Okay, the pets are boarded, the plants will be watered, the mail and newspaper are on hold . What are you forgetting? The house! You should prepare your home for safety and energy efficiency while you’re away.
1. Electronics/Appliances
These are your true energy efficiency hogs. Even when turned off, your electronics continue to drain energy. They can also be a fire hazard. Unplug:
- Cellphone chargers
- Coffeepot
- Digital clocks
- Electric Razors
- Lamps
- Television/Entertainment unit
If you don’t want to unplug your fridge, set it to 42° and the freezer at 5 degrees for energy efficiency.
2. Heating and Air Conditioning
Summer: If it’s summer, you can set the thermostat for as high as 90°. If there are no pets, you could turn it off completely. If you are going to be gone longer than a few days, ask your veterinarian what is a safe-but-high temperature for your home. Have a pet caregiver visit your home every day or board them.
Winter: We don’t have much to worry about during the winter, but this is Texas – it can and might freeze a day or two. During the winter, open the cabinets beneath sinks and set the thermostat to 50 degrees.
3. Water Heater
We just don’t think about the water heater as often as we do, say, the refrigerator. The fridge is in our faces every day, but the water heater is out of sight.
Summer: Before leaving your home for a vacation, shut off the circuit breaker to the water heater. If it’s a gas water heater, turn off the gas valve, too. When you return, run the hot water tap for a bit to ensure the tank isn’t empty when you turn the electricity (and gas) back on.
Winter: Leave it on at the lowest possible setting to keep the water lines from freezing.
Energy Efficiency with Maintenance Plan
You can avoid HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) emergencies with the Bradbury Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning Maintenance Plan. A Platinum Membership with Bradbury Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning has many advantages! Call 281-651-5484 or request a free quote today!
