Heading out for a well-deserved getaway? Before you lock the door and hit the road, take a few minutes to protect your home from electrical hazards and unnecessary energy waste. A few simple actions can provide peace of mind and a lower electric bill when you return.
Lower Your Bill While You’re Away
Did you know that many electronics continue to draw power even when turned off? This is known as “vampire energy.” To minimize this waste:
- Unplug nonessential devices: TVs, coffee makers, lamps, and phone chargers should be unplugged to eliminate standby power consumption.
- Check your thermostat: Set your smart thermostat to “Vacation Mode” to optimize savings automatically. For manual thermostats, adjust your setting to 78°F to avoid excessive cooling costs.
- Kill the lights: Ensure all ceiling fans and interior/exterior lights are turned off unless they are on a dedicated security timer.
Protect Your Home from Hazards
Safety is just as important as savings. Taking these steps can help prevent accidents while the house is empty:
- Surge protection: Unplugging computers and expensive electronics doesn’t just save energy, it also protects your equipment from potential damage caused by power surges or lightning during summer storms.
- Detector check: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly before you leave.
- Water heater: If you will be gone for more than a few days, consider turning your electric water heater off at the breaker or setting it to “pilot” or “low” to save on the cost of keeping 50+ gallons of water hot in an empty house.
Stay Safe. Save Energy. Travel Smart.
Before your next getaway, a few minutes of preparation can safeguard your home and keep your energy costs in check. For more energy-saving tips and home safety resources, visit ccemc.com/energy-efficiency or follow us on social media.