Are you taking a vacation trip this summer? You’re not alone.
According to Forbes, six out of 10 Americans are planning to travel at least once this summer, in spite of inflation and gas prices.
If you’re worried about costs for your summer vacation, we’ve put together five tips that can cut your energy costs so you can worry less and enjoy more.
Cooling accounts for about half of your home’s energy costs during the summer. By turning your air conditioning to 85º while away for more than a day will help cut those costs! Don’t forget to also set your smart or programmable thermostat to go back to your preferred temperature several hours before you return home so it will be cool when you arrive. Closing curtains and blinds can help keep your home from overheating. Another benefit of doing this is that it prevents people from peeking into your home when you’re not there.
What are energy vampires, and how can they be dealt with? Computers, TVs, media players, ovens, gaming systems, coffeemakers, toasters, multicookers, blenders, electric toothbrushes, and phone chargers, are examples of energy vampires. These items are named that because they’re always sucking up energy, even when they’re not used. Unplug or power off any you can before you leave.
Most modern water heaters include a vacation mode. This lowers the temperature setting so that the water heater doesn’t operate as frequently while you are away, but is able to quickly heat up when you reset it after your return.
Set your water heater to low if it doesn’t have a vacation option. Heating water accounts for around 20% of your home’s energy consumption, so doing this can help you save money.
Continue saving money when you get home by setting your water heater to 120˚ Fahrenheit rather than the manufacturer’s setting of 140˚. Your water will still be hot, but you can save up to 10% on your water heating energy expenses. The lower temperature reduces the risk of scalding as well.
If you’re an Automatic Delivery propane customer, please let us know whether you’ll be away from home for more than a few days. When we schedule your propane delivery, we consider your usage history. Notifying us you’ll be away may keep us from making an unneeded propane delivery.
The days and hours right before you leave for a vacation can be busy with getting packing done and loading the car.
All of these tasks may cause you to forget if you completed essential tasks before leaving, such as our suggestions for conserving energy. This advice gives you piece of mind about your energy savings and the safety and security of your home.
First, create a checklist on the phone covering energy-saving tasks to do before leaving for vacation. Check them off as you do them, so you don’t forget.
Do a tour of the home with your smartphone right before you depart. Take pictures of all the rooms with the lights out, appliances unplugged or shut off, the water turned off to your washer, doors locked, and windows closed and locked. If you’re concerned about whether you left a light or appliance on while traveling, check the photographs from your phone for assurance.
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