Infographic: Reduce Home Energy Use While on Vacation
Before you leave home for a vacation, remember that your home still consumes energy when you’re away. From televisions to coffee makers, many appliances throughout your home continue to rack up the utility bill, even when you’re not using them. According to Save On Energy, the U.S. spends over $26 billion on wasted energy!
While the journey to reduce your overall carbon footprint isn’t an overnight process, there are quick and easy home hacks you can do to reduce your home’s environmental impact (and lower the energy bills!) while away on vacation. Here are just a few.
1. Lower the Thermostat
Heating and air conditioning contribute to over 51% of a household’s annual energy usage. If you plan to be away from home for longer than a few days, there’s no need to keep your house fully heated. Adjusting your thermostat to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit during colder months is an easy trick to cut your energy use and reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
Alternatively, a smart thermostat can help do the same. The system will automatically adjust the setting while you’re away from home to regulate indoor temperature.
2. Turn Down the Hot Water Heater
The water heater is another appliance that doesn’t need to work while you’re gone. Simply lowering the heater’s temperature can help you save on your monthly utility bill. Some electric water heaters even have a vacation setting that lowers the water temperature for a period of time. If you have a gas heater, you can generally turn the temperature down manually.
3. Unplug Household Electronics and Appliances
Last but not least, unplug those unused items. Remember, many electronic devices draw power, even when they’re not in use. This includes computers, phone chargers, TVs, coffee machines, and anything that has a display, clock, timer, memory, remote, or that lets off heat. Unplugging these items before you leave on vacation not only helps conserve energy, it also reduces the risk of a fire hazard while you’re gone.
For more ways to minimize your home’s energy consumption this busy holiday season, check out the helpful infographic below, courtesy of Angi.com.
Get more tips to help you prepare your home for vacation on Angi.com.