Should I turn my AC off completely for the summer?

Generally no. In Phoenix-area summers, turning the AC off entirely lets indoor humidity and heat climb high enough to stress finishes, electronics, and even structural materials. Most homeowners set the thermostat several degrees warmer than normal (often in the mid-80s) rather than shutting it off, which keeps the system running enough to manage humidity while reducing cost.

Why should I run water in the drains before leaving?

Every drain has a P-trap that holds a small amount of water to block sewer gas from entering the home. In Arizona's dry heat, that water evaporates faster than in more humid climates, especially over weeks or months. Running each drain briefly before you leave — and periodically if someone checks the home — keeps those traps sealed.

Do I need someone to check the house while I'm gone?

It depends on how long you'll be away and how the property is set up. A vacant home in extreme heat is more exposed to problems like AC failures, irrigation leaks, and pest issues going unnoticed for weeks. Many seasonal residents schedule periodic Home Watch visits so any issue is caught and documented before it compounds.

What does a Home Watch visit check for during the summer?

Our visits include an HVAC and thermostat check, an exterior leak and moisture check, doors and windows, irrigation, pest signs, and mail and package collection, with a photo report after every visit. See the full Home Watch checklist for details.

Leaving Your Arizona Home for the Summer: A Snowbird Checklist

Every summer, thousands of Phoenix-area homeowners head out of state for a few months, whether to escape the heat or return to a primary residence elsewhere. A home left vacant through an Arizona summer faces a different set of risks than an occupied one — mostly tied to heat, humidity swings, and the fact that small problems have months to become big ones before anyone notices.

Thermostat settings while you're away

Shutting the AC off completely is a common mistake homeowners make. Indoor temperatures in an unconditioned Phoenix home can climb well past 100°F during summer, which stresses wood flooring, cabinetry, electronics, and can create humidity conditions that encourage mold and mildew when the system does eventually kick back on. Most homeowners instead set the thermostat several degrees warmer than their normal comfort setting — enough to reduce runtime and cost, while keeping the system cycling and managing humidity.

Plumbing precautions for extended absences

Two plumbing issues come up more than any others in vacant desert homes: dried-out drain traps and undetected leaks. Every sink, tub, and floor drain relies on a P-trap holding a small reservoir of water to keep sewer gas out of the house. In Arizona's low humidity, that water can evaporate over weeks, which is why running each drain for a few seconds before you leave — and again on any periodic check-in — matters more here than in wetter climates. If you're leaving for an extended period and won't have the home checked regularly, some homeowners also choose to shut off the main water supply entirely as an added precaution against a leak going unnoticed.

Irrigation and landscaping

Desert irrigation systems often run on a timer independent of anyone being home, which means a cracked line or stuck valve can waste water and erode soil for months before it's caught. Before leaving, walk the yard and check for visible leaks or pooling, and consider reducing watering frequency for anything that doesn't need full summer irrigation.

Pre-departure checklist

Set the thermostat to a summer 'away' setting rather than turning the AC off — see guidance below
Shut off the main water supply if you won't have anyone checking the home regularly
Run water in every sink, tub, and shower drain to keep P-traps from drying out and letting sewer gas in
Turn off or reduce irrigation zones that don't need to run through summer, and check for visible leaks first
Unplug small appliances and electronics that don't need standby power
Empty and prop open the refrigerator and freezer if you won't be back for months, or leave them running if a Home Watch visit includes appliance checks
Arrange mail and package holds or forwarding
Let a trusted neighbor, HOA, or Home Watch service know the home will be vacant
Confirm pool service will continue if you have a pool

If no one is checking the home regularly

A home with no one checking on it for months at a time is more exposed to problems compounding unnoticed — an AC failure, a slow leak, or a pest issue can all go undetected far longer in a vacant house than an occupied one. This is the exact gap our Home Watch service is built around: scheduled visits with a photo report after each one, so any issue is caught and documented early rather than discovered when you return.