Traveling for the holidays can be stressful enough without adding in the concerns of using unnecessary energy while you are away. Here are a few tips to ease your mind while you are enjoying quality time with family and friends.
Power Down
- Turn off lights, appliances and electronics you won’t use while away. Unplug items like coffee makers and chargers to save energy. A smart plug power strip connects to Alexa or Google Home and can turn off devices with just your voice. Some even monitor the energy use of each device that is plugged into it.
Smart Lighting
- Use timers for security and holiday lights. Smart lights can also be incredibly useful. They allow users to turn them off and on while away, and even schedule time for lights to turn on around the time you get home every day. There are even lights with vacation mode, which can be set up on a random schedule for lights to turn on and off to mimic what would normally happen if someone was home.
Thermostat
- Set your thermostat to a lower temperature during your absence to avoid unnecessary heating. You may also want to consider purchasing a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can be adjusted from your phone or tablet, adjusting the temperature based on your habits and can save you a significant amount of money. Be sure to check out our prequalified thermostat list to make sure you buy one that qualifies for a Santee Cooper rebate.
MEL App
- Stay informed with our MEL app. Receive alerts about excessive energy use when you are away.
Utilizing these tips can help ease your mind as you spend time with family and friends away from your home this holiday season.