Smart Home Tips for Saving Energy While You’re on Vacation

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Heading out on vacation? Whether you're going on a quick weekend getaway or a long trip abroad, one of the last things you want to worry about is your energy consumption at home. Fortunately, your smart home can help you save energy while you're away, reducing your carbon footprint and saving money on utility bills. 

From adjusting your thermostat to managing lighting and appliances, here are some practical smart home tips to ensure you’re saving energy while you’re enjoying some time away. 

1. Set Your Thermostat to an Energy-Efficient Temperature 

One of the most significant energy drains in your home is heating and cooling. During the summer, your air conditioning works hard to keep your home cool, and in the winter, heating can drive up energy bills. When you're on vacation, there’s no need to keep your home at a comfortable living temperature, so setting your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature can make a big difference. 

Why It’s Essential:

Your heating and cooling systems can consume a lot of energy, especially if they're running non-stop while you're away. Smart thermostats allow you to adjust your home's temperature remotely, so you can ensure it's set to an energy-saving level before you leave. 

Tip:

If you have a smart thermostat like the Honeywell Thermostat, program it to set the temperature higher in the summer or lower in the winter while you're away. You can adjust it right from your smartphone if you need to make any last-minute changes. 

2. Unplug Devices That Draw Power 

Even when appliances are turned off, they can still draw "phantom" energy, which can add up over time. Many electronics like TVs, game consoles, chargers, and kitchen appliances continue to consume power when plugged in but not in use. 

Why It’s Essential:

Unplugging devices or using a smart power strip helps to prevent these energy leaks, so you're not wasting power on idle devices during your vacation. 

Tip:

Invest in smart plugs such as the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug. These plugs allow you to turn devices on and off remotely and schedule them to power down when you’re not around. You can also use them to turn off lights and other appliances when you're away. 

3. Automate Your Lights to Simulate Occupancy 

Leaving lights on while you're on vacation may seem like a good idea for security, but it can also lead to unnecessary energy consumption. Fortunately, with smart lighting systems, you can automate your lights to turn on and off at scheduled times to simulate occupancy. 

Why It’s Essential:

By automating your lighting, you not only save energy but also give the appearance that someone is home, which can deter burglars and enhance the security of your property. 

Tip:

Install smart light bulbs like Philips Hue or LIFX bulbs. These bulbs can be controlled via your smartphone, and you can set schedules or use geo-fencing to turn the lights on and off based on your location. Some smart bulbs even have motion sensors to ensure lights are only on when needed. 

4. Turn Off Water-Heating Devices 

Your water heater is another energy-intensive appliance that should be turned off while you're on vacation. The last thing you want is to be heating water that isn’t being used. 

Why It’s Essential: 

Water heaters can consume a lot of power to maintain a consistent temperature, even when you're not around to use the water. Turning off your water heater during your vacation is an easy way to reduce energy use. 

Tip: 

If you have a smart water heater, like those from Rheem, you can control it remotely to ensure it's turned off while you're away. If you don't have a smart water heater, you can simply switch off the breaker that powers the unit before leaving for vacation. 

5. Close Blinds or Shades to Keep Your Home Cool 

If you’re going on vacation during the summer months, one way to keep your home cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning is to close your blinds or shades. This prevents sunlight from heating up your space, especially if you’re in a warm climate. 

Why It’s Essential: 

Sunlight pouring through windows can dramatically increase the temperature inside your home, forcing your air conditioning system to work harder. By closing blinds or using smart window coverings, you can keep your home cooler without relying on energy-guzzling cooling systems. 

Tip: 

Use smart shades or motorized blinds like those from Lutron Serena or Ikea's Fyrtur. You can set schedules to have them automatically close when you're away, keeping your home shaded and energy-efficient. 

6. Use a Smart Irrigation System for Your Lawn 

If you have an irrigation system for your lawn or garden, it’s important to ensure it’s not running unnecessarily while you're away. A smart irrigation system can help conserve water and energy by adjusting watering schedules based on weather conditions and the needs of your plants. 

Why It’s Essential: 

Traditional irrigation systems run on fixed schedules, which may lead to over-watering and increased energy usage. Smart irrigation systems can adjust watering times based on local weather conditions, preventing over-watering and saving energy. 

Tip: 

Install a smart irrigation controller like the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller. This device connects to your Wi-Fi and allows you to manage and schedule your sprinkler system from your smartphone. You can customize it based on weather forecasts to save both water and energy. 

7. Adjust Your Smart Home Security System 

While it’s essential to ensure your home is secure while you're on vacation, your security system can also help you save energy by keeping unnecessary devices off. For example, cameras and sensors that are constantly recording can consume more power. 

Why It’s Essential: 

Some security systems use a lot of power to operate continuously. Adjusting settings or activating power-saving modes can ensure that your system is working efficiently while still keeping your home safe. 

Tip: 

Many smart security systems like Ring or Arlo offer motion-triggered recording, so you don't have to keep cameras running all day. You can also schedule when your security system is active, ensuring that lights and cameras only turn on when necessary. 

8. Monitor Your Energy Consumption with a Smart Energy Hub 

Keeping track of your home’s energy usage while you're away can be tricky, but with the right tech, you can monitor and adjust your energy consumption from anywhere. A smart energy hub can track real-time energy usage and offer suggestions for reducing consumption. 

Why It’s Essential: 

By monitoring your energy consumption, you can identify energy-hogging devices and adjust settings to save power. It also gives you peace of mind knowing you’re doing everything possible to reduce your environmental impact. 

Tip: 

Devices like Sense Energy Monitor or Emporia Energy give you insights into how much energy different appliances are using. These systems connect to your electrical panel and allow you to track and manage energy consumption remotely. 

Final Thoughts: Enjoy a Vacation While Saving Energy 

By making small adjustments and leveraging smart home technology, you can enjoy a more energy-efficient vacation. Not only will you save on utility bills, but you'll also be doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint. So, the next time you head out on a trip, take these simple steps to ensure your home is energy-efficient and secure—leaving you free to enjoy your time away without worry.