Are you going away for a week or longer this summer? Here are some tips on what to do before you leave for vacation:
Air Conditioner:
Leave the AC on with the fan switch set to "Auto". This will keep the humidity under control while you are away. If you have a manual thermostat, set it to 80 degrees for a home or townhouse and 77 degrees for condo or apartment. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to 72 degrees for two hours before sunrise and 88 degrees for the rest of the day. And for the best air flow through your home, leave your bedroom doors and AC vents open.
Ceiling Fans:
Make sure they are all turned off. They are not necessary as the AC circulates the air to help prevent mold. Leaving them on does not help and will only increase your electric bill.
Electronics:
Unplug your electronic devices when you leave. Many use power even when you are not using them. This also helps to protect from surges and lightning strikes.
Water Heater:
If you will be gone for an extended period, turn this off. This will save some money on your electric bill as it continues to heat water day and night so it is available when you need it. If it does not have an on/off switch, you can turn off the circuit breaker.
Main Water Valve:
If you do not have an automatic sprinkler system, you can turn off the main water valve. If you do have a sprinkler system, you can turn of the valves that connect to your washer, dishwasher and toilets. This can help avoid repair costs should a hose or pipe burst while you are away.
Lights:
If you want to leave a light on to make it look like someone is home, use a timer so it will turn on and off at various times through out the evening.
