Planning A Winter Vacation? Follow These 5 Energy-Saving Tips Before You Depart

If you’re planning a winter vacation, take some time to prevent problems like water damage, ensure your home’s safety and avoid paying for wasted energy in your absence. Unexpected surprises upon your return can cost you significantly in terms of money and time.

Here’s what you can do to prepare for your winter vacation:

• Set your programmable thermostat to save energy while you’re gone. Use the “vacation” mode to set one low temperature for the duration of your absence. Choose a temperature that will save energy without putting your home at risk for extreme cold. The Lennox icomfort stat when install on a icomfort system will alert you and the contractor if the system has a problem you can check the stat & make changes from a remote location. Unplug appliances and electronics before you leave, which will help reduce their standby energy draw.
• Use timers on a few lights in your home, so it will appear as if the home is occupied, but you won’t waste energy having lights on 24/7 during your absence.
• Prevent plumbing problems — and the resulting damage if a pipe or hose bursts — by shutting off the home’s main water supply. Pipes can freeze if temperatures drop to extreme levels during your absence, so you may want to open faucets at the sinks and tubs to relieve pressure and prevent water that’s still in the pipes from freezing.
• Ensure the safety of your home by taking steps to make it appear as if it’s occupied. Enlist the help of a neighbor or friend to pick up mail, or put your mail on hold so that your mailbox isn’t overflowing, and park a car in your driveway and enter your home so there’s some activity at your house.
• Make sure the home is secure before you leave for a winter vacation. Take the time to check that all windows are shut and their latches closed. Lock all doors before you leave, and check that exterior gates and garage doors are locked. Make sure to close the drapes in rooms where valuables like a large-screen TV or computer are located.

Don’t risk your home’s safety or pay for energy unnecessarily when you leave town for an extended period of time. Get more expert advice on saving energy on your winter vacation and year-round by contacting Blanton’s Heating & A/C today. We proudly serve homeowners throughout the greater Fayetteville area.