As many of us prepare to head off on summer holidays, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis makes it more important than ever to find ways to save money, even when we’re away. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure your home runs efficiently in your absence, potentially saving you enough to enjoy an extra treat or two on your trip.
1. Power Down
According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average household in Britain spends £40 annually on appliances left on standby, with that figure rising to £70 in Northern Ireland. Joanna Flowers, a service and repair engineer with British Gas, advises: “Leaving household appliances, such as microwaves, plugged in and switched on when not in use will still use up energy and cost you. It makes sense to turn any electricals you won’t be using off at the plug before you go away.”
2. Empty Your Fridge
Flowers highlights the dual benefits of clearing out your fridge before your holiday: “Lots of households will eat through the contents of their fridge before going on holiday, leaving only the odd ketchup bottle or block of Cheddar behind. People often do this to prevent food waste, but it’s also a good way to be more energy efficient. If you’re going away for a long period of time, it’s worth defrosting your fridge and freezer to avoid using unneeded energy, or emptying them and powering down completely.”
3. Utilize Smart Technology
Smart technology can be a lifesaver when it comes to managing your home’s energy use from afar. “If you realize you’ve left your heating on after you’ve left for the airport, you can switch it off on the way,” says Flowers. Many apps also allow you to set your home to be at the perfect temperature upon your return.
4. Optimize Your Washing Routine
Preparing for a holiday often involves extensive laundry. Flowers suggests using cooler temperatures for washing: “Not only will this lower your energy bill and your environmental footprint, but it will also help your clothes last longer.” She also recommends skipping the tumble dryer and hanging clothes outside to dry when the weather is sunny.
5. Smart Lighting Solutions
Timers can be a great way to periodically light your home and deter burglars. For added convenience, Flowers mentions that smart lighting apps can help you check and control your lights remotely, ensuring you haven’t left any on by mistake.
In addition to Flowers’ tips, remember to turn off your mains water while you’re away to prevent any potential flooding. Insurance company Aviva notes that it has handled nearly 10,000 water escape claims during the summer months over the past four years. However, if your home is equipped with a fire sprinkler system, leave the water on as recommended by Aviva.
By taking these steps, you can enjoy your holiday with the peace of mind that you’ve minimized your home’s energy usage and saved on bills.