Prep your home before vactioning

Whether it’s a quick trip away for the weekend or a snowbird who will not be back until next summer, follow our energy saving tips to avoid unnecessary expenses while you’re out of town.

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Tickets are booked and reservations have been made, but have you prepared your home? When you leave your residence for a getaway, be sure to prepare your home prior to locking the door on your way out. Not only will you be protecting your home from damage, you can also save a few dollars along the way.  

Turn off the lights.

Many people leave lights on in their home when they are out of town as a security measure. We recommend investing in an automatic timer that can be programmed to turn lights on during certain times of the day including late evening and early morning. An automatic timer can prevent wasting energy during daylight hours.

Lower the thermostat.

In South Florida, it is very important to keep air circulating in your home when you are out of town. Set your thermostat to 85 degrees to cut down on energy usage and keep your home at a fair temperature in your absence.   

Unplug electronics and appliances.

Did you know that your electronics and appliances still use energy even when they are not in use? As long as your electronics and appliances are plugged into the wall, you are using energy. Unplug your devices and/or power strips to avoid wasting power when you are not at home. Don’t forget your microwave, washer, and dryer!

Don’t forget the water heater and refrigerator.

Your water heater and refrigerator are some of the largest energy using devices in your home. Turn your water heater down to low or vacation mode. If you have a pool, consider investing in a pool cover that will prevent heat loss and the costs associated with heating the pool. When it comes to your refrigerator, your actions will depend on how long you will be gone. If only a few days, turn your refrigerator’s thermostat up a few degrees. If more than two weeks, clean and empty the fridge, prop the door open and unplug the unit.

Whether it’s a quick trip away for the weekend or a snowbird who will not be back until next summer, follow our energy saving tips to avoid unnecessary expenses while you’re out of town.

Call General Air and Plumbing at (239) 591-2909 to set up an appointment with our experts who will evaluate your systems for proper efficiency.