1. Unplug appliances and devices

Electronics like TVs, computers, and gaming consoles drain energy when plugged in, even if they’re turned off or in sleep mode. Before you leave, unplug these electronics and appliances. You’ll avoid paying for that phantom energy load and protect your devices from potential power surges while you're away.

Phantom loads can make up to 10% of your electricity bill! Plug your devices into smart outlets or power strips to save money on this wasted energy. Some smart power strips even allow you to track energy usage and control devices remotely. Otherwise, plug your devices into a power bar, so it’s easier to cut power to them all when you leave for holiday.

2. Keep the fridge at least half-full (or turn it off)

A fully stocked fridge stays colder than an empty one. That’s because the food and drinks in your fridge hold the cold better than the air, so your refrigerator doesn’t have to work as hard to keep it all cool. Before you leave for vacation, fill up the extra space on the shelves with jugs, ice trays, or containers filled with water. To save energy, adjust the thermostats to 4°C for the refrigerator and -18°C for the freezer.

If you’re gone for a month or more, emptying your fridge and unplugging it might be wise.

3. Turn off lights and set timers.

Turn the lights off before you leave, but set a few lamps on timers. Timers allow you to program lights to come on and off during certain parts of the day so it looks like someone is home. Smart timers or Wi-Fi-connected lamps also allow you to control your lights remotely from your smartphone while you’re away.

4. Program your thermostat

Adjust your programmable or smart thermostat to a lower temperature so you’re not paying for wasted energy heating your home while you’re away. If you usually program your thermostat for temperature changes throughout the day, this will ensure it stays at a consistent temperature while you’re gone. With a smart thermostat, you can control your heating from your smartphone.

5. Set your water heater to a lower temperature.

Water heating can account for over 17% of the energy consumed in the home. By lowering the temperature of your water heater by several degrees, you can prevent it from cycling on and off too frequently. Plus, there’s no need to keep that water piping hot if no one is around to use it!

6. Check your smoke detector.

Replace batteries for your smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they work properly. If the batteries on your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors start to die, they’ll chirp. That chirping can go on for weeks, alerting passersby that no one is home.

7. Prevent pipes from freezing.

You can turn down the heat, but not so much that the water in your plumbing system starts to freeze! Set your home temperature between 17°C - 20°C. The interior of the floor and wall spaces, where water piping is likely located, tend to be colder than actual living spaces.

Before you leave, open the doors to all the rooms. Open doors allow the air to move through the home and keep an even temperature. For extra peace of mind, you can connect a water flow sensor and low-temperature sensor on your main water supply pipe. Then, you’ll get an alert on your smartphone if there is an issue.

8. Arrange for snow removal.

If you’ll be away during winter, arrange for someone to clear the snow on your driveway and sidewalks. Most municipalities require sidewalks to be kept clear. Plus, clearing the snow will make it look like someone is home or, at minimum, keeping an eye on the place.

Having a trusted friend or family member check in on the house for you is also a good idea. They can collect the mail and make sure your home is heated without problems. Plus, most home insurance policies require frequent check-ins if your home is unoccupied. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ll be covered if there is a mishap while you’re away.

Bon voyage and safe travels!