Whether you are considering a winter break or a summer vacation, it needs to be well planned. Not only do you need to consider your travel plans, but you also need to take precautions to ensure that your home is not wasting energy while you are away. Fortunately, you can easily prepare your home for vacation, so you are not faced with a hefty energy bill when you return.
Consider Phantom Energy Wasters:
While we are at home, there are appliances that are in use every day. Although it can be cost efficient to turn these appliances off after every use, this is often not a priority as we enjoy the convenience of being able to use them instantly. Unfortunately, many of these electronic devices and appliances draw energy when they are plugged in. This phenomenon is known as phantom energy, which means that even if the device is turned off, it is still using energy. Microwaves, cell phone chargers, laptops, lamps, computers, blenders, and toasters will all be drawing energy, which could contribute significant energy use. Before you go on your vacation, you should consider phantom energy wasters throughout your home and make sure that you have unplugged them.
Set Your Home to Vacation Mode:
While you are relaxing on your vacation, the last thing you want to consider is that a potential problem has occurred at home. This worry can be avoided with a little planning and by setting your home to vacation mode. When you are arranging your vacation, make a list of tasks to minimize the risk of a problem while you are away. For example, you should consider switching your water heater on to vacation mode, turning off water valves to sinks, the washing machine, and dishwasher, and turning off your thermostat. Unfortunately, a problem with air conditioners or water heaters will occur when there is no one to monitor the house, so it is also a good idea to ask a neighbor or friend to check the house, in case of an issue.
Create a Household Checklist:
While you are busy ensuring that you remembered to pack everything, remembering all the basic things that need to be taken care of around the house can be a challenge. This is the main reason to create a household checklist. A checklist will ensure that you remember to clean out the refrigerator, take out the garbage, lock all the doors and windows, and that you have everything for your pets organized before the last minute rush. Your household checklist should also include security measures such as leaving a few lights on a timer, to deter a possible break in. Your checklist will ensure that your home is in good condition when you return, so you can concentrate on dealing with the mountains of laundry instead of needing to clean the out of date carton of milk from the refrigerator.
A vacation should be a time for relaxation and enjoyment; by preparing your home for vacation, you can alleviate the worry about what’s going on at home and simply enjoy your time away.