“I’m going on vacation this holiday weekend. Is there anything I can do to save on energy usage from the A/C?”
It’s a very good question. We answered it for our customer. Let us answer it for all of you!
There are several ways you can use less energy as it relates to the air conditioning during your absence for an extended period…and even if you go to work each day.
Here are some effective ways to save energy while you are away on vacation:
- Get a smart thermostat. Some smart thermostats will even program themselves by using geofencing to know when you are or are not in the home. It will “learn” your occupancy patterns and set itself in an energy savings mode while you are away. Other benefits of a smart Wi-Fi thermostat is that you can change the A/C temperature setting while away. Turn it up (or down) at anytime you want from your smart phone or tablet simply by using a related smart stat App.
- Keep your shades and blinds closed. You can use less A/C when your house is closed up by simply shutting the drapes. Want to take it a step further? Apply sun deflecting material to the windows if you will be gone for an extended period. Similarly, awnings can help. Awnings above windows or doors that draw a lot of heat is a great way to maintain cooler temperatures in the home and use less A/C.
- Program in energy savings on your programmable thermostat. Programming your thermostat for a schedule where you set the temperature higher during hours (or days) you are gone helps to reduce energy consumption of the A/C.
- Turn on the ceiling fans. Fans use less energy than an A/C. Leave them on once you close up the house for your vacation and they’ll keep it cooler inside, using less A/C.