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Leave lights on timers or daylight sensors
Make sure your furnace is in good working order. Check to make sure the filter is clean and replace it if it's not. Make sure the thermostat and pilot light are working properly and that the pipe that brings fuel into your furnace doesn't leak or isn't loose.
Make sure there aren't any leaves clogging your gutters or your chimney. If you don't have a chimney screen, install one
Check the caulking around your doors and windows. Inspect siding to make sure it is secure. Re-caulk where needed.
Turn your refrigerator to the warmest setting if you leave it on. You may want to turn off your refrigerator. If you do turn it off, clean the interior with a solution of one tablespoon of baking soda in one quart of water. Dry thoroughly and leave the doors open.
Unplug appliances like toasters, televisions, coffee pots - everything except lights on timers - and turn off non-essential circuit breakers.
Leave interior doors, including closet doors open for proper ventilation.
Drain your water pipe's hose bibs and keep your heat on even when you're away. You may want to consider having the water system drained by a professional and then turning the water off.
Because of flexible plumbing, pockets of water can be trapped in pipes. Blow out the lines with an air compressor. Do NOT leave water faucets on and do NOT plug your drains.
Turn off and drain the water heater.
Keep the house warm in the winter by leaving the furnace at least at 65 degrees.
If you'll be gone during the summer season, install a new air conditioning filter. Consider using a high performance filter. Leave your air-conditioning system running at 85 degrees to control humidity but save on cooling costs.
Set out small containers of charcoal or cat litter in every room to absorb moisture and odors.
Drain gasoline from any lawn equipment that won't be used in the near future.
Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and turnoff the water.
Inspect your metal roof. Re-coat seams or entire roof, if necessary. If you have a shingle roof check it for cracked or missing shingles and make any necessary repairs.
Forward your mail and stop your newspapers. If you get a "shoppers guide" that'd delivered free of charge ask someone to pick it up from your yard.
Lock everything before you leave.
If you don't have a relative, friend or neighbor who will check your home regularly, hire someone to do so.
Make sure you've signed a power of attorney for someone to act on your behalf.
Make arrangements to have your bills paid.
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