The Energy Source
Plugging you into the latest from ENERGY STAR
Summer Vacation Tips for the Energy-Saver
Suitcase? Check. Passport? Check. Low utility bill when you get back? …
Checking off a list of must-have vacation essentials is important, but what about the checklist for saving energy at home while you’re away? A typical household in the U.S. spends more than $2,000 a year on energy bills, so make sure you’re saving energy while you’re away with these five tips! You’ll enjoy that R&R so much more knowing that you’ll come home from vacation to a lower utility bill.
Tip #1: Turn off the lights.
The average home consumes 1,200 kWh per year for lighting, so make sure to turn off all lights before you leave. If you do leave a light on for safety reasons, make sure to utilize a timer, so that lights are only on during specific hours of the day.
Tip #2: Close the blinds or drapes.
To block out the heat from the sun, close window shades and drapes in warm weather. This simple action reduces the amount of heat entering your home.
Tip #3: Turn off the water heater.
Before you leave on vacation, turn your water heater thermostat down to the lowest possible setting, or even turn it off* altogether for the biggest savings. Many newer water heaters even have a “vacation mode”, and some water heaters can be turned off from your smart phone.
*Turning Off: A standard-efficiency, 50-gallon electric water heater turned off during two weeks of vacation (14 days), could save about 55 kWh and $6.00. For a gas water heater, savings are about $3.This energy savings is equivalent to 16.8 pounds of CO2 per year (per two week vacation).
Tip #5: Unplug electronics.
Electronics use energy even when they’re turned off. Before leaving for vacation, take a look around your home and unplug electronics so they do not drain energy while you’re away.
Additional Links:
- For more ways to save at home, visit www.energystar.gov/campaign/waysToSave.
Share this: