10 Top Tips to Minimise Energy Use While on Holiday

December is also a popular month for Australians to go on holiday. When the house is empty, it's an ideal time to minimize energy consumption further. Here are some tips to ensure you're not wasting energy while you're away enjoying your vacation:

1. Unplug Non-Essential Appliances:

• Before leaving, unplug appliances like TVs, microwaves, computers, and other electronics. Even in standby mode, these devices can consume a significant amount of energy.

2. Adjust Your Refrigerator and Freezer:

• If you’re going away for an extended period, consider adjusting the temperature settings of your fridge and freezer to higher, yet safe levels, to save energy. If your holiday is for a longer duration, you might even empty and switch them off.

3. Turn Off Your Water Heater:

• If your water heater has no vacation mode, turn it off or lower its temperature setting. There's no need to keep water hot if no one is home to use it.

4. Smart Thermostat Settings:

• If you have a smart thermostat, set it to 'away' mode. This setting keeps the house at a minimal maintenance temperature, avoiding unnecessary cooling.

5. Automatic Light Timers:

• Use timers or smart lights that can be controlled remotely to turn on and off at specific times. This not only saves energy but also enhances home security by giving the appearance that someone is home.

6. Pool Pump and Irrigation Systems:

• Adjust the settings of your pool pump to run less frequently. For irrigation systems, consider rain sensors or timers to avoid unnecessary watering.

7. Close Curtains and Blinds:

• Close curtains and blinds to keep the heat out. This will reduce the greenhouse effect inside your house, keeping it cooler without the need for air conditioning.

8. Security Considerations:

• While it’s important to minimize energy use, ensure your security systems are fully operational. Sometimes, it's necessary to leave certain lights or devices on for security purposes.

9. Check All Taps:

• Ensure that all taps are tightly closed to prevent dripping, which not only wastes water but can increase your energy bill if you use an electric pump.

10. Document Your Settings:

• Keep a note of all the adjustments you make so you can easily reset them to your normal settings when you return from holiday.

By implementing these measures, you can enjoy your holiday without the worry of returning to a high energy bill. These steps not only contribute to energy savings but also to the broader effort of reducing your environmental footprint.