As summer draws closer, many are preparing to leave town for a well-deserved break. Besides being a time for relaxation, your vacation can also be an opportunity to save energy at home and save yourself some money while you’re away. From switching off your air conditioner to unplugging energy-draining appliances, here are some of the best energy-saving tips to keep in mind before your trip.
3 Energy-Saving Practices for Your Next Vacation
1. Close Curtains & Blinds
If you plan to leave your air conditioner on, draw the curtains and lower the blinds before leaving. During the day, sunlight entering your home will raise the temperature inside, thus forcing your AC to work harder to cool the house. Blocking out sunlight will lower cooling costs and can even enhance your home security by concealing its contents from would-be intruders.
2. Adjust the AC
A simple solution to saving on cooling and heating costs is to switch the air conditioner off altogether if your trip will last more than a couple of weeks. However, if you plan to be away for only a few days, this can strain the equipment when you turn it on again and it’s forced to readjust.
Instead, it’s usually better to raise the temperature above your preferred setting to keep the system acclimated. Consider installing a smart thermostat that can be operated through an app on your phone. These devices will grant you a greater degree of control over the temperature and allow you to make changes from afar in the event of emergencies or altered plans. You can also adjust the temperature to return to your preferred setting the day returning.
3. Unplug Electronics & Appliances
Any electronic devices that you leave plugged in will slowly drain power, adding to your energy bills while you’re away. Before you leave, walk through your home looking for any appliance with a power light. Televisions, desktop computers and peripherals, kitchen appliances, including coffee makers and toasters, modems and routers, and newer washing and drying machines with digital displays and lights should all be unplugged. Besides reducing your energy consumption, this will protect your electronics and white goods from any power surges while you’re out of the house.
If you’re interested in gaining full control of your air conditioner while on vacation, turn to our team at Jon’s Plumbing & Heating in Mount Vernon, OH. For over 20 years, we’ve offered the latest in HVAC equipment and controls to residents throughout Knox County and the surrounding areas. Take charge of your indoor climate with our WiFi and programmable thermostats to save energy while you unwind. Call (740) 392-5667 to discuss your needs, or visit us online to learn more about our services.