If you’re taking a vacation this summer, you’ve got a lot of company as more Americans are looking forward to their first big vacation in years.
According to Forbes, six out of 10 Americans are planning to travel at least once this summer, despite concerns over inflation and gasoline prices.
Leave worries about energy costs behind on your summer vacation with these four tips that will leave you free to enjoy the trip!
During the summer, cooling accounts for around half of your home’s energy consumption. Setting your air conditioner to 85° while away for more than a day will help you save money! Be sure to set your smart or programmable thermostat to return to your desired temperature several hours before arriving home so that it is cool and comfortable when you get there. Closing curtains and blinds can not only help keep your home from overheating, but also stop people from peeking into your home when you’re not there.
What are energy vampires, and how do you deal with them? These items are electronics and small appliances around your home. They are named that because they’re always sucking up energy, even when they’re not in use. Computers, TVs, media players, ovens, gaming systems, coffeemakers, toasters, multicookers, blenders, electric toothbrushes, and phone and laptop chargers, are all examples of energy vampires. Unplug or power off any you can before you leave on your trip.
A vacation mode is included in most modern water heaters. This lowers the temperature setting so that the water heater does not run as often when you are away but can still rapidly heat up when you reset it after your return.
Set your water heater to low if it doesn’t have a vacation option. Heating water accounts for around 20% of your home’s energy consumption, so doing this can help you save money.
Continue saving money when you get home by setting your water heater to 120˚ Fahrenheit rather than the manufacturer’s setting of 140˚. Your water will still be hot enough for bathing, laundry, and dishwashing, but you can save up to 10% on your water heating energy expenses. The lower temperature reduces the risk of scalding as well.
The days and hours leading up to your vacation are hectic, what with packing, arranging the pet sitter, and more.
All of these things might cause you to forget about essential tasks, such as our suggestions for saving energy. The tips below are designed to give you peace of mind about your energy savings and the safety and security of your home.
First, make a checklist on your smartphone of energy-saving tasks to complete before leaving on vacation. As you accomplish them, cross them off so you don’t forget.
Give yourself time before vacation to go around every room in your house with your smartphones. Take pictures of all the rooms with the lights out, appliances unplugged or shut off, the thermostat and water heater set for vacation, the water turned off to your washer, the range and oven turned off, doors locked, windows closed and locked, and blinds and curtains closed. If you’re worried about whether you left a light or appliance on while on vacation, check the photographs from your phone for reassurance.
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