5 Ways to Save Energy While On Vacation

Taking a vacation is a great way to get away from it all. Did you know that your appliances and electronic devices can use a little time off as well? With a few simple adjustments before you leave, you'll come home to a lower energy bill.

Water heater. If you have a tank unit, your water heater will continue heating water while you are away. Adjust the temperature setting as low as possible to reduce standby heat loss.

Refrigerator. Your refrigerator is one of the biggest energy users in your home. If you are leaving for a short period, conserve energy by adjusting the thermostats on your refrigerator and freezer to higher settings: 38°F for the refrigerator and 5°F for the freezer. For trips lasting four weeks or more, consider emptying your refrigerator and unplugging it.

Air conditioner. Why cool an empty house? Set your thermostat to 85°F or higher. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to vacation mode; it will conserve energy while you are away and cool your house shortly before you return.

Lights. Install timers on indoor and outdoor lights and set them to turn the lights on for a few hours each night. This will conserve energy and provide added security by creating the impression that someone is at home.

Electronics. While turning off electronic devices saves energy, digital displays and instant-on features continue to use energy whether you are at home or not. Unplug all electronic devices before you leave.