Change settings rather than shutting everything off.
Summer is a great time for vacation. The kids are out of school, the weather is pleasant and people are in a better mood than any other time of year. But while you’re away, you won’t want to leave the house running as you would while you’re there. That would be a terrible waste of energy. Follow these tips for saving energy while you’re away.
Home Cooling
Every degree of temperature you turn the air condition up, you save 2 percent on the cost of cooling. Then again, letting the house get too hot can damage houseplants and sensitive materials. So, it’s best to find a balance by setting the AC to 85 degrees while you are away. It’s warm enough to lower your cooling costs, but cool enough to avoid damage to your belongings. If you have someone comings to water the plants while you are away, make sure they know to leave the thermostat as is.
Leave the Pool Pump Running
You can’t turn off the pool pump while you’re away, or algae will develop. Have the friend who comes in to water the plants also check on the pump to be sure it’s running correctly.
Turn Down the Water Heater
No one’s using hot water while you’re away so turn it down. Also take the time to run the hot water until it’s out and refill the tank to flush any nasties that may have been growing in the tank during your absence.
Lights
Use timers to turn a few lights on from dark until midnight to avoid burglars noticing the house is empty. Leaving lights on all night is just as strong a signal that no one is home as leaving them off.
Appliances
Empty the fridge of perishable foods and fill it with gallons of bottled water. Refrigerators work best when full. If you’ll be gone a month or more, consider emptying the fridge, unplugging it and leaving the doors open to avoid mildew growth. For televisions, computers and similar small appliances, it’s best to unplug them to avoid wasted energy while they are not in use.
It’s also a good idea to have your HVAC inspected before you go so you don’t have to worry about coming home to a broken down system. Check for signs of failure and have the unit serviced so it’s in excellent operating condition while you’re away.
Call MM Comfort for Your Annual HVAC Inspection Before You Go
MM Comfort Systems will inspect your HVAC system and identify any potential problems that you should address before you leave on your summer vacation. Call us at 425.533.9058, or use our online contact form to arrange for your annual HVAC Inspection.
