Preparing Your Home for Extended Absence

1. Adjust the Thermostat

Vacation Mode: If your home uses a smart thermostat, activate “vacation mode,” or, set your thermostat to approximately 55°F in the winter to prevent freezing and to 78°F in the summer to save on cooling costs. Adjusting your thermostat by just 3 degrees for 24 hours can help you save up to 30% on your heating and cooling costs. 

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2. Close Curtains and Blinds:

Energy Lost Prevention: About 30% of a home’s energy is lost through windows. Closing curtains and blinds can help insulate your home and reduce energy leakage, keeping your home’s temperature more stable without excessive heating or cooling.

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3 Unplug Non-Essential Appliances & Electronics:

Reduce Phantom Load: When plugged into an outlet, appliances like computers, coffee makers, and microwaves consume energy even when they are turned off. Unplugging these devices can significantly reduce energy waste and decrease your energy bill by 10%.

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4. Turn Off Lights & Fans:

Smart Lighting: Many people leave lights on for security when they go out of town, but traditional incandescent bulbs consume significant energy and pose fire risks due to their tendency to overheat. Timers and smart lighting systems that use LEDs are a safer, more efficient solution. LEDs are designed for prolonged use without overheating, which reduces the fire risk and decreases energy consumption. This makes them an ideal choice for keeping your home safe and efficiently lit while you’re away.

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5. Set Water Heater to Vacation Mode: 

Conserve Energy: One of the biggest costs of running a water heater comes from standby losses. Set your heater to vacation mode or turn it off to prevent unnecessary heating and save on energy bills. 

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6. Manage Your Fridge and Freezer: 

Efficiency Tips: Keep your fridge and freezer at least half full at all times to maintain efficiency.  Items like water bottles or ice trays are a great way to increase the content of your fridge if you have extra space to fill. Adjust the temperature settings to 38°F for the fridge and 5°F for the freezer. For longer trips of four or more weeks, consider emptying and unplugging these appliances to save energy. 

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Idle Home Checklist: