How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint While Away on Vacation

January 28, 2023

If you are thinking of going somewhere warm for spring break, here are a few green steps you can take to keep your house safe while limiting the amount of energy being used in your vacant home.

While many of these suggestions are for people living in a house, some apply to apartment dwellers as well.

  • First thing, consult with your plumber and/or electrician about the lowest temperature you can set your thermostat to while you are away without a danger of freezing pipes. Temperatures may vary  depending on the size of your home and how well your home is insulated.
  • Discuss with your plumber whether you should or should not turn off the water and the hot water heater.
  • If you are concerned about break-ins and want to leave a light or two on, buy the most energy efficient light timers and set it so a light or lights are on only when you think it’s necessary. 
  • Consult with your electrician about the most energy-efficient light bulbs.
  • Before leaving your  home, make sure all windows are firmly closed.
  • Remember, heat rises, so you may be able to set your thermostat upstairs on lower temps than downstairs.
  • Be sure to leave all bedroom and bathroom doors open so that warm air in the house circulates. Leave cabinet doors open if pipes are hidden away in those walls.
  • Unplug all electronic devices that use electricity passively, like clocks, cable TV boxes and chargers. 
  • If your fridge needs a cleaning, clean it just before going away and leave it empty and unplugged while away.

Also, we’re learning that thinking about the above steps can have a lasting impact, making us all more conscious of conserving energy even when we are not on vacation.

Remember, the less energy we use, the smaller carbon footprint we are leaving. Safe travels! 

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