The short version: stop water before it starts, keep the climate in a safe range, make the house look lived in, read your policy's vacancy rules, and have someone (or some sensor) that will notice a problem within a day, not a month.
We do home watch in Martin County, Florida, which means our job is checking on homes nobody's living in. These are the steps that make the biggest difference, wherever your home is.
Water damage and freezing claims averaged about $15,400 per claim from 2019 to 2023, according to the Insurance Information Institute. An empty home makes it worse because nobody sees the first drip.
Cold climates: the American Red Cross recommends that if you'll be away during cold weather, you keep the heat set no lower than 55°F (Red Cross).
Hot, humid climates: the EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60%, ideally 30–50% (EPA). In Florida that means leaving the A/C running at a moderate setting rather than turning it off.
Either way, a temperature/humidity sensor will text you if the system quits. It's one of the cheapest ways to avoid a frozen pipe up north or a moldy house down south.
Many homeowners policies limit some coverage once a home has been vacant for a set period. The Insurance Information Institute notes this is often 30–60 consecutive days (Triple-I). Call your agent before you leave. Ask what counts as "vacant," whether regular documented inspections help, and whether you need a vacancy endorsement.
Sensors tell you something is wrong. Somebody still has to go inside. Your options:
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Smart sensors + camera | Instant alerts for water, temperature, humidity, CO | They alert you; they don't fix anything or shut off water |
| A neighbor or friend | Free, local | Inconsistent, rarely checks inside, no written record |
| Professional home watch | Scheduled visits inside and out, photo reports, storm follow-ups | A monthly cost; make sure they document every visit |
The strongest setup is both: sensors for the moment something happens, and a person who checks regularly and can respond. If your home is in Martin County, Florida (Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound and nearby), our home watch plans start at $89/month. Anywhere else in the U.S., our sensor kit ships to you.
A YoLink hub, 4 water leak and freeze sensors, a temperature/humidity sensor and a smart smoke alarm, $249. Free app alerts, ships anywhere in the U.S.
Buy the Kit — $249See what's included →🔒 Secure checkout by Stripe · Ships anywhere in the U.S.
Leaving the AC running while you're gone? A clogged condensate line can quietly fill the drain pan. The AC Drain Line Overflow Kit ($129) hangs a wireless float sensor in the pan and alerts your phone when water rises.
Leaving a Florida home for the summer specifically? Use our Martin County summer closing checklist, which covers hurricane shutters, A/C settings and the local details.
A one-page, printable list of everything to do before you leave your Florida home: water, A/C, storm prep, insurance and more.
Sources
Triple-I homeowners claims facts: www.iii.org
Triple-I: vacancy and insurance: www.iii.org
American Red Cross: frozen pipes: www.redcross.org
EPA: mold and moisture: www.epa.gov
USPS Hold Mail: www.usps.com
In most homes, yes. Shutting off the main valve is one of the most effective ways to prevent a major leak. Check first whether an irrigation system or fire sprinkler system needs the supply left on.
The American Red Cross recommends keeping the heat no lower than 55°F if you'll be away during cold weather.
No. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60%. In Florida's climate that usually means leaving the A/C on at a moderate setting so the house stays dry.
It depends on your policy. Many policies limit some coverage after a home has been vacant for a set period, often 30–60 consecutive days according to the Insurance Information Institute. Ask your agent before you leave.
Check your insurance policy first, since some set requirements. Many seasonal owners use weekly or every-other-week visits, plus a visit after any major storm.
We'll check it inside and out on a schedule and send photos after every visit. Tell us about your home for a free quote.