Many Phoenix-area residents escape the brutal summer heat by spending months in cooler climates. Properly preparing your home's appliances before an extended absence prevents problems, saves energy, and ensures everything works when you return.
Before You Leave
Refrigerators and Freezers
Option 1: Leave Running
If you'll return periodically or have someone checking the house:
- Clean out perishables
- Adjust temperature slightly higher (40°F instead of 37°F)
- Ensure nothing blocks vents
- Have someone check monthly
Option 2: Shut Down
For extended absences with no monitoring:
- Remove all food items
- Clean interior thoroughly
- Turn off and unplug
- Prop doors open to prevent mold and odor
- Place open box of baking soda inside
- Turn off water supply to ice maker
Important: Never leave a refrigerator running unmonitored for months. A malfunction could cause water damage or mold.
Ice Makers
- Turn off and disconnect water supply
- Empty ice bin completely
- Clean and sanitize bin
- Leave door/bin area open to dry
Wine Storage
Wine is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Options:
- Leave running if climate-controlled space stays reasonable
- Move valuable wines to climate-controlled storage
- Consider monitoring systems that alert to temperature changes
Cooking Appliances
Gas Ranges:
- Consider turning off gas supply at shutoff valve
- Clean thoroughly to prevent pest attraction
- Cover burners and cooktop
Electric Ranges/Ovens:
- Clean thoroughly
- Leave circuit breaker on for clock/timers if desired
- Or turn off breaker to save energy
Dishwashers
- Run empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner
- Leave door slightly open to prevent mold
- Turn off water supply to prevent leaks
- Clean filter
Washing Machines
- Run cleaning cycle
- Clean gasket thoroughly (front loaders)
- Turn off water supply
- Leave door open
- Disconnect if desired
Dryers
- Clean lint trap thoroughly
- Run short cycle to dry any moisture
- Disconnect if desired
Water Heater
- Turn to "vacation" mode if available
- Or lower temperature to minimum
- Consider turning off if house will be completely unoccupied
Smart Home Monitoring
Consider installing:
Water leak sensors: Place under dishwasher, washing machine, refrigerator, and water heater. Many send smartphone alerts.
Temperature monitors: Alert you if HVAC fails and interior temperatures become extreme.
Security cameras: Visual confirmation of home status.
Smart plugs: Turn appliances on/off remotely if needed.
Before You Return
One week before:
- Turn water supply back on (check for leaks)
- Start refrigerator to reach temperature
- Run water to flush lines
Day of return:
- Check all appliances for proper operation
- Reconnect any disconnected units
- Check for any signs of problems (water stains, unusual odors)
Professional Pre-Departure Service
We offer a seasonal shutdown service that includes:
- Proper shutdown of applicable appliances
- Cleaning critical components
- Inspection for potential issues
- Documentation of settings
And a return service:
- Startup of all appliances
- Verification of proper operation
- Immediate attention to any issues
Common Problems After Extended Absence
Problems we frequently see:
- Rodent damage - Mice enter and damage wiring
- Mold in dishwashers - From closed doors holding moisture
- Gasket damage - Refrigerator gaskets left compressed
- Ice maker failures - From sitting idle with water supply issues
- Gas appliance ignition problems - Dust accumulation
Proper preparation prevents these expensive surprises. Contact us to schedule your pre-departure appliance service.
Jennifer Wilson
Customer Relations
Helping Arizona homeowners since 2012