Top 10 Hacks To Save Energy While On Holiday

Heading off on a well-deserved holiday is the perfect opportunity to relax—but it’s also a chance to make wise choices that reduce your home’s energy consumption. Many households continue to use unnecessary power while empty, which not only increases your energy bill but also adds avoidable strain to the environment. By planning and making a few simple adjustments, you can return to a more cost‑efficient, eco‑friendly home. 

At Maintracts Services LTD, we’ve spent over 40 years helping homeowners optimise their plumbing, heating, electrical, and drainage systems for maximum efficiency. Our team understands exactly how to minimise waste and keep homes running smoothly, even when no one is there. We believe in practical, real‑world tips that make a measurable difference—both to your wallet and your carbon footprint. 

Our energy-efficient holiday tips are straightforward to follow and proven to deliver results. Whether you’re heading away for a weekend or several weeks, a few small actions can safeguard your property, reduce waste, and save money. Ready to prepare your home for maximum savings? Call us on 020 8682 2244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk to discover practical ways to improve your home’s energy performance. 

 

 

Why Save Energy While On Holiday?

When your home is vacant, unused appliances, heating, and cooling systems can still consume energy. By paying attention to small details before departure, you can: 

• Reduce your energy bill 
• Lower your carbon footprint 
• Maintain home safety 
• Prevent unnecessary wear on your systems 

Holidays are the ideal time to put energy-efficient holiday tips into action. Even minor adjustments can lead to substantial savings. 

 

10 Best Practical Tips To Save Energy While You Are On A Holiday

1. Unplug Electronic Devices To Eliminate Standby Power

One of the easiest yet most effective holiday energy-saving steps is to unplug electronic devices before you leave. Televisions, desktop computers, microwaves, games consoles, and phone chargers all consume standby power—also called “phantom load”—even when switched off. This wasted energy can add up to 5–10% of your yearly electricity use. To prevent it, remove plugs from sockets or use smart plugs to schedule shut‑offs remotely. This method is essential for households with multiple gadgets connected around the clock. For extra peace of mind, create a pre‑departure checklist to ensure nothing is left drawing unnecessary power. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also reduce unnecessary strain on the grid while you enjoy your holiday.

2. Adjust The Thermostat And HVAC System

Your thermostat should be one of the first things you check before heading away. An empty house doesn’t need the same heating or cooling levels as when you’re home. If you have a modern HVAC system, switch to its “holiday” or “away” mode. In summer, aim for a higher setting to reduce cooling needs. In winter, turn the heating right down but keep it above the freezing point to protect pipes—around 12–14°C is often enough. For properties with radiators, you can reduce heating further in unused rooms, but keep some minimal warmth to avoid condensation or frost damage. Smart thermostats make it even easier by allowing you to adjust settings remotely if your plans change. This minor tweak can cut significant energy waste.

3. Switch Off Or Lower Your Water Heater

Your water heater continues to work even when no hot water is being used. Switching it off entirely before you leave—especially for trips longer than a week—prevents it from cycling unnecessarily. For shorter holidays, lower the thermostat to the lowest safe temperature setting, typically between 50–55°C. If you have a combi boiler, turning off the hot water function is often the simplest step. For immersion heaters, use the wall switch to cut power entirely. These actions save both electricity and reduce wear on the appliance. If you have solar water heating, consider covering panels temporarily to avoid overheating. Restarting the system is quick on your return, and the cost and energy savings easily justify this small pre‑holiday habit.

4. Optimise Refrigerator Energy Use 

Your refrigerator is designed to run 24/7, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be made more efficient while you’re away. For trips under a week, set the fridge to between 3–5°C and the freezer to about -15°C. Avoid opening doors unnecessarily before leaving—it takes extra energy to cool down again. For more extended absences, empty, defrost, and unplug both fridge and freezer. Clean thoroughly and place a bowl of bicarbonate of soda inside to absorb odours. Keep doors open slightly to prevent mould. If unplugging isn’t possible, remove perishables and keep it less than 70% full to allow better air circulation. These changes both reduce running costs and make your appliances last longer by reducing overwork.

5. Close Curtains And Blinds

Closing your curtains and blinds before travelling helps stabilise indoor temperatures. In summer, blocking direct sunlight prevents indoor spaces from overheating, cutting cooling needs. In winter, thicker curtains act as insulation, keeping warmth in and cold draughts out. Choose thermal‑lined curtains or reflective blinds for best results. This passive method requires no energy itself, yet it supports your HVAC system in working less. For homes with multiple floors, prioritise rooms facing south (in the northern hemisphere) where sunlight exposure is higher. If you’re concerned about security, pair closed blinds with lighting timers, so the home appears occupied. It’s a simple, almost cost‑free measure that plays a significant role in reducing heat loss or gain while you’re away.

6. Seal Air Leaks And Install Weatherstripping

Even small gaps around doors and windows can allow warm or cool air to escape, causing heating or cooling systems to overwork. Before going away, inspect your home for obvious draughts. Use weatherstripping on doors and apply sealant to gaps along window frames. Pay attention to loft hatches, vents, and pipe entry points, which are often overlooked. Proper sealing can cut heat loss by up to 20%, meaning your home retains temperature far more effectively during your absence. This is especially valuable in winter, helping prevent damp by keeping surfaces warmer. It’s a low‑cost upgrade that brings long‑term year‑round savings—and the effort will still benefit you long after your holiday ends.

7. Use Smart Plugs And Lighting Timers

Smart plugs and lighting timers are excellent tools for both energy savings and security. By programming lamps and devices to turn on only at specific times, you avoid wasting energy on appliances that are left on continuously. At the same time, sporadic lighting makes your property appear occupied to deter potential intruders. Smart plugs can be controlled from anywhere via a smartphone app, allowing you to cut power immediately if something is accidentally left on. They’re also helpful in controlling non‑essential appliances, like coffee machines or decorative lights, without having to remember each switch. This combination of energy efficiency and security makes them a worthwhile investment for frequent travellers.

8. Turn Off Unnecessary Appliances

Before leaving, take a slow walk through your home with a checklist of devices to power down. Common energy drains include entertainment systems, printers, Wi‑Fi routers, water filters, garden pumps, and underfloor heating in rarely used areas. Many of these run silently in the background, contributing to electricity waste without you realising. Unplugging or switching them off at the wall is often easy and prevents a slow, constant drain on your resources. Remember to check any outbuildings or garages too, where tools or lighting might still be connected. Making this part of your regular pre‑holiday routine ensures you return to lower bills and a home that hasn’t expended energy unnecessarily.

9. Upgrade To Energy‑Efficient Appliances

If you have older appliances nearing the end of their useful life, upgrading to energy-efficient models can make a huge difference—not just when you’re on holiday but year‑round. Modern fridges, boilers, washing machines, and even lighting solutions like LED bulbs all consume less power while performing better. Look for appliances with a high UK Energy Label rating. Pairing efficient appliances with the strategies above (like smart plugs or timers) enhances savings even further. While replacing a major appliance is an investment, the energy and cost reductions often offset the price over time, making it a long‑term win for your household and the environment.

10. Monitor And Review Energy Usage

Installing a smart energy monitor helps you see real‑time consumption patterns, highlighting areas where energy is being wasted. Some systems even alert you if unusual usage occurs while you’re away—helpful for spotting appliances accidentally left on. You can also schedule a professional energy performance inspection to identify larger inefficiencies, such as poor insulation or ageing heating systems. By tracking your energy use over time, you’ll gain insight into high‑consumption devices and know exactly where to make changes. This not only supports holiday savings but also helps you maintain a permanently efficient home.

 

Related Reading And Resources

Here’s how to boost your energy saving knowledge with our helpful guides: 

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Ratings Explained 
• Energy price crisis check now 
• Are you Wasting Energy? 

 

Conclusion: Make Every Holiday Energy-Efficient

Taking simple, proactive steps before you set off can make a significant difference to your energy consumption and household costs. From sealing air leaks to adjusting your thermostat, unplugging unused devices, and using smart plugs, these actions reduce waste while keeping your home secure. Not only do these measures protect your property, but they also contribute to a more sustainable future by lowering your carbon footprint. 

At Maintracts Services Ltd, we combine over four decades of expertise with practical, real-world solutions to help you achieve lasting energy efficiency. Whether you want personalised advice, professional installation, or a complete home efficiency upgrade, we’re here to guide you. Call on 020 8682 2244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk to let our experts help you prepare your home for smarter, more cost‑effective energy use—no matter how long your holiday lasts.