It’s June, the kids are out of school and it’s vacation time for many families. While making plans, the last thing on your mind is probably what the energy bill will be like since you won’t be home. You’ll surely use less energy when away from home. Right? Not necessarily. Many appliances will continue to work even when you’re not there. Home energy use doesn’t change as much as you would think when you’re vacationing, although little things can be done to save some money. 

Air conditioning
During the summer months, air conditioning will probably be the largest user of electricity in your home. It all comes down to what the outside temperature is versus what you want the temperature of your home to be. Regardless of whether you are home or away, if it’s 95 degrees outside and you want an inside temperature of 75 degrees, the air conditioner will do whatever is necessary to meet the desired setting. You may save some energy by turning the setting up a degree or two. 

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates you can save three percent on your utility bill for every degree you raise the thermostat. Remember, don’t go overboard if you turn off the air conditioning while vacationing because your refrigerators and/or freezers work even harder inside your unconditioned home.

Water heaters
The water heater is similar to the air conditioner, and keeps water warmed to a set temperature around the clock and ready for your hot water needs. For example, if the water heater is set at 125 degrees, it will work around the clock to maintain that temperature, whether or not any water is used. To save on water heating costs while vacationing, check for a vacation mode setting or manually lower the temperature a few degrees. 

Refrigerators/freezers
These appliances are among the larger energy users in the home, especially if they are older models. Just like the air conditioner and water heater, a refrigerator or freezer will maintain a set temperature whether you are home or away. And expect that extra refrigerator in the sweltering garage to use more energy than the one in your kitchen since it is working in warmer, unconditioned air space.

Today’s home
We live in an electronic world today, which means it’s only natural that today’s home uses more energy than one did in previous decades. Besides the increased volume of electronics in the home, the electronics now work with the great convenience of having “instant on” capability. No waiting. The instant-on feature of nearly every electronic appliance constantly uses a trace amount of energy to give you the convenience of using the appliance right away. 
Appliances that use this trace amount of constant energy are often referred to as energy vampires. The vampires in your home can include: TVs, clocks, microwave ovens, computers, gaming systems, and coffee makers. 
Consider unplugging appliances that don’t need to be plugged in before leaving on vacation.

Vacation preparation and return
Have you considered that you might use more energy while preparing to go on vacation? Washing, drying and ironing clothes prior to leaving can increase energy use. Many people go through the same routine upon returning home. It’s important to remember that some appliances will continue to run and the best way to save money is to follow the tips listed above.

If you have a thermostat that can be remotely controlled, you can cool down the house the night before you return. It will be easier to cool the house during the nighttime hours, rather than the hottest part of the day. And, you’ll return to a comfortable home!