Heading out on vacation? Give your bills a break too!
Summer’s just around the corner and you may be planning your next vacation. But remember, your appliances and electronic devices could use a vacation too! Save energy and water with these tips, which may help you come home to lower utility bills.
Air conditioner
Why cool an empty house? Turn off the air conditioner or set your thermostat to 85°F or higher while you're away. Smart thermostats have a vacation mode that conserves energy while you are away and kicks back on to cool your home just before you return.
Water heater
While we’re at it: there’s no need to heat water for an empty house either. Set the temperature on your tank unit water heater as low as possible, otherwise it will continue to heat water that isn't needed, which may cause standby heat loss.
Refrigerator
Did you know your refrigerator is one of the biggest culprits of energy use in your home? If you’re leaving for four weeks or more, it’s worth it to unplug it. If your trip is only a few days, save energy by setting the thermostats on your fridge and freezer a little higher.
Electronics
You may turn off your electronics, but unless you unplug them, they are still using energy. Digital displays and instant-on features don’t know you are away and continue to use energy. So, just unplug! Or try using advanced power strips, which automatically cut power to plugged-in devices when they are not in use to save more energy.
Lights
Instead of leaving the lights on while you're away, install timers on indoor and outdoor lights and set them to turn the lights on for a few hours each night. This will help conserve energy and may even provide some security by creating the illusion that someone is at home.
Leaks
Before jetting off on your vacation this summer, check for leaks inside and outside of your home to help avoid water waste while you’re away. Need to do a quick check? Check your water meter to see if it’s moving when no water is being used in or out of the home. If it’s moving, there may be a leak.
Irrigation
Need to water your plants while you’re away? Set your irrigation system up with a timer so you can set it and forget it until you get home! Set the timer to water early in the morning, before the sun comes up, to maximize the amount of water your plants get.
Pool
Going on an extended stay this summer? If you have a pool that won’t be used for a while, use a pool cover to help reduce evaporation and save water. Bonus, it helps keep the pool cleaner while you relax away from home!
At your destination
Conserving energy and water is important no matter where you are. If you are staying in a hotel, turn off the lights and adjust the thermostat when you leave your room. To save energy and water, reuse bath towels when possible and consider walking or taking public transportation instead of using a rental vehicle.