A Few Suggestions Before You Go On Vacation
Before you leave on vacation, consider doing the following as a way to reduce your energy consumption and, most of all, give you peace of mind.
HEATING
Lower the temperature
If you’re going away for only a short period, say less than two weeks, it is recommended that you set your thermostat 2 to 3 degrees lower. If your thermostat is programmed differently for daytime and nighttime, it is suggested that you set it to the nighttime temperature while you are away. If you set it lower, you’ll certainly use less energy while you are gone, but once you return, you will have to consume more for several hours to compensate for the heat loss in the floors, walls and ceilings throughout the house.
If you have a smart thermostat, you’re in luck! You can control your temperature remotely using a mobile app connected to Wi-Fi. That way you can raise the temperate even before you step into the house.
WATER HEATER
Your tank type water heater keeps the water temperature at 60 degrees, 24 hours a day, because it takes less energy to maintain the water at the desired temperature than to regularly reheat cool water. Thus, shutting off the water heater is only cost-efficient if you shut it off for several weeks. If this happens to be the preferred option, check the user’s manual to find out how to shut it off if you are going to be away for an extended period.
Standard natural gas water heater
As a rule, if you have a standard natural gas water heater (connected to a chimney), you can simply set it to “vacation” mode. The dial at the bottom of the appliance can be set to VACATION or to the lowest setting. You can also shut off the cold water supply to the water heater to limit any damage in case the tank leaks. Upon your return, do a visual inspection of the appliance. Then, reopen the cold water supply and reset the dial to the usual setting. It will generally take a little over an hour for the water in the tank to warm up to the programmed temperature.
Power vent water heater
If you have a power vent water heater, you can simply disconnect it. You can shut off the cold water supply to the water heater to limit any damage in case the tank leaks. Upon your return, do a visual inspection of the water heater, reopen the cold water supply, and reconnect the appliance. It will generally take a little over an hour for the water in the tank to warm up to the programmed temperature.
Electric water heater
If you have an electric water heater, it is recommended that you shut off the power and the cold water supply to the water heater if you are going away for any length of time. You will save electricity and limit any damage in case the tank leaks. Upon your return, do a visual inspection of the water heater. Then reopen the cold water supply and make sure the tank is full before turning on the power to the water tank. It will generally take a little over an hour for the water in the tank to warm up to the programmed temperature.
Keep track of your bills remotely
This is an excellent time to go paperless! Before you leave on vacation, sign up with our Customer Centre and for online bills so you can access your information at any time. That way, even when you’re away, you can keep an eye on your bills and make payments on time.