--- title: Seven Ways to Curb Utility Costs Before Your Next Vacation description: HTP's Blog | Curb utility costs before vacation image: http://www.homeenergy.tips/sites/default/files/content/Vacation.jpg --- [![HTPLogo](https://blog.htproducts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HTPLogo.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=HTPLogo.jpg "HTPLogo")](https://www.htproducts.com) - [Space Heating](https://www.htproducts.com/space-heating.html) - Residential - [Elite FT](https://www.htproducts.com/eliteft.html) - [Elite Premier](http://www.htproducts.com/elitepremier.html) - [Elite Ultra](https://www.htproducts.com/eliteultra.html) - [Pioneer](http://www.htproducts.com/pioneer.html) - [UFT](http://www.htproducts.com/UFT-Boiler.html) - Commercial - [Elite FT](http://www.htproducts.com/eliteft.html) - [Elite Premier](http://www.htproducts.com/elitepremier.html) - [Elite XL](https://www.htproducts.com/elitexl.html) - [EnduroTI](http://www.htproducts.com/enduroti.html) - [Mod Con](http://www.htproducts.com/modconboiler.html) - [Mod Con Double Stack](http://www.htproducts.com/modcon-double-stack.html) - [UFT Boiler](https://www.htproducts.com/UFT-Boiler.html) - Accessories - [ModBus BACNet](http://www.htproducts.com/modbus-bacnet.html) - [PolyPro Vent System](http://www.htproducts.com/poly-pro.html) - [Zone Manifold Systems](http://www.htproducts.com/quickzone.html) - [The Universal Stand](http://htproducts.com/literature/Universal-Stand.pdf) - [Water Heating](http://www.htproducts.com/water-heating.html) - [Gas - Phoenix Series](http://htproducts.com/gas-water-heating.html) - [Phoenix](http://www.htproducts.com/phoenixwaterheater.html) - [Phoenix Light Duty](http://www.htproducts.com/phoenixldwaterheater.html) - [Phoenix Multi-Fit](http://htproducts.com/Phoenix-Multi-Fit.html) - [Phoenix Plus](http://www.htproducts.com/phoenixpluswaterheater.html) - [Phoenix Sanitizer](http://www.htproducts.com/phoenix-sanitizer.html) - [Electric - Everlast Series](http://htproducts.com/electric-water-heating.html) - [Everlast Residential](http://www.htproducts.com/everlast-residential-water-heater.html) - [Everlast Light Duty Commercial](http://www.htproducts.com/everlast-light-com-water-heater.html) - [Everlast 3 Element](http://www.htproducts.com/everlast-medium-duty-commercial-water-heater.html) - [Everlast Commercial](http://www.htproducts.com/everlast-commercial-water-heater.html) - [Everlast Grid Enabled](http://www.htproducts.com/grid-enabled-electric-water-heater.html) - [Heat Pump Water Heater](http://www.htproducts.com/heat-pump-water-heater.html) - [Tankless](http://htproducts.com/tankless-water-heating.html) - [Hydra Smart](http://www.htproducts.com/hydrasmart-residential.html) - [Hydra Smart RTC](http://www.htproducts.com/hydrasmart-RTC.html) - [Supply Boilers](http://htproducts.com/hot-water-supply-boilers.html) - [Elite VWH](http://www.htproducts.com/elite-premier-vwh.html) - [ModCon VWH](http://www.htproducts.com/modcon-vwh.html) - [ModCon Double Stack VWH](http://www.htproducts.com/modcon-double-stack-vwh.html) - [Commercial Storage Tank](http://www.htproducts.com/storage-tanks.html) - [Stainless Steel](http://www.htproducts.com/superstor-ultra-storagetank.html) - [Glass Lined](http://www.htproducts.com/glasslinedtank.html) - [Large Volume](http://www.htproducts.com/largevolumestoragetanks.html) - [Indirect Water Heating](http://www.htproducts.com/indirect-water-heating.html) - [Indirect](http://htproducts.com/indirect-tanks.html) - [Superstor Contender](http://www.htproducts.com/superstor-contender-waterheater.html) - [Superstor Ultra](http://www.htproducts.com/superstor-ultra-waterheater.html) - [Superstor Pool](http://www.htproducts.com/ssp-pool.html) - [SuperStor Pro](http://www.htproducts.com/superstor-pro.html) - [Storage Tanks](http://www.htproducts.com/storage-tanks.html) - [Glass Lined](http://www.htproducts.com/glasslinedtank.html) - [Large Volume](http://www.htproducts.com/largevolumestoragetanks.html) - [Stainless Steel](http://www.htproducts.com/superstor-ultra-storagetank.html) - [Combination Appliances](http://www.htproducts.com/combination-appliances.html) - [Elite Ultra Combi](https://www.htproducts.com/eliteultra.html) - [UFT Combination Wall and Floor Units](http://www.htproducts.com/UFT-Combination.html) - [Phoenix w/Air Handler](http://www.htproducts.com/phoenixairhandler.html) - [Phoenix Light Duty w/Air Handler](http://www.htproducts.com/phoenixldairhandler.html) - [Versa Hydro](http://www.htproducts.com/versahydro.html) - [Versa Hydro Solar](http://www.htproducts.com/versahydro-solar.html) - [Comfort Solutions](http://www.htproducts.com/indirect-water-heating.html) - Professionals - [HTP All Access](https://htpcomfortsolutions.ning.com/main/authorization/signIn?) - [Manuals and Literature](http://www.htproducts.com/literature.html) - [Technical Support Bulletins](https://htpcomfortsolutions.ning.com/technical-bulletins) - [Merchandise Store](https://proformaprostores.com/Category) - [Product Photos](http://www.htproducts.com/graphics.html) - [HTP Solar Live](http://50.255.166.121/CRD/index.html) - [Warranty Wizard](http://www.htproducts.com/Warranty-Wizard.html) - [Parts Store](http://www.shophtp.com/ecommerce/) [HTP](https://blog.htproducts.com/blog/author/htp) - May 1, 2015 # Seven Ways to Curb Utility Costs Before Your Next Vacation As the weather gets warmer and families and friends start to go on vacations, we want to remind you ways you can save on utility costs before your trip! We found this article with helpful tips on NextStepLiving.com.  Ready for a vacation? If you’re spending anytime abroad, take 15 minutes before you head out the door to complete these easy energy-saving to-do’s. You might save enough to buy yourself an extra treat while on vacation; plus, you'll be more relaxed knowing your home is hibernating safely while you're away.  ![Vacation.jpg](http://www.homeenergy.tips/sites/default/files/content/Vacation.jpg)   1. **Adjust your thermostat. **Depending on your home’s insulation, you can set your thermostats lower or higher than usual (depending on the weather outside). Programmable thermostats, which may be installed at no cost during a home energy evaluation, can help you adjust your indoor temperature. We recommend setting it about 8 degrees higher or lower than your usual temperature  on the "hold" or "vacation" mode (depending on the weather outside) to avoid having your furnace or cooling system come on while you're away.    2. **And your [hot water heater](http://www.htproducts.com) (or put it in vacation mode).** If your water heater is older than its warranty period, and especially if it's showing signs of age such as leaks or rust, consider replacing it now to avoid the catastrophe of a ruptured tank while you're away. Look for an [Energy Star® model](https://blog.htproducts.com/blog/heat-efficiently-with-htps-energy-star-rated-products) to save on the substantial cost of hot water, year-round.   3. **Lower and close all your window treatments** such as blinds, curtains and drapes, to hold heat in the house (or to keep it cool in the warmer months). You should also make sure to lock your windows as that will help further eliminate drafts with a tight seal. While you’re considering windows, be sure that they can hold up to the weather year-round – double- or triple-pane ones are best.   4. **Add insulation and air sealing. **If your home has cracks or gaps that let in drafts, or if your insulation is lacking, there's no better time to have the structure sealed and and make your home more comfortable. You'll reduce your heating (and cooling) bills year-round, and you're more likely to avoid freezing pipes in the winter; this is especially important if you've turned down the thermostats.   5. **Use light timers. **If you leave lights on to discourage burglars, put them on timers rather than having them consume electricity 24 hours a day. Save even more power by swapping out your bulbs to high-efficiency bulbs such as CFLs and LEDs, available at low- or no-cost during a home energy evaluation.   6. **Unplug everything you can or put your electronics on smart power strips.** These power strips will both turn off your DVR when your TV is off and eliminate electricity leaks from equipment when it's not in use.   7. **Close the damper on your fireplace,** if you have one. In the winter time, get in the habit of doing this after each fire, as soon as the ashes are completely cold.   (Original article & image: [http://www.homeenergy.tips/money-savers/curb-utility-costs-your-next-vacation](http://www.homeenergy.tips/money-savers/curb-utility-costs-your-next-vacation))  Share - - - - [mailto:?subjetc=&body=Seven+Ways+to+Curb+Utility+Costs+Before+Your+Next+Vacation%20-%20https://blog.htproducts.com/blog/seven-ways-to-curb-utility-costs-before-your-next-vacation](mailto:?subjetc=&body=Seven+Ways+to+Curb+Utility+Costs+Before+Your+Next+Vacation%20-%20https://blog.htproducts.com/blog/seven-ways-to-curb-utility-costs-before-your-next-vacation) PREVIOUS POST [Increased Thermal Efficiencies on our Mod Con VWH!](https://blog.htproducts.com/blog/increased-thermal-efficiencies-on-our-mod-con-vwh) Next Post [National Renewal Day - A Time To Save Energy!](https://blog.htproducts.com/blog/renewal-day) ### Written by [HTP](https://blog.htproducts.com/blog/author/htp) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HTPinc/) Content Title Description [![040210_HTP_Logo_Transparent-3](https://blog.htproducts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/040210_HTP_Logo_Transparent-3.png?width=500&height=317&name=040210_HTP_Logo_Transparent-3.png "040210_HTP_Logo_Transparent-3")](http://www.htproducts.com) Established in 1974 as a designer and fabricator of heat exchangers for the boiler and solar industries. Today, HTP is enjoying its second generation of family leadership and is a full-fledged manufacturer on the cutting edge of energy-efficient space and water heating technology.   ## Customer Support - [Home](http://www.htproducts.com) - [About Us](http://www.htproducts.com/history.html) - [Contact Us](http://www.htproducts.com/contactus.html) ## Sales Support - [Technical Bulletins](https://blog.htproducts.com/blog/www.htpcomfortsolutions.ning.com/technical-bulletins) - [HTP Mobile App](http://www.htproducts.com/mobileapp.html) - [Manuals & Literature](http://www.htproducts.com/literature.html) - [Sales Collateral](http://www.htproducts.com/salescollateral.html) ## Contact us [sales@htproducts.com](mailto:sales@htproducts.com) [1-800-323-9651](tel:+1-800-323-9651) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HTPinc/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/HTProductsInc) - [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/heat-transfer-products-inc./) Copyright © 2026 HTP Comfort Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.