Headed Out of Town? Follow this Guide for Energy Efficiency

09 Nov Headed Out of Town? Follow this Guide for Energy Efficiency

Kingsport TN

Whether you are leaving for a night, a weekend or an extended vacation, the last thing you want to have waiting on you upon your return is a high utility bill from heating and powering a home that sat empty during your travels. And so, today on the blog, your licensed electricians in Kingsport provide this guide to keep your house as energy efficient as possible while you are away.

Heating and cooling

Unless you have pets staying at your house, you should adjust the indoor temperature. With winter on the way, you want to make sure to set the thermostat no lower than 50 degrees, which prevents appliances and pipes from freezing. This is made especially convenient if you already have a programmable thermostat.

Water heater

You only think about your water heater when the water turns cold in the middle of a shower, or it malfunctions and water comes pouring into your basement. If your house is going to stay empty, set the water heater to its lowest setting or its vacation setting if it has one available. Once you come back, run the hot water tap before changing the settings. You can damage your water heater if the tank heats without any water in it.

Electronics and appliances

Go ahead and unplug any unnecessary appliances and electronics before you leave: your televisions, lamps, the entertainment center and even smaller devices like toasters, microwaves and cell phone chargers. They all drain energy if they are left plugged in but not connected to or actively powering anything.

Automatic lights

A house that looks empty can be a tempting target for a break in. Many households leave a light or two on so the house appears occupied in the evening, but this can waste energy unless you have those lamps connected to a timer. For maximum customization, automatic light devices controlled through smart technology activates and shuts off lights at specific times of the day or night.

Blinds and curtains

This one is simple enough … no matter what the season is or what the weather might be, lower blinds and close curtains. This keeps heat out of your house during the summer and keeps heat in your home during the winter, reducing the workload for your HVAC.

Refrigerators

It is always a good idea to go through your fridge and clear out any food that might spoil while you are away. If you plan to be gone for several weeks, it is best to empty the fridge entirely, clean it thoroughly and unplug it. Leave the doors open so the refrigerator can air out and place a box of baking soda in the freezer to draw in excess moisture and stave off mold growth.

Professional electricians in Kingsport, Tennessee

Don’t let a high electricity bill add to your vacation costs. If you want to make sure your home is operating as efficiently as it can, schedule an inspection by one of our experienced and professional technicians. Thompson Electrical Service is fully licensed, bonded and insured. To make an appointment, call (423) 343-5726.