save energy while you're on vacation

refrigerators/ freezers
If you have food in it, leave it alone, it will use less energy when you're gone, because it's not being opened. If it's empty, it is not a good idea to unplug it, because mildew & mold can grow w/in just a couple of days. Instead, set it to its lowest setting & you can save up to 40% on its electric usage, in most cases $5-$10/month.

waterbed heaters
You can unplug them, but they can take a good part of a day to get back up to temperature once you return. Consider lowering the temperature 5-10° &/or covering the bed w/ a couple extra blankets, so the heater doesn't have to work so hard during your absence. Unplugging it can save you $4-$8 per month.

furnace/ heaters
You should consider lowering your thermostat, but to no lower than 50°F to 55°F. Any lower & you risk freezing pipes & colder temperatures may have negative effects on the interior of your home because it is not "used to" the colder temperatures. If you have a programmable thermostat, you may need to use the button marked "Hold". Keep in mind that it will take time for your house to get comfortable again, once you return. Typically, you can save 10% to 30% on your heating costs by setting your furnace down to 55°F. It is not recommended that you run a space heater w/out supervision. Turn them off & unplug them while you're gone.

air conditioning
You can shut the air conditioner off during your absence, or at least consider setting it to a higher than normal temperature (80°F-85°F). There are two possible negative effects in doing this: increased humidity in the home during your absence & increased energy usage by your refrigerator/ freezer. Turning off your central air can save you up to $30/month.

water heaters
A large percentage of the cost of running a water heater is due to the "stand by" losses, the cost of keeping the water at the selected temperature. Consider setting the water heater to the "Vacation" setting or the lowest temperature setting. Make sure you record what temperature it should be set back to when you return (a normal operating temperature of 120°F is safe & energy efficient). Turning it off may not be the best idea; the life of some water heaters can be shortened, you can risk freezing pipes in winter, & you can have a considerable wait for hot water once you turn it back on. Setting your water heater down but not off, can save you up to $10/month for electric water heaters or $4/month for gas.

dehumidifier
Make sure that you're not running your dehumidifer in the continuous mode, it could be costing you up to $30/month. Depending on your needs, consider turning it down or off.

lights
Make sure most of your lights are off while you're out. However, you may want to leave a few on to create a "lived in" look, to deter robbery. Consider putting some lights on a timer or photocell; you save energy & give more of an appearance that someone is home. Turning off the lights can save a typical household about $6 per month.

gas stoves & fireplaces
If you have a stove or fireplace w/ a pilot light, consider shutting them off if you're gone for a long period of time. However, make sure you know the correct & safe way to re-light them. New appliances may use a "pilotless ignition" & may not have a pilot to turn off. A gas pilot light will typically cost $1-$2/month.

small electric appliances
Your house has many items that use small amounts of energy when they're plugged in, but they can add up. Unplugging these items not only save energy, put in some cases, can avoid possible fire hazards during your absence. Some of the more common items: television set, VCR, cable TV boxes, clocks, microwaves ovens & items using "power cubes" (dustbusters, cell phone chargers, baby monitors, battery chargers). Most of these items have internal circuits that always use electricity when they're plugged in, even when they're turned off. Each item can cost you between 25¢ & $3/month.