What to Unplug and Turn Off When You Leave for Vacation
Heading out of town for a summer vacation? Unplugging or disabling electronics and other appliances around your home is a simple way to save on energy costs while you are enjoying your vacation.
We all want to save a little money, right? After you finish packing, prepare your home for your time away with energy-saving tips from the electricity pros at Axiom Power!
What to Power Down When Out of Town
Before leaving on your well-deserved vacation, it is wise to turn off or adjust appliances that hog the most energy. Here is a short list...
Air Conditioner
Your air conditioner uses the most energy in your home, so before leaving, switch the AC fan to “auto” mode and set the thermostat to 82 degrees or higher to save on cooling an empty house.
A programmable or “smart” thermostat allows you to adjust the thermostat for the time you are away. And when you arrive home from your trip, the house will be comfortable thanks to programming the perfect time for it to cool things down.
Pool Pump
If you have a pool, the pump can be another heavy energy user. Reduce the pool pump’s run time to save energy while you are away.
Seasonally, we recommend running your pump for four hours a day in the winter and six hours in the summer.
Related > Hot tub Wiring
Water Heater
Traditional tank-style electric water heaters work 24-7 so warm water is available whenever you need it. If you are not going to be home, turn it off.
If you are going to be away for an extended period and the water heater doesn’t have an on-off switch, you might want to turn off the circuit breaker to it.
Lighting
You might already be using energy-efficient lighting options such as CFLs or LEDs, but you still can save on energy costs when you’re on vacation. Turn off your lights or use automatic timers to turn lights on and off for security.
Ready to install energy-saving LED lighting throughout your house? Call Greg Bennett at Axiom Power for all your residential lighting needs, (813) 308-9328!
Main Water Supply
This might not save a ton of money, but it could save you from a potential leak! It is easy to turn on and off, and it is better to be safe than sorry.
Further reading> The Future of Energy-Efficient Homes
Things to Unplug When on Vacation
We recommend turning off or unplugging electronics and appliances even if they are off or in idle mode because some devices continue to draw energy even when “off.”
Here is a list of what to turn off or unplug while you are away on vacation:
Home-entertainment equipment
Computers, monitors, and other devices
Kitchen appliances
Home-entertainment equipment
Just two pieces of home entertainment equipment can equal the energy use of a refrigerator. Unplugging these items can save you a few dollars a month on energy costs:
Video game consoles
DVRs
TVs
Stereo systems
Computers, monitors, and other devices
Unplug your computer chargers, monitors, etc., when on vacation. Not only will this save you money, but it also protects your devices in the event of a power surge.
Kitchen appliances
Kitchen appliances such as coffee makers, microwaves, auxiliary refrigerators, etc., should be unplugged when not in use and especially when you are on vacation.
Automated Technology Helps When Away
There are a few options that can automatically turn off electronics when you’re out of town. The two most common are:
Advanced power strips
Use current-sensing technology, occupancy sensors, or timers to address unnecessary power draw, even when you are not on vacation.
Smart plugs
A smart plug is an Internet-connected outlet that lets users set up on/off schedules through a smart device. In some cases, it can be controlled through other smart home devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home.
Related> Are Adapters Safe?
Safety and Security
Although it is nice to save on your energy bill while you are away, safety and home security are even more important. Leave your home with a lived-in look — install motion detectors or landscape lighting outside or set up a timer for an indoor lamp.
Unplug and Save While Away
Whether you are at home or away, you can make your home more energy-efficient to save some money on utilities. Our electricians often recommend LED lighting solutions for your home, and can wire a new energy-efficient AC system, and evaluate your home for other ways to make it more energy-efficient!
Axiom’s five-star electrician team serves Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Orange counties in Florida. Call us today for an energy-efficiency consultation, (813) 308-9328!