One of the greatest perks of going on a vacation, aside from the unforgettable moments, is seeing slightly lower water, power, and gas bills at the month’s end. Let the luxurious hotel, gracious family member, or cautious Airbnb host cover the cost of your partner’s lengthy showers, your child’s habit of leaving lights on, and your need to run both the heater and ceiling fan for the perfect sleep environment.
There are several strategies to save on your electricity bill while you’re away, such as unplugging certain electronics. Of course, you don’t need to unplug every item in your home when leaving for a short trip. The refrigerator, for instance, is a major energy consumer but essential (not only for energy reasons but also because it keeps your Ben & Jerry’s cold). Some appliances, like the oven, aren’t worth the trouble. Unplugging the oven might save a few cents, but resetting the clock can be annoying, and figuring out how to unplug it is even more so.
However, many household devices are “energy vampires,” meaning they draw power even when turned off. Unplugging these energy-sappers, such as smart devices and chargers, and adjusting your thermostat and water heater settings can save money, reduce energy waste, and even protect your home and belongings from electrical surges.
What to unplug before leaving your home unoccupied
Your TV and video game consoles might not seem like they’re using much energy when turned off since they don’t emit light or show the time. However, they’re often in standby mode, ready to receive signals from WiFi, Bluetooth, and other devices. Unlike your stove or dishwasher, they’re easy to unplug, especially if you use a single surge protector, like this power strip from Amazon Basics, which accommodates six devices. This will protect your expensive electronics from electrical surges and allow you to unplug your TV, Apple TV, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and DVD player (which you may keep for nostalgia) all at once.
The same applies to smart devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Anything controlled via an app, like a coffee maker or sound machine, remains in standby mode, consuming energy. Computers are also major energy users even when turned off completely (avoid leaving them charging in “sleep mode” while you’re away). You can lower your energy bills by unplugging any computer, phone, tablet, and gaming console chargers, as they draw power even when not actively charging a device.
Other energy-saving tips for your pre-vacation checklist
One effective tip for conserving energy while on vacation is to adjust your thermostat. During warm months, set it to 85 degrees or turn it off entirely (unless pets are at home). If your usual setting is 72 degrees, adjusting it to 85 could save you about 40% on your bill. To prevent your A/C from overworking, close all curtains and blinds to block sunlight and keep out heat. In winter, set the thermostat to 55 degrees, but do not turn it off completely to prevent pipes from freezing.
Water heating accounts for a significant portion of your home’s energy use. Before going on vacation, lower your water heater’s temperature using the thermostat on the appliance’s front. Many models have a “vacation” mode for this purpose.
Leaving a light on while on vacation can deter potential intruders. If you choose to do so, use a BN-Link outlet timer to restrict the time the lights are on and opt for LED bulbs. Amazon Basics LED bulbs consume much less energy and last longer than incandescent bulbs. A typical incandescent bulb costs around 22 cents to run for 24 hours, while an LED bulb costs only three cents per day. LED bulbs are also safer since incandescent bulbs emit more heat, posing a fire risk if left on for extended periods.
