Checklist for Closing Your Unit

Before leaving your home in Ocean Village for a week or more, there are things you should do to safeguard your property during your absence.

Following this check list from Elliott Merrill will

reduce the risk of water leaks, mold, mildew, and other issues that can affect your unit while you are away from Ocean Village.

1. Turn off the electrical circuit breaker to your hot water heater. Other electric circuit breakers can be left on. Remember not to turn off the A/C circuits.

2. SHUT OFF YOUR MAIN WATER VALVE. This is usually found in your utility room on the wall near your water heater. By shutting off the main water valve you minimize the chance of water damage to your unit and/or the ones below.

3. Cover each toilet bowl with Saran wrap or cling wrap. Add 1⁄4 cup of bleach if you like. The covered bowl stays full for months - and cleaner too.

4. Have your air conditioning system checked by a licensed A/C service person BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE WARM WEATHER. An adequately charged and lubricated system will save many mildew and moisture problems later. A system free of algae build-up will prevent overflow of condensate lines.

5. Change the filter in your A/C air handler at the beginning of each new season. A clean A/C filter helps the unit run more efficiently.

6. Set your A/C thermostat and humidistat the way you want them before you leave. Write your settings on a 3 x 5 card and place it on the thermostat in case someone is in your unit during your absence.

7. Kitchen sink disposal. Pour a 1/8 cup lime or lemon juice down your disposal. Follow with 1⁄4 cup of vegetable oil and turn on the machine for a few seconds. Add another 1⁄4 cup of vegetable oil. The citric acid of the juice will kill most bacteria and the oil drives out water and lubricates. Pull sink/tub drains.

8. PLEASE CLEAN OUT THE CONTENTS OF YOUR REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER TO PREVENT SPOILAGE DUE TO POWER OUTAGES.

9. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors to avoid having them running low and giving continuous warning beeps until they go dead.

10. If you are planning on leaving town for the summer, please call Elliott Merrill at (772) 466-2630 or email wcowan@elliottmerrill.com and provide your phone number so that you may be contacterd in case of an emergency. If you are not going to have the post office forward your mail, you can request that Elliott Merrill use an alternate address for you while you are away. Remember to also call Elliott Merrill upon your return to Ocean Villas III.