Summer’s here, and it’s the perfect time for a vacation. While you’re soaking up the sun, don’t forget your home’s appliances and devices could use a break too. By making a few simple adjustments, you’ll return to a cooler home—and maybe even a lower energy or water bill. Here’s how to do it:
Air Conditioner
Why run the AC when no one's home? If you're planning to be away, either turn off your air conditioner or set the thermostat to 85°F or higher. If you have a smart thermostat, use the vacation mode to save energy while you're gone, and it’ll kick back on right before you return.
Water Heater
No need to keep heating water for an empty house! Turn your water heater down to the lowest setting—or even off if you’ll be gone for an extended period. This prevents it from constantly heating water you’re not using and reduces energy loss.
Refrigerator
Your fridge is one of the biggest energy consumers in your home. If you’re leaving for a long trip, consider unplugging it. For shorter trips, bump up the temperature slightly in both the fridge and freezer to cut down on energy use.
Electronics
Electronics can continue draining power even when turned off. Things like digital displays, instant-on features, and standby modes are all energy hogs. The easiest fix? Unplug your devices! Or, invest in a smart power strip that automatically cuts power to devices when they’re not in use.
Lights
Keep your home looking lived-in with light timers. These handy devices can be installed on both indoor and outdoor lights to make it look like someone’s home—even when you’re not. Set them to turn on for a few hours each evening to boost both security and energy savings.
Check for Leaks
Before you jet off, take a minute to check for any leaks inside and outside your home. Even a small leak can waste a lot of water while you're away. A quick way to check? Look at your water meter—if it’s moving when no one’s using water, you may have a leak.
Irrigation
Heading out but still need to water your plants? Set your irrigation system to a timer, so you can rest easy knowing your garden will be taken care of while you’re gone. Be sure to program it to water early in the morning, before the sun heats up, for the best results.
Pool
Taking a longer vacation? If you have a pool, cover it up! A pool cover will reduce evaporation, conserve water, and keep the pool cleaner while you're away. It’s one less thing to worry about when you return.
