More than 15 million homes sat unoccupied in 2006. Almost another four million were used only seasonally, according to the U.S. Census. That means sixteen percent of all homes in this country were left unattended at some point for an extended period of time.

According to the Institute for Business & Home Safety, one of the most important things to do, but something easily forgotten, is adjusting the thermostat correctly. Owners across the South are sometimes tempted to turn off their HVAC systems in the cooler winter months to save energy. This can become a problem if there is a sudden cold snap with temperatures dropping into the 20s.

The experts recommend that homeowners don't turn the thermostat off. Instead, you should lower it to a temperature that's warm enough to keep pipes from freezing but low enough that you are not spending money to heat an empty home. (No lower than 55 degrees.)

In the warmer months, high temperatures and humidity can damage furniture or other home contents. In this case, set your air conditioner to a maximum of 85 degrees.