Save Energy While on Vacation or Away for the Summer

A good number of the APS and SRP home energy audits I do are for eco-conscience snowbirds.  These residents typically reside in the Phoenix, Surprise and Scottsdale areas during the winter and go back north for the summer months.  Even though homeowners are only here for part of the year, many are still motivated to have the upgrades done because of comfort and air quality problems.  Other homeowners will have efficiency upgrades like duct sealing, air sealing and insulation work done because of the APS and SRP rebate program and to drive down energy costs.  During the homeowner interview, I am always interested to find out what each homeowner does to “summarize” their home.  For Phoenix’s permanent residents, the summer is a time many will take vacation for more temperate climates.  Either way presents opportunities listed below to save energy and money while away.

Tips for “Summerizing” Your Home While on Vacation

-          Turn the water heater off completely at the breaker or shut the gas line off.  At the least, set the dial to vacation mode to minimize stand by losses.
-          Turn the thermostat up to 90 degrees.  This will keep your home cool enough to not damage the structure or your belongings.
-          Fill gallons of water and place several throughout the house to add moisture over time.
-          Unplug energy vampire’s aka electronic devices.  TV’s will use more energy in stand by mode than when turned on.  Prevent wasteful spending by simply unplugging your electronics while away.
-           Keep window shades closed and sun screens on the exterior windows to minimize heat gain during the daytime.

For more tips on “summarizing” your home while away, visit here.