Snowbirds
Right now is a great time to enjoy tropical sunshine! But before you head south, there are some things you can do to reduce your energy consumption and protect your home while you're away.
- Adjust your furnace thermostat – if you're already setting back the temperature in your home while away during the day or at night while sleeping, use that temperature 'setback' as your guide for a longer time away.
- Turn off the main water valve to the home (in case a 'frozen' pipe bursts); for rural customers on water well systems, turn off the circuit breaker that controls the well pump;
- Turn down a natural gas water heater to the 'vacation' setting. If the water heater is electric, turn its circuit breaker off or remove the fuse;
- Unplug TVs, DVD players, VCRs, and any other electronic device, in case of an electrical surge caused by bad weather power failures. If these devices are plugged into power bars with a switch, turn the power bar off. Time and memory settings in electronic devices may need resetting when you return home;
- Leave a few lights on mechanical timers;
- Leave a radio on, tuned to a 'talk station';
- Arrange for your driveway and walkway to be cleared of snow;
- Stop newspapers and mail delivery;
- Close drapes or blinds.
- If you have a monitored alarm system, make sure the alarm company knows the date you leave and return;
- Review your home insurance policy for their requirements if any. Some policies require your home be visited at regular intervals to uphold the policy requirements.
- Have a neighbor, friend, or family member to check on your home every few days especially in extreme cold weather to ensure that your home and heating system are working.
Contrary to popular belief, unplugging electronics and turning off appliances while away on an extended vacation may not save much money, because when you are at home, other heat sources help keep the furnace from coming on. Your electric bill may be reduced but your heating bill will increase because your furnace has to run more.
