Leaving your Naples golf home for the season can be stressful. The heat, humidity, storms, and HOA standards do not take a vacation. If you split time between Florida and another state, you want your Countryside home to stay dry, cool, pest-free, and compliant while you are away. In this guide, you will learn simple, proven steps to protect your property value with easy checklists and timing tips built for our local climate. Let’s dive in.
Why seasonal maintenance matters in Countryside
Naples has a subtropical climate with a wet, humid summer from about May through October and a milder, drier winter from November through April. High humidity increases the risk of mold and mildew indoors. The EPA notes mold growth is more likely when indoor relative humidity exceeds about 60 percent, so controlling moisture is essential for vacant homes. You can review humidity guidance in the EPA’s Brief Guide to Mold and Moisture for more detail.
Hurricanes and tropical storms are also part of life here. The Atlantic season runs June 1 to November 30. You can review safety basics on the National Hurricane Center’s hurricane preparedness page. For absentee owners, these patterns mean you should plan ahead for humidity control, storm prep, pests, irrigation adjustments, and HOA-friendly exterior care.
Control humidity and protect your HVAC
Keeping your interior air cool and dry is your first line of defense against mold and system failures.
- Set your cooling thermostat to about 75–78°F while you are away. This balances energy savings with humidity control.
- Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent, ideally 40–50 percent, to discourage mold.
- Use a smart thermostat and remote humidity sensors so you get alerts if temperature or humidity rises.
- Set the HVAC fan to “auto” rather than “on” to avoid circulating moist air when the system is not cooling.
- Consider a whole-house dehumidifier if your home has recurring humidity issues.
HVAC and humidity checklist
- Pre-departure: Schedule professional HVAC service, replace filters, and clear the condensate drain and pan.
- Before you lock up: Set temperature and humidity targets, confirm Wi-Fi access, and enable alerts.
- While away: Monitor your thermostat app weekly. Arrange at least one in-person check every 2–4 weeks.
- On return: Run the system, sniff for musty odors, and check ceilings and around air handlers for water stains.
For background on moisture and mold prevention, see the EPA’s guidance on mold and humidity.
Pest prevention inside and out
Southwest Florida’s warmth and moisture support pests year-round. Focus on prevention, especially when the home is empty.
Termites and wood-destroying organisms
Florida has high termite pressure. Protect your home with an annual inspection from a licensed operator and consider a monitoring or warranty program. Keep mulch and planters away from walls, fix plumbing leaks quickly, and keep gutters and downspouts clear to reduce moisture around the foundation. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers consumer guidance on termites and licensing.
Rodents and general household pests
Seal gaps around pipes and vents, store food tightly, and keep exterior trash secured. Do not leave pet food or bird seed near the house. Schedule monthly or bi-monthly pest control visits during the humid months when you are away.
Mosquito control and your lanai
Eliminate standing water in gutters, planters, and birdbaths. Keep your pool service active and your pool cage screens in good repair to block pests. The Florida Department of Health shares up-to-date information on mosquito-borne illnesses and prevention tips.
Irrigation, landscaping, and HOA compliance
In Collier County, watering rules and schedules can change with season and local utility guidance. Check current irrigation restrictions and make sure your system has a functioning rain sensor as required.
- Install a smart irrigation controller so you can adjust schedules remotely based on weather.
- Reduce watering in winter months and avoid daytime watering. Early morning is best.
- Keep lawn and shrubs in HOA-ready condition to prevent violations for overgrowth or dead turf.
- Use HOA-approved landscaping vendors and confirm their visit frequency in writing.
Exterior pre-departure list
- Trim trees and remove dead fronds or branches.
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
- Pressure-wash light mildew if allowed by your HOA.
- Secure or store outdoor furniture and grills.
- Inspect the roof, pool cage, and screens for damage.
While you are away
- Ensure lawn and landscape service continues on schedule per HOA standards.
- Have someone perform a weekly or bi-weekly exterior check for lawn health, screen tears, roof debris, and pooled water.
On return
- Walk the property for signs of pests, water stains, irrigation leaks, or HOA notices.
- Review your irrigation controller settings for seasonal adjustments.
Hurricane readiness for absentee owners
Storm planning is essential, especially if you are out of state. Review preparedness steps each spring and verify vendor roles well before June.
- Create a written plan that lists who installs or removes shutters, how to secure lanai furniture, and who performs post-storm checks.
- Share gate codes and HOA access rules with your vendors.
- Photograph your property and contents for insurance records.
- Confirm your insurance policy’s vacancy requirements and any inspection frequency.
For a refresher on hurricane basics and checklists, start with the National Hurricane Center’s preparedness page and the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s Plan and Prepare resources.
Absentee management and insurance basics
Many insurers have vacancy clauses that require periodic inspections or security measures if the home is unoccupied for extended periods. Confirm your policy details before you leave.
- Build a vendor roster that includes HVAC, pest control, irrigation, pool, landscaping, and a general contractor. Keep license and insurance info on file.
- Provide your HOA with a local emergency contact if allowed.
- Set clear expectations in writing for visit frequency, emergency response, and post-storm inspections.
Typical check cadence:
- Weekly to bi-weekly: Exterior visual check for lawn, screens, and visible damage.
- Monthly: Interior check for humidity, odors, stains, or pests.
- Annually: Termite inspection and professional HVAC maintenance.
A simple seasonal timeline
Use this quick plan to keep your Countryside home in great shape.
Pre-departure, 1–2 weeks before leaving:
- HVAC service and filter change. Set thermostat to 75–78°F and confirm humidity alerts.
- Clean gutters, trim trees, and secure outdoor items.
- Confirm pest, irrigation, pool, and landscaping contracts and schedules.
- Notify your HOA and insurer of your plans if required and provide a local contact.
While away:
- Monitor thermostat and humidity data weekly.
- Verify vendor visits and adjust irrigation remotely as weather changes.
- Have an in-person check every 2–4 weeks and after any named storm.
On return:
- Inspect interiors for odors, stains, and pest signs.
- Run a dehumidification cycle and change filters if due.
- Review HOA communications and resolve any notices.
Ready to enjoy your Naples lifestyle with less worry? If you are planning to buy or sell a golf home in Countryside or a nearby Naples community, or you want guidance on seasonal readiness as part of your move, reach out to Karen Czarny. Karen blends neighborhood-level insight with concierge-style service to help you protect your investment and move with confidence.
FAQs
What temperature should I set when leaving my Naples golf home?
- Most absentee owners set the thermostat to about 75–78°F to control humidity while saving energy. Keep indoor humidity under 60 percent if possible.
How do I prevent mold in a vacant Naples home?
- Control moisture: keep humidity below 60 percent, run the HVAC in cooling mode with the fan on auto, fix leaks promptly, and consider a dehumidifier if issues persist. See the EPA’s mold and moisture guidance for more tips.
What should absentee owners in Collier County do for hurricane season?
- Before June 1, assign who installs shutters, secure outdoor items, share access with vendors, document belongings, and plan post-storm checks. Review the National Hurricane Center’s preparedness steps.
Are there irrigation rules I should follow in Countryside and Naples?
- Collier County often has seasonal watering restrictions and requires rain sensors. Check current county guidance and adjust your smart controller for season and weather.
How often should I schedule termite inspections in Southwest Florida?
- Plan for at least one licensed termite inspection each year and consider a monitoring or warranty program. See FDACS termite resources for consumer guidance.
What exterior tasks can help me avoid HOA violations while away?
- Keep lawn and shrubs maintained by approved vendors, repair torn screens, remove storm debris, and prevent dead turf with adjusted irrigation. Confirm specifics in your HOA documents.
EPA mold and moisture guidance
National Hurricane Center hurricane preparedness
FDACS consumer guidance on termites
