5 Ways to Save Money When You Are Not Home

Whenever you leave your home, you probably go through a mental checklist of things to do to make sure it is secure. But have you thought about the things you can do to save money while you are away? Here are some simple tasks that help keep more money in your wallet when you leave your house, whether for the day, a weekend, or longer:

1. Adjust Your Thermostat

You can save big energy dollars by adjusting your thermostat a few degrees before you leave, according to Duke Energy spokesperson Ana Gibbs.

"A few degrees cooler, a few degrees warmer can have a significant impact. And adjusting your thermostat by 3 degrees every day can save you 30%," Gibbs said. She notes that if you have a programmable unit, it's as easy as setting it to vacation mode.

And while you may be tempted to turn off the thermostat entirely in extreme heat or cold, that may end up costing you more in the long run.

Leaving electronics to bake in your house can actually decrease battery longevity, and Gibbs noted in colder weather, turning off a thermostat increases the danger of coming home to frozen pipes. Plus, who wants to return from paradise to a miserably hot or cold home?

2. Stock Up Your Refrigerator

A fully stocked refrigerator will keep your refrigerator running more efficiently, Gibbs said.

"If you don't normally keep it full, use containers of water and ice cube trays," Gibbs said. The exception to this rule, she added, is if you're away for four weeks or longer; in that case, you should empty the fridge and unplug it.

3. Turn Off Your Water

Shut off your water at the main supply before you head out the door to avoid the unwelcome surprise of a burst pipe or an overflowing toilet. But be sure that this money-saving technique doesn't cause other problems.

"Turning off the main water supply without turning off the electric water heater could cause the heater to 'dry fire' and burn out its heating elements if you're gone for a long time," said Roto-Rooter Plumbing and Drain Services director of public relations, Paul Abrams.

And if you have a regular tank water heater, you'll want to turn it off at the breaker; if you don't, it will keep heating and reheating the water in the tank, Abrams said.

4. Unplug Energy Vampires

“Vampires” are electronic devices that continue to use energy — and money — even when they're in the off position. These include TVs, DVD players, game consoles, coffee makers, even rechargeable toothbrushes.

Is it a bit of a hassle unplugging everything? Sure. But those energy suckers can account for up to 20% of your monthly electricity bill.

5. Protect Your House and Deliveries

Nothing ruins a vacation like returning home to find it ransacked. Besides the basics — lock your doors and windows before you leave — consider the signs of absence that could make your place inviting to thieves, particularly if you're leaving your house for a month or longer.

Your Amazon Prime deliveries and regular mail piling up on your front stoop scream, "I'm not home," so hold your mail delivery through the US Postal Service or ask a friend to pick up packages. (And don't forget to pause deliveries for other subscriptions like meal kits, so you're also not throwing away money on wasted food.)

A dark house every night also invites unwelcome attention. Set timers for lamps throughout your home or if you have smart home controls, use them to turn on the lights for a few hours each evening.

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Many of these tips are intended for those who will be traveling. But some can absolutely be used day to day to help your wallet. Turn them into habits, and watch the savings add up!