Heading out on vacation? Give your energy bill a break too!
A vacation is a great way to give yourself a break. Did you know that your appliances and electronic devices can use a little time off as well? By making a few simple adjustments before you go on your vacation, you may come home to a lower energy bill.
Water heater
If you have a tank unit, your water heater will continue heating water while you are away. Adjust the temperature to the lowest setting to reduce standby heat loss.
Refrigerator
Your refrigerator is one of the biggest energy users in your home. If you are leaving for a short period, conserve energy by setting the temperature slightly higher on your refrigerator and freezer. For trips lasting four weeks or more, consider emptying your refrigerator and unplugging it.
Air conditioner
There’s no need to cool an empty house. Turn off your air conditioner or set the thermostat to 85°F or higher while you’re away. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to vacation mode. This will conserve energy while you are away then start cooling your house shortly before you return.
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.
Electronics
While turning off electronic devices saves energy, digital displays and instant-on features continue to use energy whether you are at home or not. Unplug all electronic devices before you leave. Advanced power strips make it easy. They will automatically shut off power to plugged in devices when they are not in use.
At your destination
Conserving energy 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 conserve energy and water, reuse bath towels when possible and consider walking or taking public transportation instead of using a rental vehicle.