Vacation? Give Your Energy Bill a Break Too

A vacation is a great way to get away from it all. Did you know that your appliances and electronic devices can use a little time off as well? With a few simple adjustments before you leave, you'll 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 setting as low as possible 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 adjusting the thermostats on your refrigerator and freezer to a higher setting. For trips lasting four weeks or more, consider emptying your refrigerator and unplugging it.

Air conditioner

Why cool an empty house? Turn off your air conditioner or set the thermostat to 85°F or higher. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to vacation mode; it will conserve energy while you are away and cool your house shortly before you return.

Lights

Install timers on indoor and outdoor lights and set them to turn the lights on for a few hours each night. This will conserve energy and provide added 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 whenever 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 whenever possible and consider walking or taking public transportation instead of using a rental vehicle.