If you’re not planning to stick around for the holidays, Safe Electricity offers some advice to help your electricity run efficiently and safely while you are away. These tips will not only lower your energy bill, but will help keep your house safe in your absence:

• Unplug some of your household appliances - your house has many items that always use electricity when there plugged in, even when turned off. Unplugging these items not only save energy, but in some cases, can prevent possible fire hazards during your absence. Some of the more common items include: television sets, DVD players, VCRs, cable TV boxes, microwave ovens and toasters.


• Adjust the refrigerator control to a warmer setting - the fridge can be as high as 40° F without spoiling food; the freezer can reach 5° F. On these settings, you can save up to 40 percent of the refrigerators electric usage. If you are going on an extended trip, consider emptying the fridge and turning it off (remember to leave the door open to prevent mildew).


• Set the thermostat higher or lower than the typical comfort level - you should consider lowering your thermostat, but to no lower than 55° F. Typically, by doing this, you can save 10 to 30 percent on your heating costs. You can shut the air conditioner off during your absence, or at least consider setting it to a higher than normal temperature, such as 80° F. A programmable thermostat can do these adjustments automatically.


• Turn down the water heater - a large percentage of the cost of running a water heater comes from just keeping the water at the selected temperature. If you are going on a lengthy trip, turn down the water heaters temperature to the lowest setting. This can save you up to $10 a month.

Safe Electricity wants to remind everyone this holiday season that a safe and efficient celebration is the best celebration. Please keep your holidays bright, and follow the suggestions of Safe Electricity.