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8 home prep and energy saving tips before going on vacation

Updated on March 19, 2024

5-minute read

8 home prep and energy saving tips before going on vacation

Updated on March 19, 2024

5-minute read

Before you rush out the door to go on holiday, don't forget to turn on "Vacation Mode" for your home. A few easy steps can save unnecessary energy costs and keep your home safe while away.

Couple planning vacation details with calculator and notepad
Couple planning vacation details with calculator and notepad
Couple planning vacation details with calculator and notepad

1. Unplug appliances and devices

Electronics like TVs, computers, and gaming consoles drain energy when plugged in, even if they鈥檙e turned off or in sleep mode. Before you leave, unplug these electronics and appliances. You鈥檒l avoid paying for that phantom energy load and protect your devices from potential power surges while you're away.

can make up to 10% of your electricity bill! Plug your devices into smart outlets or power strips to save money on this wasted energy. Some smart power strips even allow you to track energy usage and control devices remotely. Otherwise, plug your devices into a power bar, so it鈥檚 easier to cut power to them all when you leave for holiday.

2. Keep the fridge at least half-full (or turn it off)

A fully stocked fridge stays colder than an empty one. That鈥檚 because the food and drinks in your fridge hold the cold better than the air, so your refrigerator doesn鈥檛 have to work as hard to keep it all cool. Before you leave for vacation, fill up the extra space on the shelves with jugs, ice trays, or containers filled with water. To save energy, adjust the thermostats to 4掳C for the refrigerator and -18掳C for the freezer.

If you鈥檙e gone for a month or more, emptying your fridge and unplugging it might be wise.

3. Turn off lights and set timers.

Turn the lights off before you leave, but set a few lamps on timers. Timers allow you to program lights to come on and off during certain parts of the day so it looks like someone is home. Smart timers or Wi-Fi-connected lamps also allow you to control your lights remotely from your smartphone while you鈥檙e away.

4. Program your thermostat

Adjust your programmable or smart thermostat to a lower temperature so you鈥檙e not paying for wasted energy heating your home while you鈥檙e away. If you usually program your thermostat for temperature changes throughout the day, this will ensure it stays at a consistent temperature while you鈥檙e gone. With a smart thermostat, you can control your heating from your smartphone.

5. Set your water heater to a lower temperature.

听of the energy consumed in the home. By lowering the temperature of your water heater by several degrees, you can prevent it from cycling on and off too frequently. Plus, there鈥檚 no need to keep that water piping hot if no one is around to use it!

6. Check your smoke detector.

Replace batteries for your smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they work properly. If the batteries on your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors start to die, they鈥檒l chirp. That chirping can go on for weeks, alerting passersby that no one is home.

7. Prevent pipes from freezing.

You can turn down the heat, but not so much that the water in your plumbing system starts to freeze! Set your home temperature between 17掳C - 20掳C. The interior of the floor and wall spaces, where water piping is likely located, tend to be colder than actual living spaces.

Before you leave, open the doors to all the rooms. Open doors allow the air to move through the home and keep an even temperature. For extra peace of mind, you can connect a water flow sensor and low-temperature sensor on your main water supply pipe. Then, you鈥檒l get an alert on your smartphone if there is an issue.

8. Arrange for snow removal.

If you鈥檒l be away during winter, arrange for someone to clear the snow on your driveway and sidewalks. Most municipalities require sidewalks to be kept clear. Plus, clearing the snow will make it look like someone is home or, at minimum, keeping an eye on the place.

Having a trusted friend or family member check in on the house for you is also a good idea. They can collect the mail and make sure your home is heated without problems. Plus, most home insurance policies require frequent check-ins if your home is unoccupied. You鈥檒l have peace of mind knowing you鈥檒l be covered if there is a mishap while you鈥檙e away.

Bon voyage and safe travels!


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