SPACE HEAT

Your heating system cycles on and off even when no one is home, so lower the thermostat to 50 or 55 degrees. Your home may be chilly when you return, but not so cold that you will find pipes frozen or the plants damaged. During a winter vacation, shut off the water at the meter and drain the faucets--just in case there is a lengthy spell of near zero weather while you're away. Always turn off your water heater at the circuit panel when you turn off your water.

WATER HEATER

Your water heater uses energy just to keep the tank warm even when you're not home. Switch it off at the circuit panel when you plan to be away for a month or longer. Remember to turn it back on when you get home and be prepared to wait for three hours for a hot shower. If you turn off the water at the main valve to the house, remember to turn the water back on before you switch the water heater back on. Washer and dryer Unplug these appliances before leaving. These have been known to "short out" and cause fires when, because of some freak accident or storm, they've become surrounded by water. Also, disconnect the hoses leading to the automatic washer in unheated areas to avoid freezing. Insulate exposed pipes in the garage.

TELEVISION

Disconnect the set before taking off for an extended time. Unless it is unplugged, the TV with an "instant on" feature continues to use energy.

REFRIGERATOR

The typical 750-watt frost-free refrigerator consumes around 200 kwh monthly. Switching it off on a long holiday will cut back your monthly energy bill by more than $5. But before switching it off, empty and clean the refrigerator and freezer compartments, place a box of baking soda on the shelf and prop open the refrigerator door. Left closed, a refrigerator that is switched off develops bad odors.

FREEZER

A fully packed freezer represents a big investment. Usually it cannot be emptied to accommodate a vacation. Better to leave it switched on. Ask a neighbor to check it at regular intervals to make certain the power remains on and the compressor is working. To avoid accidental switch-off, place a home freezer on its own circuit.

APPLIANCES

Unplug toaster, coffee pot, irons, kitchen range, microwave oven. Portable heaters Never leave a portable heater plugged in, even if it is equipped with a thermostat.

WATER

During the winter, turn off at main valve. Drain the faucets to avoid frozen pipes that could break and flood your home. Remember to turn the water heater off before you turn the water off at the main valve.

LIGHTS

Leave lights off except for lamps that are on a timer. The timer can also be used to switch a radio on and off--another deterrent to vandalism.

MORE SUGGESTIONS

Read the electric meter before you leave, and again when you return home to know exactly the number of kilowatt hours of electricity used during your absence. Also advise the utility's billing department that you will be gone. They will advise you on how to make payments to retain your credit rating. Arrange for neighbors to check your home, freezer, or perhaps to re-arrange draperies. Cancel mail, newspapers and other deliveries.