By: Joy Seitz, owner of American Solar & Roofing
Many Arizonans are seeking respite from the Valley’s triple digit heat this summer in favor of cooler, more temperate destinations. If you are planning to go on vacation, don’t neglect preparing your home for your time away. That’s right – your home can (and should) be optimized to conserve energy while not in use, which can equate to benefits for both your monthly utility bill and the environment.
Before your trip, consider the following energy-saving tips:
Set Your Home’s Temperature to 85 degrees
Don’t fall for the common mistake of turning off your air conditioning unit before your departure – this costly gaffe will mean your A/C will have to work twice as hard to cool your home when you return, equating to a higher utility bill later. Our state’s intense summer heat quickly risesindoor temperatures even with blackout curtains installed, and can create an unsafe, potentially deadly environment for pets and plants left behind. I recommend that homeowners set their property to 85 degrees before leaving. If monitoring your home’s temperature is a priority for you, consider investing in a smart thermostat that can allow a homeowner to adjust the temperature remotely, making it easy to fine-tune cooling settings even while far away. Lastly, keep your curtains drawn to block out sunlight and keep your home’s temperature consistent.
Manage Electronics and Appliances
Prior to leaving on vacation, consider unplugging devices such as your TV, computer, coffee makers or toasters, as these devices and chargers can still draw power even when off. If your garage fridge is mostly or entirely empty, and your vacation will see you away for a significant amount of time, consider unplugging it due to it being an energy-intensive appliance. Additionally, turn off your ceiling fans, as these simply move air and cool people, not homes.
Shut Off Your Hot Water
Many water heaters have a vacation mode you can enable, which is designed to minimize energy consumption while away from home. If this feature isn’t available for your unit, simply power it down at the breaker to prevent it from heating water that won’t be used. If you would prefer to lower your water heater’s temperature rather than turning it off entirely, I recommend setting it to at least 50 degrees.
Utilize Smart Lighting and Timers
If you are a homeowner who prefers to keep a few lights on in the home for security and deterrent purposes, there are energy-efficient options for you. Consider programming your lights on a timer to keep up the appearance of an occupied home, or investing in a smart lighting system, which can allow you to control lighting remotely via a phone app. I would also recommend making the switch to LED light bulbs prior to your vacation, as they use up to 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than other bulbs. Unplug lamps and other ‘accent’ lighting pieces.
A vacation should be a stress-free period without a financial toll upon your return home. Heeding the above tips can result in a lower monthly utility bill and peace of mind that your property won’t generate an unnecessary expense.
