Summer travel season is in full gear. But before you head out of town on that long-awaited vacation, be sure to check out these tips to save energy - at home.
Whether you’re traveling for a long weekend or a month, these easy tips can help protect your house, conserve energy and reduce your utilities bill:
- Unplug before you go. Turn off smart power strips and unplug appliances like computers, televisions, video game consoles, coffee makers, fans and devices. Remember, appliances not in use still consume energy if plugged into an outlet.
- Turn off ceiling fans. While ceiling fans can help offset the cost and energy of air conditioning, they should be turned off when you’re on away for a period of time.
- Turn off lights or set timers. A timer enables you to save energy, while programming lights for a specific time of day. If your lights are on a security timer, remember to use LED bulbs, which use five times less energy.
- Turn down water heater to “vacation mode.” According to the Department of Energy, water heating can account for 14-25% of the energy consumed in the home. No need to pay extra for warm water when you are away.
- Close curtains and blinds. This is a quick and easy way to maintain some coolness indoors without the use of air conditioning.
- Change pool settings. Turn the temperature down or turn off the heater whenever the pool won't be used for several days. But do keep the filter running (or set it on a timer for 12 hours per day) to avoid bacteria growth.
- Use a smart thermostat to control your energy use from your smartphone, wherever you are. The best part? Coming home to a cool house without wasting energy or money for the duration of your trip.
- Adjust the refrigerator temperature. By slightly raising the temperature, you can reduce energy use AND keep a full refrigerator of food. According to the Department of Energy , the ideal refrigerator temperature is between 35- and 38-degrees Fahrenheit in the main part of the fridge so plan accordingly!
- Stock the fridge! You might think an emptier refrigerator is better but maintaining a full unit of cold items will keep the other items cold. But if you’ll be gone for a month or more, you might want to consider unplugging the refrigerator and emptying it entirely.
- Keep your pets cool. During the hottest months, keep the air conditioner running at an increased temperature, but no higher than 80 degrees for your pet’s safety and well-being.
Sources: Department of Energy