Ask the Energy Expert

“What should I turn off or unplug before leaving for vacation this summer?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions I get asked by people before a vacation or from snowbirds heading back up north.

The short answer: Turn off or unplug electronics, appliances, lights, fans and any non-essential devices to conserve energy and enhance safety.

4 tips to reduce energy use while you’re away:

1. Find a sweet spot for the thermostat

Raise your thermostat to around 82°F to save energy without making your home uncomfortably hot.

Expert tip: Close blinds and curtains to keep the sun's heat out, reducing the workload on your air conditioning system.

2. Unplug electronics

TVs, cable boxes and game consoles and other household devices draw power even when not in use, accounting for nearly 20% of residential energy use.

Expert tip: Consider using power strips with on/off switches for easy shutdown.

3. Fans cooling you, not the room

Turning off ceiling fans when you leave a room, or the house can save up to $7 per fan, per month in energy costs.

Expert tip: For the best airflow throughout your home, keep bedroom doors and A/C vents open.

4. Adjust appliance settings

• Water heater: If you don’t have an on/off switch, locate the circuit breaker or fuse box controlling the unit to turn it off. Also, consider adjusting the temperature from the default 140 to 120 degrees - you likely won't notice a difference, but your wallet will thank you.
• Refrigerator: Don't turn off your refrigerator completely; remove perishable items and switch to energy-saving mode.
• Pool pump: Reduce your pool pump's operating hours to save energy while maintaining pool cleanliness.

By taking these simple steps, you can enjoy your time away without worrying about unnecessary energy consumption and high energy use in an empty house.

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