dreamstime s 97438200 1
Published On: 8 December 2017Categories: Latest News, Plumbing

Are you heading out of town for the holidays? Many Albertans choose to fly south or to visit family in other provinces during December. So if no one is living in your house for the next two weeks, do you really need to be paying so much in utilities? Here’s what you need to know about what you can turn off and what you must leave on while you’re away.

Hot Water Heaters can be turned off — but only if you drain the tank. This isn’t a bad idea anyways, because your hot water tank should be drained and the sediment cleared away annually anyways. The reason you can’t leave the tank full of cold water is bacteria and mould will start taking over. If you just leave the tank off and don’t drain it, when you come home and start the tank back up, instead of a reservoir of warm water, you’ll have a sludgy science experiment gone wrong. Of course, if you have a tankless water heater, it won’t be wasting energy while you’re gone at all. So if draining your tank for every vacation doesn’t appeal to you, you may want to consider upgrading.

Furnaces can be turned down but not off. If the ambient air temperature in your home falls to low, it won’t just kill your houseplants — the water in your pipes will freeze. And let us assure you: frozen pipes are a complete nightmare. When water freezes, it expands by about 9% of its total volume. That may not seem like a lot, but an additional 9% of volume in a pipe that has no percent more room creates an astounding amount of pressure. The pressure builds until a weakness in the pipe fails and explodes. When you come home and the turn the furnace back on, the ice melts and suddenly your basement becomes a swimming pool.

If you have houseplants, we recommend lowering the furnace to around 15°C. If you have a cat or other pet that’s staying home with a pet sitter checking in on them, you may want to maintain a warmer house temperature. Talk with your vet about what range of temperatures is safe for your pet long term. If you have neither plants nor animals, you can even reduce the temperature down to 10°C — but make sure you have a trusted neighbour coming to check on your home while you’re gone.

We hope these tips help you save a little money while you’re gone over the holidays. From our family at Plumbing Paramedics, we wish all Calgarians a fun and safe holiday season. We look forward to serving you in the new year!

Call us at (403) 452-2911 or Book Now an appointment.

Share This Story!

  • humidifier

Benefits of Whole Home Humidifiers: A Guide

5 February 2025|

Whole home humidifiers offer various benefits that can enhance your comfort and protect your living environment. By maintaining optimal humidity levels throughout your home, these systems play a crucial role in improving indoor air quality [...]

  • furnace maintenance

Why Regular Furnace Maintenance is Important

5 February 2025|

Regular furnace maintenance is crucial for keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient. Neglecting this essential task can lead to unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. A well-maintained furnace runs smoothly and provides consistent heat, especially [...]

  • furnace

Signs It’s Time for a Furnace Replacement

5 February 2025|

Homeowners often face the challenge of deciding when to replace their furnace. Recognizing the signs of a failing furnace is crucial for maintaining a comfortable living environment and avoiding unexpected breakdowns. Knowing when to [...]