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.
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:
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.
The first step toward vacation home energy savings is understanding where electricity is being used when no one is there.
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 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.
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.
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:
The right rate can substantially lower second home electricity costs without affecting availability when you need it.
Technology has transformed the way energy is managed in homes—especially those that aren’t occupied all year.
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.
Even if you rarely use your vacation home, visiting it every two or three months is a good practice. During these visits, check:
A professional electrical inspection every few years can also improve safety and efficiency.
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.
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.