HOUSTON, TX – PRNewswire

Summer’s officially in full swing, which usually means vacation time for many, and consequently, many homes left unattended. Unfortunately, attention to energy efficiency in the home can often go overlooked when planning for travel, leading to unnecessarily high energy use while its occupants are away.

The professionals at Mister Sparky® are invested in making homes more energy-efficient and offer the following guidance for home owners as they travel this summer.

  • Don’t turn your thermostat off, but do adjust it to a higher setting, such as 85 degrees, to decrease the inside and outside temperature difference and remove humidity. You’ll save more energy, while protecting sensitive parts of the interior of your home, such as your plants, artwork, refrigerator and more. Close blinds and curtains to eliminate excess heat.
  • Do unplug appliances that aren’t essential to keeping the house running, and remember products in standby mode still use electricity. Major “energy vampires” include everything from an idle computer desktop, to a game console in “ready” mode, to an open microwave door, and many more. Consider using a power strip for multiple cords, which when easily switched off with one button, fully disconnects power even if the strip is still plugged in.
  • Do consider a home energy audit by an electrician. This inspection of a home’s infrastructure and appliances, such as your HVAC system, refrigerator, hot water heater, insulation and roofing, is designed to identify areas of improvement, saving on electricity bills in the long run.

Keeping these tips in mind ensures homes are left in their most energy-efficient state when unoccupied, saving homeowners the headache of a high energy bill – and potentially more money to go toward their next vacation.

To learn more and find the Mister Sparky location near you, visit www.mistersparky.com.

About Mister Sparky®

Mister Sparky® electric has an impeccable record for delivering fast, on-time service, accurate upfront pricing, and an overall pleasant experience for customers. We differentiate ourselves from all other electrical companies by our unique message to the marketplace: Mister Sparky – America’s On-Time Electrician®, We’re On Time, You’ll See, Or The Repair Is Free!®. We have trademarked “on-time” in the electrical industry and we champion it in the marketplace. Mister Sparky is part of the Direct Energy family of brands. Franchised locations are independently owned and operated businesses.

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of North America’s largest retail providers of electricity, natural gas, and home and business energy-related services with nearly four million customers. Direct Energy gives customers choice, simplicity, and innovation where energy, data, and technology meet. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), an international energy and services company, Direct Energy, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, operate in 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 4 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, please visit www.directenergy.com.