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What are the good 'energy actions' before leaving on holiday?

The summer is the perfect season to have your heating installation and convectors serviced, and to change your water heater or radiators. If you are planning to stay away for a longer period of time, remember to unplug your electric appliances and to insulate your home against high temperatures.

Here is a list of things to consider during those first days of warm weather:

  • Shut off the heating or switch it to summer setting (doing so will see the boiler use energy only for domestic water).
  • If you have a separate water heater (separate from your boiler), there is no point changing the water temperature, as it remains unchanged summer.
  • Fully open the radiators' thermostatic valves (this prevents the valve from calcifying, as it could get blocked if you do not. No nasty surprises when you switch the heating back on in the autumn).
  • Have the boiler serviced (it is best not to wait until the first cold hits before realising something is not working).
  • If your boiler is over 20 years old, consider having it replaced. It is more awkward to go without your boiler in winter, as replacing it also means a few days' unavailability.

Before leaving on your holidays, do not forget:

  • To clear out and switch off your refrigerator. Leave it open to avoid the build-up of mould
  • Switch off and unplug all electrical and electronic appliances that will not be used during your absence: TV, computers, game consoles, modems, etc.
  • Unplug the chargers of the telephone and any other small electrical appliances (handheld vacuum cleaner, electric toothbrushes, etc.). (Recommend: 'How to detect and prevent 'vampire draw' ?', in French)
  • Shut off the gas.
  • On the other hand, we would advise against shutting off the electricity around the main meter, as some devices and appliances need to remain on (aquariums, timers, alarms).
  • Pull down the shutters and/or draw the curtains in the rooms that are exposed to the sun.

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