Holiday time is here again – the house will be locked up but what should you do before you leave.
The biggest electricity guzzler is your geyser – you can usually turn it off at the wall and save a fortune – however do remember to turn it on as soon as you get home to ensure a nice hot shower- it doesn’t take that long to heat up – by the time you have unpacked the car and put everything away, the water will be hot enough.
While a lot of people think they should unplug their aircons, especially in summer, its best to leave them running on about 23 degrees to stop everything smelling musty – you can even leave the units running just on fan to save even more.
Your fridge and freezer need to be left on and plugged in – even if they are empty – unless you are going for a very long time (over 3 months) then you can unplug but leave them open.
Unplug small kitchen countertop appliances such as coffee machines, microwaves, electric kettles and toasters. These are appliances that we typically keep plugged in at all times because some (like a microwave) have a digital clock that's convenient to have displayed. Even though they're not being used while you're away, these appliances still use power, so unplugging them while you're on vacation is a smart way to conserve energy.
2. TVs, Cable Boxes, and WiFi Routers
Your TVs, various cable boxes, and Wi-Fi routers use up energy even when they're not actively being used, as evidenced by their various lights that are constantly on. You should periodically unplug these three items anyway to refresh them and maintain their good working condition, but it's particularly important that you unplug them before you leave for a holiday.
3. Computers
Protect a desktop computer as well as a charging laptop from a power surge by unplugging it before you leave to go on holiday. A computer continues to use up energy when plugged in and voltage and heat continue to flow into the appliances, which can be potentially damaging to the computer and increase the risk of a fire. It's also using up energy and adding to those monthly electricity bills. The same goes for any electronics associated with computers, such as a printer.
4. All Chargers
Whether it's a laptop or a stick vacuum charger, make sure that you unplug all chargers before you leave. While chargers are designed with safety in mind, they should technically be unplugged once the device reaches a full charge, and definitely when you leave to go on holiday, to avoid a fire hazard and damage to the appliances.
5. Gaming Consoles
Similar to your entertainment system, a gaming console uses energy whenever it's plugged in, so it's smart to unplug it when you go away. As a general rule of thumb, you can unplug electrical appliances that are unnecessary to the maintenance of your home while you're away.
6. Dishwasher
Avoid costly water damage and a very unpleasant surprise upon your return home from vacation by unplugging the dishwasher and turning off the water supply altogether. Additionally, prevent any bad odours and mildew from forming by leaving the dishwasher door slightly open to allow for good ventilation.
7. Washer and Dryer
Stay on the safe side and unplug your washer and dryer before you leave. Both of these appliances use up energy while plugged in and the dryer in particular can be a serious fire hazard. In addition to unplugging the dryer, clean it before leaving (and regularly throughout the year) to remove lint and dust buildup. When lint and dust are left to collect over time, they increase the risk of the dryer starting a fire. Also wipe the door rubber of the washer with detergent to inhibit the buildup of any mildew – here again leave the door open and make sure the filter has been cleaned.
8. Air Purifiers and Fans
Since appliances like air purifiers and fans are not essential to your home's maintenance while you're out of town, play it safe and unplug them before you leave to decrease your energy bill and risk of electrical fire. This includes all sizes of air purifiers, as well as tabletop and tower fans.
9. Electric Toothbrushes
Unplug any small bathroom appliances that you typically charge daily, such as an electric toothbrush. If you're not taking these items with you when you travel, make sure to not only remove the appliances from their chargers but to unplug the chargers as well.
10. Heaters
If you are traveling in the winter and have one or multiple heaters in your home, make sure to unplug them all. They continue to drain the energy supply when plugged in, therefore costing you money in energy bills even when you're away on vacation. They can also be an extremely dangerous fire hazard when left plugged in as they produce a lot of heat when on. Even when turned off, heaters can still cause a fire if there is a power surge.
Here's wishing you a fabulous festive season!
Much Love,
Margaret Hirsch
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