Save Energy While On Vacation: 7 Ways

If you’re planning a summer getaway, you have probably set aside money for all the things you plan to do and buy while you’re away. But have you considered the costs to keep the home you leave behind up and running?

By following these seven simple tips, you’ll save enough money on your energy bills to feel a little less guilty about the suitcase full of souvenirs you picked up along the way:

Home energy tips during a vacation

1. Put some lights on a timer; turn off the rest – Putting a few strategically-placed lamps on timers can make your home look lived-in while you’re away; plug those in and turn the rest off. A motion-activated sensor on outdoor lighting will provide security without having to leave fixtures on all night.
2. Keep non-perishables in your fridge – A full refrigerator is more energy efficient than a half-empty one, so resist the urge to dump non-perishables when you leave town.
3. Say no to vampires – Unplug any appliance or electronic equipment (except your security systems and refrigerator, of course) that has a light on it. These devices draw current even with the power off, earning them the name “energy vampires.” Unplug your TV, media players, cable boxes, computers, ovens, microwaves, and other appliances. If you use a smart strip, power it off.
4. Notify us if you receive automatic propane deliveries – If you are a Rez-Bear propane customer who receives automatic deliveries, let us know you’re leaving town. Your delivery date is based on an estimate of your past bills; if you aren’t around using propane, that estimate will be off, and you’ll pay for an unnecessary delivery.
5. Set your A/C to 85 degrees – Home cooling is the biggest energy drainer in your Catskills-area home during the summer…but why pay to cool the air if no one is around to enjoy it? Turn your thermostat up to 85 degrees before you hit the road, and set your fan for “auto” rather than “on” to prevent it from running 24/7. Just don’t turn your A/C completely off: it could cause a build-up of moisture that leads to a mold problem.

   We also recommend that you take care of any cooling system repairs or service – especially refrigerant leaks – before you go.

6. Close window treatments – Close your blinds and curtains before you leave town; this will prevent the sun from overheating your space (which your air conditioner will overwork to cool). It will also prevent prying eyes from seeing into your home.
7. Kill your electric water heater – If you have an electric water heater, shut it down at the breaker so it’s not keeping your reserve hot water warm when you don’t need it. Of course, if you had a propane tankless water heater, you wouldn’t have to deal with this problem, since it doesn’t store any water (one of the many reasons to consider this energy-saving upgrade).

Ready for a summer break? So is your air conditioner! Schedule routine A/C maintenance or repairs for your home cooling system today. Contact us to learn more.