[Xavier]

Originally Posted by Patf

I need to leave town for 6 months. Is there a standard procedure for preparing the house? I hear I have to leave the air conditioning on. I also heard I can not shut off the water because the heat pump / air conditioner needs the water. Is that true?

I've put together a check-list for our home. Here are the items that are included. I hope it helps.

Turn off the main water valve in the garage (right hand side near overhead door)
Put washing machine water valves in the “off” position (If you don't turn off the water)
Turn off the ice maker and empty it.
Turn hot water tank to the “pilot” position
Bring all of the lanai furniture into the garage
Place saran wrap over toilets and have the lids down to prevent evaporation
Set the A/C to 80 degrees and the Dehumidistat at 50%
Throw out food in the fridge that will not keep for a long period of time
Lock all doors and windows and place dole rods in the sliders. Lock Lanai door.
Close all blinds
Close all drains in sinks
Put garage door in “lock” position
Open all closets and the shower door for circulation
Prop open dishwasher
Disconnect whatever can be unplugged including cable
Pour cap-full of cooking oil in garbage disposal and turn on for a couple seconds
Close the gas line on the golf cart and run the gas out of the carburetor
Check furnace filter
Put trash out
Check that the sprinklers are set correctly and are turned on
Redirect the mail (temporary address change – can be done on-line or mailed in)
Put Directv on suspension
Prior to leaving, submit a change of address for all magazines (can do on-line)
Put open box of baking soda in fridge and freezer
Put Daily Sun Newspaper on vacation
Turn off the breakers for the Spa and lock the breaker box
Tape an index card inside mailbox to remind of temporary address change
Gather all important papers (insurance policies, etc.) that you want to take
Gather and take medications

Xavier