Summer is a great time to be outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. However, this also means that your home may become vacant. If you are looking for ways to save money on energy bills during this period, we have some tips for you! Check out our article today for more information about how to leave a vacant house in summer and save money.
Turn A/C off
If you are planning on leaving your home vacant for a period of time, one way to save energy is by turning off the air conditioning. It can be easy to forget that if it’s been months since someone has lived in the house, or when we’re going out for vacation and plan on coming back before our property goes vacant again. It’s important to be mindful of the fact that turning off your air conditioner can save up to $150 a month in energy costs.
Lower Thermostat Temperature
Another way to save money on energy bills is by lowering the thermostat temperature. If you are able for this, try turning your heat down from 68 degrees Fahrenheit (or 20 Celsius) to 65-67 degrees Fahrenheit or 18-19 Celsius. This will help you lower your heating bill and also avoid letting warm air escape into an already heated house.
Close Curtains and Blinds
In order to keep the house cool, it’s important to close curtains and blinds when they are not in use. This will help reduce solar heating, which is a major cause of heat gain inside your home during the summer months.
It can be easy to forget that if it has been months since someone lived in the house or when we are outside, we are not exposed to the sun’s rays for extended periods of time. One can still be affected by solar heating if they are inside and there is no circulation.
When you close your curtains or blinds during the night, it will help keep out natural sunlight that heats up a house and saves money on air conditioning costs in the process. If you are not currently using your curtains or blinds, consider putting them in storage so that they can be ready for use when the time arises.
Place Water Heater at Lowest Setting
The water heater is another major area where you can save on your energy bill, especially if the house has been vacant for a while. As mentioned before, natural sunlight will heat up a house and this includes the hot water in a tank as well. To reduce these effects to help limit your energy costs while going through renovations or improvements on an old home, lower your water heater’s temperature setting from 130 degrees Fahrenheit to 120.
Turn off Appliances and Heating Equipment
Check to see if any appliances or heating equipment are still operating. If they are, locate the circuit breaker and turn them off immediately. You do not want your electricity bill skyrocketing because you were too lazy to check this before leaving for vacation!
Unplug Electronics and Appliances
Even when turned off, many electronic devices and appliances continue to draw power. This phenomenon, known as “phantom load,” can add up over time. To minimize this:
- Unplug All Non-Essential Electronics: Before you leave, unplug TVs, computers, gaming consoles, and kitchen gadgets that you won’t need. This simple step can significantly reduce energy consumption.
- Use Power Strips: Consider using power strips for groups of electronics, which makes it easier to turn them off all at once when you leave.
Set Your Refrigerator to an Energy-Saving Mode
If you plan to leave your home for a while, your refrigerator will still need to run, but you can optimize its energy use:
- Set it to Vacation Mode: Most modern refrigerators have a vacation setting that reduces energy consumption by maintaining a higher internal temperature while keeping food safe.
- Empty the Fridge: If the house will be vacant for a long time, consider removing perishable items to prevent spoilage and unpleasant odors.
Consider an Energy Audit
An energy audit can identify areas where your home is losing energy, allowing you to make improvements that can save money long-term:
- Hire a Professional: Many utility companies offer free or discounted energy audits. A professional will assess your home’s insulation, air leaks, and HVAC efficiency.
- DIY Inspection: If you prefer to do it yourself, look for gaps around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Seal any leaks with caulk or weather stripping to prevent cool air from escaping.
Maintain Landscaping
While it may be tempting to neglect your yard while you’re away, proper landscaping can play a significant role in regulating your home’s temperature:
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: Keep trees and shrubs well-trimmed to prevent them from obstructing airflow to your air conditioning unit. Good airflow will help the unit operate more efficiently.
- Use Mulch: Adding a layer of mulch to garden beds can help retain moisture and reduce the need for watering, which can be costly if you’re not home to monitor it.
Adjust Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help distribute air more evenly, making it feel cooler even when the air conditioning is off:
- Set Fans to Counterclockwise: If you leave your ceiling fans running, ensure they’re set to rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down. This can help maintain a comfortable environment even if the temperature rises outside.
- Turn Fans Off When Not Needed: If you’re gone for an extended period, consider turning off ceiling fans to save energy, as they cool people, not rooms.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable or smart thermostat can help you manage your home’s temperature more effectively while you’re away:
- Set a Schedule: Program your thermostat to adjust temperatures based on your schedule. For example, you can set it to maintain a higher temperature during the day and lower it in the evening when you return.
- Remote Access: Many smart thermostats allow you to monitor and adjust the temperature remotely via a smartphone app, giving you control even when you’re not at home.
Check Insurance Requirements
Before you leave your home vacant, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure you meet all requirements for coverage:
- Notify Your Insurer: Some insurance companies require you to inform them if your home will be unoccupied for a certain period. Failing to do so could lead to a denial of coverage for any incidents that occur while you are away.
- Consider Additional Coverage: If you are concerned about potential risks, such as theft or damage, you might want to explore additional coverage options specifically designed for vacant homes.
Arrange for House Sitting or Regular Check-Ins
If possible, arrange for someone to check on your home regularly while you’re away:
- House Sitting Services: Hire a house sitter to look after your home and maintain its security. A responsible person can keep an eye on things, water plants, and check for any issues that may arise.
- Neighborhood Watch: Inform trusted neighbors of your absence so they can keep an eye on your property. This can deter potential intruders and provide peace of mind.
Conclusion
Leaving a vacant house during the summer can be a hassle, but with the right strategies in place, you can save money and protect your property. By implementing energy-saving measures, conducting regular maintenance, and enhancing security, you can enjoy peace of mind while you take advantage of the summer sunshine. For more tips and assistance on how to prepare your home for vacancy, feel free to reach out to Coastal Home Services! Our experts are here to help you ensure your home remains safe and energy-efficient while you’re away.
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