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Include Home Energy Savings in Summer Vacation Plans
Jun 1, 2010
While you’re on vacation, make sure your home’s energy use takes a vacation as well. You can save money just by following a few simple tips:
Air Conditioning
Set the thermostat to 85 degrees. If it is a programmable thermostat, use the “hold” or the “vacation” setting to keep it at that temperature.
Electronics
Computers, CD/DVD players, TVs, and VCRs – these and other electronic appliances use electricity, even when they are not turned on and being used. Unplug them before leaving for vacation.
Lighting
Improve your energy savings, and your home's security, by using timers to operate lights each night. If you install compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs, in those lamps, you will save even more energy, up to 66 percent less in each lamp, and the bulb will last approximately 10 times longer than a regular incandescent bulb.
Water Heating
Turn the water heater's temperature down to the lowest setting. Many water heaters have a “vacation” setting for this purpose. Leave a reminder to turn it back up upon returning home.
• Waterbed owners should unplug their heater, or at least lower the temperature 10 degrees.
• Pool owners should shorten the operating time for their pool filter and automatic cleaning sweep (if applicable). A pool cover can save energy too. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 70 percent of pool heat loss is by evaporation.
Refrigerator
Adjust your refrigerator control to a warmer setting. If you are going on an extended trip, consider emptying your refrigerator and turning it off. Remember to leave the door open to prevent mildew.
For more information on how to use your energy more efficiently this summer, and all year round, contact us at 1-800-240-3400.
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