Preparing Your Appliances When Leaving Arizona for Summer

Many Arizona residents escape summer heat by spending months elsewhere. Before leaving, prepare your appliances for extended absence. Proper preparation prevents problems and protects your investment.

Refrigerator decisions depend on absence duration. For stays under a month, keep the refrigerator running at slightly warmer settings. For longer absences, empty the refrigerator, clean thoroughly, and leave doors propped open to prevent mold.

If leaving the refrigerator running, empty all perishables. Ice maker malfunctions during your absence can cause water damage. Turn off the ice maker and water supply. Place towels or a shallow pan underneath as a precaution.

Run your dishwasher empty before departure. This clears the drain pump and removes standing water that becomes stagnant. Leave the door slightly open to allow air circulation.

Clean your range thoroughly. Any food residue attracts pests during extended absence. Ensure all burners and the oven are completely off. Consider turning off the gas supply at the range connection.

Wine coolers require special consideration. Leaving a wine collection in an empty home during Arizona summer risks catastrophic loss if the cooling system fails. Remove valuable bottles to climate-controlled storage or have someone check temperatures regularly.

Set your air conditioning to maintain reasonable temperatures. While higher settings save energy, extreme heat stresses appliances. Keep indoor temperatures below 85 degrees to protect electronic components and finishes.

Install smart temperature monitors. Inexpensive Wi-Fi sensors alert you to temperature spikes, allowing you to arrange intervention before appliances are damaged or food is lost.

Arrange periodic home checks. Have someone visit at least monthly to verify appliances are functioning, check for water leaks, and ensure pest control. Professional home watch services specialize in this for seasonal residents.

Schedule pre-departure and return maintenance. Having technicians service appliances before you leave ensures they are in good condition. A return visit can verify everything resumed normal operation.