A good 5 years back, a friend of mine decided to buy his solar system (before it was in vogue). He invited a couple of us over to see his new setup because it was doing exactly what you described Henry; spinning backwards." We went over and damned if it wasn't doing just that. It worked really well for him because he went back to Seattle during the hot summer months and kept his house set around 90 degrees while he was gone. We actually over-paneled from what they recommended because we wanted to try and inflation-proof us as much as possible. The panels loose a small amount of efficiency every year, so by adding the 3 extra we were able to stay ahead of the game (if there is such a thing?).
I know of a few that have to because of their alarm system , and a couple so if they have to come back it's not ten hours until the house cools down
Neither of the homes I watch during the summer months leave them on at all. While mom has been gone for July and August, I set hers at 90 degree's but that's because I stop by several times a week. As 3G said, I didn't want it to take 10 hours to cool it back down when I came by to do stuff. For the other two, they let me know when they'll be in and I turn theirs back on the day before they get in. We have friends who go back to Seattle for the summer and they have iphones with an app that allows them to control their thermostats from their phones. Go figure. The one thing I would strongly encourage is those leaving for the summer, turn off the water to the inside of the house. Leaving it on is a recipe for disaster as these old pipes have been known to spring a leak or two. In the cases I know of, the insurance companies have been good about it, but the hassle is, well a hassle.
Oh yes I turned off the water main. Luckily I have a separate one for the trees. That's a great idea people did, to install separate shut-offs for the landscape water. And I have someone checking on the trees monthly. I don't have plants, just trees.
You can do it with a Nest thermostat. That's one. There are some cheaper wifi enabled thermostats on the market now. They all work with an app.
I was a witness to this a two years ago, A hassle is putting it mildly ! I also know of people who place 5gal buckets of water inside to keep a bit of moisture in the house, and having a few lights on timers is also a great idea.
One of my neighbors puts a cover over skylights to reduce heat. It's always a good idea to have someone go inside your house about once a week to check things. I do it for a neighbor and always have someone go with me. The water in the buckets can evaporate. You have to turn on water to fill them. But don't forget to turn off water when you leave. That's the main water I'm talking about. Usually outside.
The Sheriff's Posse of Sun City has some suggestions for people leaving Sun City for an extended period of time. (considering that we have been providing vacation watch service for over 40 years) There is very little that is so disheartening for us than seeing water flowing out from under the door of a home as we approach for a vacation watch check. Also, it is surprising how many people go away without locking their security doors. If you have a security door over your front door you should probably keep it locked. A swift kick next to the door knob can force open just about any front door. Here are some things to consider before you go on vacation: Checklist Arrange · For a neighbor/friend to pick up fliers, handbills, papers, etc. · For a house sitter or neighbor to check periodically. · Contract with a yard care person to maintain the grounds, pick up fruit, etc, on a routine basis. A front yard, patio, porch or carport that has debris, dead leaves and/or newspapers is an open invitation to burglars! Disconnect · Disconnect the TV (s) and other appliances. Fill-out · Posse vacation watch (blue) card and deliver it to them. The Posse will check the outside of your home periodically. Blue cards are available at the SCHOA, COA, libraries and Posse headquarters. Inform · Your condo chairperson (if a condominium) or your neighbors of your departure date, address, and contact information. Set · Thermostat properly for the period of your absence. Turn Off · Water faucets firmly. · All kitchen range burners and oven switches/knobs off. Refrigerator/freezer/ice maker to “vacation” position. · Freezers are more efficient when almost full. Extended periods of absence may require turning refrigerator off, emptying it and leaving door open. · Gas and hot water heater off. · All electrical switches to the off position (hot water heater, etc) If your water heater is gas, turn the thermostat down to Vacation Mode. · Main water cut-off. If you are unable to turn all of your water off, such as Irrigation, contact Sun City Mechanical for alternatives to keep your home safe while you are gone. · Unplug the automatic garage door opener (usually in ceiling). Stop all regular deliveries of newspapers. Call the circulation department with stop/start dates. (Daily-News Sun 977-8351; Independent 972-6101; Arizona Republic 602-444-1000)
Exceptional suggestions PC and let me just add, there may not be a more valuable service to the community than the Posse Vacation Watch Program. I drive the streets a lot and am always amazed to see the women and men getting out of their squad cars to check doors and windows. We all tend to take things for granted, but in their case, i never do. Just the thought of geting in and out of the air conditioned car to do a property check in 110+ temp is over the top dedication. Kudos to all of your volunteers and the great job they do. Many of us living here watch properties for those who leave during the summer but the Vacation Watch Program run by the Posse is just one more aaspect that makes Sun City both unique and special.
When deciding on where to retire, having the Posse went into the plus column for Sun City. After reading about them, we couldn't believe such an all volunteer group existed. During our visits to SC we met some Posse members, and we became believers. When we talk about retiring to SC with our friends we always bring up the Posse. They think we are kidding them. I look forward to living in a community with a dedicate group such as the Posse looking out for people.
They have the Nest and are merrily controlling their Arizona room temperatures in Seattle as we speak/type.
