Going on Vacation? Give Your Electric Bill a Vacation, Too!

Going on Vacation? Give Your Electric Bill a Vacation, Too!

Taking a vacation can be costly, so a great way to save some money is to give your electric bills a vacation, too. There are several things you can do to keep your electricity running efficiently while you’re away:

·       Unplug some of your household appliances - your house has many items that always use electricity when they're plugged in, even when turned off. Unplugging these items not only save energy, but in some cases, can avoid possible fire hazards during your absence. Some of the more common items: television sets, DVD players, VCR's, cable TV boxes, microwave ovens, and toasters.

·       Adjust the refrigerator control to a warmer setting - the fridge can be as high as 40° F without spoiling food; the freezer can reach 5° F. On these settings, you can save up to 40 percent of the refrigerator's electric usage. If you are going on an extended trip, consider emptying the fridge and turning it off (remember to leave the door open to prevent mildew).

·       Set the thermostat higher or lower than the typical comfort level - you should consider lowering your thermostat, but to no lower than 55° F. Typically, by doing this, you can save 10 to 30 percent on your heating costs. You can shut the air conditioner off during your absence, or at least consider setting it to a higher than normal temperature, such as 80° F. A programmable thermostat can do these adjustments automatically.

·       Turn down the water heater - a large percentage of the cost of running a water heater comes from just keeping the water at the selected temperature. If you are going on a lengthy trip, turn down the water heater's temperature to the lowest setting. This can save you up to $10 a month.

·       Consider using timers to turn lights on and off each night - timers can save energy and give more of an appearance that someone is home. Use compact fluorescent bulbs for inside and outside lights that will be on the longest. These use about 75 percent less power and last up to 12,000 hours.

Following these tips will keep your mind at ease about your electric bills and let you enjoy that vacation!