Prepping Your Arizona Home for Summer:

Prepping Your Arizona Home for Summer: A Seasonal Checklist for Snowbirds

As the winter months fade and the heat of the Sonoran Desert looms, it’s time for seasonal residents of Fountain Hills and other Arizona communities to start preparing their homes for the long, hot summer ahead. Whether you're heading north to enjoy milder weather or simply escaping the desert heat, it’s important to show your Arizona home some love before you go.

Here’s your comprehensive summer home prep checklist to ensure your desert property stays protected, efficient, and ready to welcome you back in the fall.

 Roof Maintenance: Ready for Monsoon Season?

Arizona summer storms can be intense. Monsoon winds, torrential rains, and flying debris can wreak havoc on your roof. Schedule a roof inspection with a trusted contractor to assess for loose tiles, weak spots, or potential leaks before the storms roll in.  It’s also wise to have all debris removed from your roof.  Whether you have a flat roof or pitched roof, leaves from nearby trees can cause improper drainage and ultimately, roof leaks!   

Yard Maintenance: Trim, Clean, and Prepare

Your desert landscaping may be low-maintenance, but it’s not “no-maintenance.” Arizona plants thrive in the summer heat and can quickly get out of control.

• Trim trees, shrubs, and desert foliage well before leaving.
• Clear away yard debris to avoid fire hazards.
• Hire a reputable yard care service to manage weeds, monitor irrigation, and maintain the landscape.
• Audit your drip system to ensure all emitters are intact and watering schedules are adjusted for peak summer heat.

Pro Tip: Remove or store all outdoor furniture and patio décor—especially anything made of cloth, plastic, or untreated wood—to prevent sun damage.

 Fire Prevention Tips for Arizona Summers

Living near natural washes or desert brush? Fire danger is real during Arizona summers. Be sure to:

• Clear vegetation away from structures.
• Remove dry grasses and overgrown areas near your home.
• Ensure your yard is free from potential fire fuel.
• Clean any leaves and debris from your roof so that a spark from a nearby fire doesn’t have fuel!

 Pool & Hot Tub Care: Keep Systems Running Smoothly

Your pool and hot tub need attention while you're away:

• Give your hot tub some love—If you plan to be away for long periods of time, you may drain your hot tub but be sure to remove all water from the lower hoses to prevent mild and mildew! 
• For pools, audit your pump, filter, and systems before leaving.
• Ensure a reliable pool service is scheduled for the summer months to prevent algae buildup and equipment failure.

 Flood Prevention: Protect Your Pipes

Install a main water shut-off valve if you don’t already have one. Before you leave:

• Shut off the water supply to your home.
• Run all faucets, flush toilets, and drain water from lines.
• Plug drains and seal toilets if you’re concerned about trap evaporation.
• Turn off your water heater.

Home Watch Services: Keep an Eye from Afar

Insurance companies often prefer you have someone checking on your home regularly.

• Hire a professional Home Watch service with reporting systems in place.
• Ensure this service can spot leaks, pest issues, and system malfunctions early.

Appliances & Refrigerator: Power Down Smartly

Don’t forget your fridge!

• Start cleaning it out weeks in advance.
• Empty the refrigerator and freezer, including ice trays.
• Coordinate disposal with trash pickup days.
• Unplug non-essential appliances like TVs, computers, and entertainment centers to protect from power surges during monsoons.

A/C and Indoor Prep

Arizona summers are extreme—don’t turn the A/C off entirely. Instead:

• Set the thermostat to 87°F to protect wood furniture, cabinets, and art.
• Turn off ceiling fans.
• Leave interior doors open to allow for air circulation.
• Place buckets of water in rooms to maintain indoor humidity and protect furnishings.
• Close blinds and drapes to reduce heat gain.

Garage & Vehicle Checklist

Your garage needs love too!

• Disconnect the battery of any vehicles left behind or use a trickle charger to maintain proper battery function.
• Cover your car to protect against dust.
• If you have a golf cart, check and top off battery water, then unplug it.
• Unplug garage door openers.
• Remove any propane tanks or flammable chemicals.

 Utilities, Mail & Deliveries

Plan at least two weeks in advance:

• Forward your mail or place a hold with USPS.
• Suspend services like cable, internet, phone, and newspaper deliveries.
• Notify service providers when you’ll return.
• Store valuables such as jewelry and documents in a safe deposit box.

 Don’t Forget: Houseplants, Candles, and Alarms

• Houseplants likely won’t survive—gift them to neighbors or take them with you.
• Store candles in a refrigerator (if left running) or in a cool, dark place to prevent melting.
• Change batteries in smoke detectors, thermostats, watering timers, and security systems.

 Final Tip: Create a Personal Yearly Checklist

This checklist will become easier over time. Save it, personalize it, and include contact info for all service providers. Being well-prepared means peace of mind—so you can enjoy your summer elsewhere, knowing your Arizona home is protected.

Looking for local professionals to help prep your home? The Sonoran Lifestyle with Remax Sun Properties is happy to connect you with trusted vendors in the Fountain Hills and Scottsdale areas.

Let us know how we can help you protect your investment—so you can leave with confidence and return without surprises.