Written on: July 11, 2022
If you’re planning to take a vacation this summer, you’ve got a lot of company as many people are looking forward to some post-pandemic fun.
According to Forbes, six out of 10 Americans are planning to travel at least once this summer, in spite of inflation and gas prices.
With the rise in fuel and energy costs, you may be concerned about expenses on your trip. We’re here to help with five tips that can cut your energy costs so you can worry less and enjoy more.
In the summer, cooling accounts for about 50% of your home’s energy bills. Switching your air conditioner to 85°F if you’re going away for more than a day or two will help you save money! Do you have a smart or programmable thermostat? Don’t forget to set it to return to your preferred temperature several hours before you return home so it will be cool when you arrive. Make sure to close curtains and blinds before you leave to keep your home from overheating and also stop people from peeking into your home when you’re not there.
Energy vampires are electronics and small appliances such as computers, TVs, media players, ovens, gaming systems, coffeemakers, toasters, multicookers, blenders, electric toothbrushes, and phone chargers. They have this nickname because they’re always sucking up energy, even when they’re not used. Unplug or power off as many as you can before you leave. Get into the habit of unplugging or turning off any of these you’re not using while you’re at home as well to realize even greater energy savings!
Most contemporary water heaters have a vacation mode. This lowers the temperature setting so that the water heater does not operate as frequently while you are away, but it heats up quickly when you reset it after your return.
If you don’t have a vacation setting on your water heater, set it to low. Heating water is responsible for about 20% of your home’s energy consumption, so this tip can help you save money.
Want to keep saving on water heating energy costs when you get home? By lowering the water heater temperature to 120°F rather than the manufacturer’s setting of 140°F, you’ll save money. Your water will still be hot enough for comfortable showers, laundry, and your dishwasher, but you’ll save up to 10% on your water heating energy expenses. The lower temperature also reduces the risk of scalding, which children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to.
If you’re a Hometowne Energy Automatic Delivery propane customer, we ask that you please inform us when you’ll be away from home for more than a few days. That’s because we consider your usage history when scheduling your delivery. By notifying us when you’ll be away, you may prevent an unneeded propane delivery.
The days and hours leading up to your vacation are very busy with packing, loading the car, and other preparations.
All of these activities may cause you to forget about important things, such as our suggestions for saving energy. The tips below help to give you peace of mind about your energy savings and the protection 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.
Go around the house with your smartphone right before you depart. Take pictures of all the rooms with the lights out, appliances and electronics unplugged or shut off, water turned off to your washer, doors locked, the thermostat and water heater set for your vacation, windows closed and locked, and blinds and curtains drawn. Check your phone photographs for reassurance if you’re concerned about whether you left a light or appliance on while traveling.
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