general home prep — we handle it all. Contact us or call (813) 416-8676 to schedule before you head out.