I have a second home. What should I do with the electricity when I'm not using it?

Owning a second home is a luxury. It gives you the chance to disconnect from daily routines, enjoy a different environment, and create lasting memories. However, when the electricity bill arrives after months of barely using the property, that enjoyment can quickly fade. Is it really worth paying so much for a house that sits empty most of the year?

The truth is that many second homes continue to generate unnecessary electricity costs during long periods of non-use. The good news is that there are practical, effective strategies to significantly reduce your electricity bill—without sacrificing comfort or peace of mind when you return.

Why are second home electricity costs still high?

Even if your beach or mountain house remains unoccupied for months, electricity bills don’t simply disappear. In most cases, this is due to two main factors:

• Fixed power charges: In many electricity contracts, part of the bill is a fixed cost that you pay simply for having electricity connected, regardless of consumption. If your second home is empty for 8 or 9 months a year, you’re paying this charge without actually using the electricity—and it’s often higher than necessary.
• Standby or “phantom” consumption: Appliances and devices that remain plugged in continue to consume energy, even when they’re not actively being used. Routers, televisions on standby, digital clocks, alarm systems, chargers, or refrigerators can quietly add up to a significant amount of electricity consumption over time.

Together, these factors can make maintaining a second home far more expensive than expected. Over the course of a year, the cost can be substantial—but with the right approach, it’s also largely avoidable.

How to reduce electricity consumption when the home is empty

The first step toward vacation home energy savings  is understanding where electricity is being used when no one is there.

Identify and eliminate hidden consumption

Before making any major changes, walk through your home and take note of everything that remains plugged in: televisions, microwaves with digital displays, Wi-Fi routers, chargers, dehumidifiers, and similar devices.

Many of these consume between 5 and 15 watts continuously. That may seem insignificant, but multiplied by 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, the impact is real. For example, a single television left on standby can consume up to 120 kWh annually.

The simplest solution is to unplug anything that isn’t essential. Using power strips with switches makes it easy to disconnect several devices at once when you leave.

The refrigerator dilemma

The refrigerator is one of the most energy-intensive appliances in any home. If you won’t be using your second home for several months, the most efficient option is to turn it off completely. Empty it, clean it thoroughly, and leave the door slightly open to prevent odors and mold.

If you visit the house occasionally and prefer to keep it running, make sure it’s in good condition and set to the minimum temperature required for safe operation.

Should you completely disconnect the electricity?

When thinking about how to reduce electricity costs in a second home, some owners consider canceling the electricity supply altogether. While this may seem like the ultimate solution, it comes with important drawbacks.

• Reconnecting electricity often involves fees and waiting periods.
• More importantly, without power, alarm systems, smoke detectors, emergency lighting, and dehumidifiers won’t work. This can increase security risks and lead to humidity or maintenance issues.
• In most cases, fully disconnecting electricity is only advisable if the home will remain unused for very long periods and has no security or maintenance requirements.

Choose the right electricity rate for your second home

Not all electricity plans are designed for year-round use. If your property is occupied only occasionally, choosing the right tariff can make a significant difference.

When reviewing your options, look for:

• Low fixed charges, especially for contracted power
• Flexible plans that allow changes without penalties
• No long-term commitments, giving you the freedom to adapt as your usage changes

The right rate can substantially lower second home electricity costs without affecting availability when you need it.

Smart technology for vacation home energy savings

Technology has transformed the way energy is managed in homes—especially those that aren’t occupied all year.

Smart plugs and remote control

• Smart plugs: Allow you to turn devices on and off remotely using your phone. You can schedule appliances, disconnect devices completely, or activate systems shortly before arriving.
• Programmable thermostats: If you maintain minimal heating or cooling to prevent humidity or extreme temperatures, a smart thermostat can optimize consumption and reduce unnecessary energy use.
• Consumption monitoring: Electricity monitoring systems let you see real-time usage, even when you’re far away. This makes it easier to detect unusual consumption and correct it quickly.

Timers: a cost-effective solution

For a simpler approach, mechanical timers remain highly effective. They can control lighting to simulate occupancy, activate water heaters before arrival, or manage dehumidifiers in short cycles.

Maintenance and Periodic Checks

Even if you rarely use your vacation home, visiting it every two or three months is a good practice. During these visits, check:

• The electrical installation for signs of overheating or moisture
• That appliances you disconnected remain off
• The electricity meter, to confirm consumption is as expected
  
  

A professional electrical inspection every few years can also improve safety and efficiency.

Commit to Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Beyond reducing electricity consumption, improving energy efficiency can further lower costs. Better insulation, efficient windows, and low-consumption appliances all contribute to long-term savings.

If possible,  installing solar panels for self-consumption  can significantly reduce reliance on the grid during your stays and help keep essential systems running sustainably.

With informed decisions and the right strategy, you can enjoy your second home without worrying about unnecessary electricity expenses—knowing your energy use is efficient, controlled, and aligned with your actual needs.

How we can help you at Nordy

We offer flexible rates, personalized advice, and the option to have 100% renewable energy for your occasional-use home. Have questions? Contact us—we’re here to help you optimize your energy consumption and manage it more efficiently and sustainably.