I have an additional house in a cold climate (about 3 hours from my primary house). Two weeks ago, i checked NEST thermostat app, and the heater was not kicking on. Temperature in the house was dropping. Had to drive up and meet HVAC guy - turns out a zone board was shot.

Highly recommend NEST or some other wifi thermostat.

Another Suggestion
 

After turning off the water I always manually turn off the ice maker in the refrigerator. Without water pressure the ice maker can try to make ice and create a frozen mess

If you have an automatic ice maker make sure arm is up so it does not call for water. Have a neighbor or someone come in and pour water down your drains about once a month to prevent sewer gas build up.

Not necessarily a winter help but we cover our toilets with a plastic wrap to prevent the water in the bowl from evaporating.

Better still, stay there. Too crowded here. LOL

It's been said once on this thread but just a reminder, to keep the fridge and freezer doors open if you're unplugging them. Otherwise it'll be a mold nightmare.

I live up north and recently purchased a home in TV and I am also leaving for the Villages 1st week of January. I recently googled about winterizing your home when leaving for several months. One suggestion was to pour some mineral oil in the sink drains and toilet bowls to keep the water from evaporating. I guess the oil coats the top of the water and seals it to prevent evaporating. I read some suggestions, to pour some of the pink RV fluid in the drains and bowls to prevent freezing. Not sure if that would prevent the water from evaporating??

What do your neighbors in Maine do? Have you asked them? I believe that's who you should ask.

Best idea is to sell and don't go back.

Why are you asking people in Florida about winterizing a
Maine house? Ask those in Maine. Really!!

I do not flush out toilets however I cover the bowls with Saran Wrap. I am gone from Oct 15 thru May 1. The water is still at the same level when I return. I open all cupboards. I leave heat on 55 degrees. No experience with a well. I shut off water and open faucets to let drain but not much comes out. I do not leave a faucet open as I am concerned if somehow the water came on it would run which is very unlikely to happen - it's just my comfort level. I have a monitor that tells me the temperature all times of the day on my phone/computer and will alert me if the temperature drops below 45 degrees. Also turn off water heater. Oh and pay no mind to some of the short rude answers - you are asking the right people here in the villages as they are the ones winterizing a home up north if they are not full time here.......just goes to show you jerks are everywhere! Good luck!

Sell it ! ?

Agree.

Winterize
 

First get help from someone local who knows what they are doing. Install a smart thermostat that you can monitor from your phone, tablet or computer. Have someone check the home on a regular basis. Etc etc

Put anti-freeze in your toilets and sink traps.