All your bags are packed and you’re ready to go, but have you made adequate preparations to conserve energy while on vacation? Home energy efficiency is an important part of maintaining your property, reducing energy bills and taking care of the environment, even when you’re away. Here’s a look at how to make home as energy-friendly as possible while you’re vacationing.
Adjust the Thermostat
Many folks believe they should turn their air conditioning systems completely off when they leave for vacation. While this will eliminate cooling expenses while you’re away, the increase in household temperatures could cause you to use more cooling energy upon your return. It may even cause damage to your home’s woodwork. Instead, turn the thermostat up by 4 degrees. This allows for energy savings without creating dramatic temperature fluctuations.
Take Advantage of Shade
The cooler you can keep your house with shading, the less frequently your air conditioner will need to cycle back on. The easiest way to stop the sun’s heat from radiating indoors is by making use of window blinds, curtains and drapes, so be sure to close them before you leave.
Unplug Electronics and Appliances
Just because an electronic device or appliance isn’t in use doesn’t mean that it’s not using up valuable energy. Unplugging these devices before your departure is a fast and simple way to conserve energy while on vacation.
Also, don’t forget the fridge! If you’re leaving for only a few days, you can benefit from simply turning the unit’s thermostat to a slightly higher setting. When you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, you’ll benefit from cleaning out the refrigerator and unplugging it entirely.
Use Timers
Being smart with your energy consumption doesn’t mean you have to set yourself up as a target for theft. Putting your lights on a timer will provide added security without producing an astronomically high utility bill.
At Energy 1 Heating & Cooling, we strive to help residents of Lorain and surrounding areas conserve energy while on vacation and throughout the year. Contact us for more helpful tips and suggestions.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about conserving energy and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area