If you’re planning to take a vacation this summer, 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 stay safe in your absence:

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


• If you choose to leave household lights on for security reasons, Safe Electricity suggests putting them on programmable timers so they do not run constantly. Not only does this save energy, but it also prevents lights from overheating and gives the appearance people are still home to ward against intruders.


• 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 refrigerator's 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 than the typical comfort level - 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 85° 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 keeping the water at the selected temperature. If you are going on a lengthy trip, turn down the water heater's temperature to the lowest setting. This can save you up to $10 a month.