November 07, 2012
We have many residents in Florida who live elsewhere in the summer but call the Sarasota area their home each winter.
If that is you, we would like to first give you a warm and hearty, “Welcome back!”
Secondly, we know settling in here each winter can be a busy time – there are suitcases to unpack, a house to get in order, and friends to visit. In all the busyness sometimes important tasks can be forgotten. So here are five reminders to help you get your winter home in order.
When you left us last spring, you probably had your mail stopped or forwarded to your summer residence. You may have already taken care of this before you left, but if not don’t forget to either visit the post office or edit your forwarding information on the USPS website.
The process for this really depends on your cable, internet and phone provider. Check with yours to find out if they offer an “away” or “on vacation” reduced price for your summer residence. If you have that set up in your Sarasota-area home also, you will need to call them to let them know you are back.
It’s a good idea to turn off your water at the water main while you are away from your home for the summer. (This helps prevent water damage caused by plumbing problems like a leak or burst pipe.) But now that you are back, make sure you remember to turn your water back on at the main.
To save on electricity costs, many snowbirds shut off their air conditioner, heater and thermostat while they’re away. If you did, remember to re-set them now. A tune-up can be a good idea, as well, so your heater and air conditioner are in tip-top shape should you need them. Also, if you adjusted your thermostat last spring, change it back to your normal schedule to maximize your heating and cooling savings.
Another popular way to save money while you are away to turn off your water heater. But now that you are back in your Sarasota-area winter home, don’t forget to turn it back on long before you need it (traditional water heaters take some time to heat your water.) Otherwise, you may have to take a cold shower in the morning!
Get these tasks done, get settled in and enjoy your stay in Sarasota this winter. Welcome back!
CoolToday, PlumbingToday and EnergyToday are provide air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical service to Sarasota and the surrounding areas. If you need anything from us, just ask!
Posted in: Tips