When nobody is there, heating or cooling your home might seem like a money drain. But not doing so leads to even more financial pain.
These steps can help you reduce how much you need to heat or cool your property:
Close vents: Vent airflow for your oven or dryer are essential when you're living at home. But when you're not there, they're another way for heated or air-conditioned air to get out and cause your home to adopt the outside temperature quickly.
Seal doors and windows: Old windows and doors can leak indoor temperatures out of your home and let outside temperatures in. That doesn't necessarily mean you need to replace all your windows and doors to save a few bucks on your energy costs. Often, purpose-specific window film can prevent cold or hot air from getting in or out. For doors, you can replace weatherstripping on the frame to improve its sealing.
Use a smart thermostat: a programmable thermostat is great for vacant homes. It lets you change the temperature when you're not physically present at the property. If you're away on vacation for a few weeks, you can cool or heat your home before you get back. As a result, it feels like you never turned off your heat or air conditioning, but your energy bill will thank you.
If your home is vacant, it's essential to keep it at at least 55°F/16°C in the winter and a maximum of 90°F/32°C in the summer. This can keep your electricity bill low without the risk of frozen pipes or moisture that leads to mould.
Completely turning off air conditioning or heat might save you a few dollars a month but then cost you a lot in the long run. A homeowner who doesn't keep that 55°F/16°C is at-risk of water damage and broken pipes that home insurance might not cover.
If you have a vacant property due to an extended vacation or an inability to find a tenant, you might need a vacant home insurance policy. Get a Free quote and buy vacant property insurance with APOLLO Insurance today.