Holidays can sometimes be quite pricey, so there’s no need to make it even more expensive by wasting energy back home. If you’re going away for a long time and don’t take the right measures, your electricity bill can become quite high.
Discover six ways to maintain energy efficiency when you’re away:
Unplug the Fridge and Other Appliances
Image via Flickr by Samuel M. Livingston
Fridges tend to consume more energy than expected, so you should consider using up all perishable food and unplug the appliance while you’re away. Additionally, small appliances also use electricity, even when they’re turned off, and should be unplugged to help you save energy.
Control the Temperature in Your Home
There’s no need to keep your home at 72 degrees unless your pets are staying behind and need a pleasant temperature. Similarly, you only need to keep your house warm during the winter to avoid broken pipes and frozen appliances. The best course of action is to install a smart thermostat, which will find the optimal temperature and save you money. It also will allow you to adjust the temperature remotely via an app so you can keep an eye on things even when you’re on the other side of the globe.
Turn off the Water Heater
Heating water can consume a lot of energy, and there’s no need for hot water if you won’t be home. You should turn off the water heater before you leave, or just set its temperature really low during the winter so the lines don’t freeze. If you have a gas-powered water heater, be sure to shut off the gas valve.
Check Your HVAC Condition
When your HVAC filter is clogged with debris and dust, it reduces the efficiency of the system, forcing it to consume more energy, which in turn can increase utility bills. Clean filters can help with ventilation as they let the conditioned air in, therefore cooling your home more easily. It’s a good idea to have your unit checked before you go on a trip.
Consider Using Automatic Lights
Whether you’re going away for a short or long time, it’s essential to leave the lights on to deter potential burglars. However, this can quickly become expensive as the lights continuously consume electricity. What you want to do is install lights with automatic timers, which will turn the lights on and off at specific times.
Keep Blinds and Curtains Closed
Make sure you close your blinds and curtains before leaving on holiday as they can be a great way to control your house temperature. They might keep the warmth in during the winter or keep it out in the summer, ensuring you don’t overwork your HVAC unit and increase your bills.
At the end of the day, making your home slightly more energy efficient is just a matter of taking a few simple steps. Once you identify the main culprits when it comes to wasting energy, you should tackle them before leaving home so you can have a fun trip without worrying about electricity bills.
