For Canadian Snowbirds, your Florida property is more than just a vacation home—it’s your winter retreat. But keeping it in top shape requires a little planning, especially before the busy fall and winter season begins. August, while hot, is often the last “quiet” month before schedules tighten and hurricane season ramps up. It’s the perfect time to handle small maintenance tasks that can prevent big, expensive problems later.
Here’s a checklist to get your Florida home ready before the season:
1. Dryer Vents: A Hidden Fire Risk
Most homeowners clean the lint trap, but the real danger lies in the vent hose. Built-up lint is a major fire hazard and can reduce drying efficiency.
Snowbird Tip: If you’re away from your Florida home for months at a time, make sure the vent is cleaned thoroughly before leaving—it’s a simple 15-minute task that could prevent serious damage.
2. Flush Your Water Heater
Sediment from hard water builds up inside, making your water heater work harder and shortening its lifespan.
Snowbird Tip: Drain and flush your tank to improve performance for the winter months when you’ll rely on it more.
3. Roof and Gutter Inspection
Florida’s summer storms can loosen shingles and clog gutters with debris. Left unchecked, this leads to leaks, water damage, and costly repairs.
What to Look For: Missing or loose shingles, sagging gutters, pooling water, or vegetation growth. Addressing these now helps avoid emergencies when you’re back enjoying your home in peak season.
4. Check Window and Door Seals
The Florida heat causes materials to expand, often creating small air gaps. These gaps can increase cooling costs and let pests in.
Quick Test: Hold a candle or incense stick near the edges of doors and windows. If the flame flickers, you’ve got an air leak. Seal them before fall to keep your home efficient and pest-free.
5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Florida’s summer humidity can reduce battery life and sensor performance.
Action Plan: Test all detectors and replace batteries. If you want extra peace of mind while you’re back in Canada, consider upgrading to smart detectors that send alerts directly to your phone. Test every alarm and replace batteries. Consider upgrading to smart detectors if you haven’t already.