Before you leave on vacation, take a few minutes to turn off and unplug equipment. You’ll save energy and avoid safety hazards. You might want to read your meter before you leave and when you return — it’s a good way to spot any hidden energy wasters.

What to unplug, turn off or turn down before leaving
Lights
Turn off all lights except for one or two. Unless these lights are compact fluorescents, put them on timers that can be set to random patterns to discourage potential prowlers. Photo sensors or motion detectors are good ideas for outdoor lights.

Air conditioning
Turn it off. Close window coverings to help keep heat from building up in your home while you’re away.

Heating
Turn it down to 60 degrees to save energy. While setting the temperature any lower or turning it off completely may save more energy, you’ll increase the risks of mildew problems and frozen pipes.

Water heater
Turn off your water heater at the electric breaker panel if you are going to be away for more than a few days. If it is a natural gas water heater, turn it down but not off.

Refrigerator
If you’re leaving on an extended trip of a month or more, you might want to empty, clean and unplug your refrigerator to save energy. Prop the door open to prevent odors.

Clothes washer and dryer
With modern electronic controls, your clothes washer and dryer can still draw energy even when they’re turned off. Turn them off at the breaker box, which is easier than trying to get behind them to reach the plugs. And while it won’t save any energy, it’s a good idea to also turn off the hot and cold water to your washer. Most homes don’t have “burst proof” hoses connecting the washer to these faucets, and more than one person has returned from their vacation to a house flooded with water. The shutoffs are usually behind the washer. Put a sticky note on your washer to remind yourself to turn the water and power back on when you return from your trip. (Even better: Replace your old hoses — typically they are black rubber — with burst-proof hoses that have a braided stainless steel sleeve. They just screw into place.)

Other appliances
Many other appliances also draw energy even when they’re turned off. So, unplug your television, VCR/DVD player, stereo, computer, and other appliances. You may need to reset the clock on VCR/DVD players or clock radios when you return. For safety’s sake, don’t overlook small appliances that are best left unplugged when unattended — items like toasters, coffee makers, irons, curling irons, hair dryers and electric tools.