Reduce your energy bill with these thermostat tips

As a custom builder, home maintenance professional and energy-efficient geek, I've often wondered how warm I should leave my home in the colder months and how cool I should leave my home during the warmer months when away from home. Through my experience in the industry, I have developed the following tips.

For those who live in a cold climate and are planning on going away for more than six days, I recommend turning your thermostat between 50 and 55 degrees and shutting off the main water supply inside your home. The only issue is that when you come home, it may take several hours for your home to heat up to 70 degrees, depending on the size of your home.

Conventional wisdom says to leave your thermostat at around 60 degrees – but why spend more on your heating/electric bills when you're not there?

There are numerous incidents of insurance claims with water damage while homeowners have been away from their home. Shutting off the water is a great way to prevent this. However, don't shut your water off if you have an indoor fire sprinkler or if an outside service needs to access your water. Also, it is wise to run your water for three to five minutes when you return from a long trip to make sure no bacteria has collected.

For those in warm climates planning a trip of six or more days, I recommend turning your thermostat to 81 degrees and making sure your window blinds and curtains are in place.

Also, shut off the water supply to at least your toilets and sinks. Some homeowners have a need for an outdoor pool or plants being watered while they’re gone. Water is expensive in many warm climate areas and you don't want to come home and find one of your toilets running, potentially wasting hundreds of gallons of water.

Finally, in both cases, set your water heater to the lowest possible setting – usually “vacation” mode. In the case of an electric water meter, shut the circuit off completely at your electric panel.

Both of these energy-efficiency tips have proven successful in my experience, with no issues in the condition of my home – except for lower utility bills.

Tom Molidor is the owner of UpKeepers, Inc., providing handyman services and complete home maintenance in Chicago and also in Naples, Florida. Starting in 2005, UpKeepers specializes in construction services such as kitchen and bath remodeling, window replacement, painting, siding installation, flooring installation, and HVAC services. UpKeepers is a recipient of the 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award. Follow on Twitter @UpKeepers.