Cue the music: school is out for summer. For some, the winter months were spent diligently planning summer trips and soon families will hit the road for various destinations. While the cost of vacations can add up, there is an opportunity to save money during these times. By prioritizing a few extra items to the preparation list, homeowners can possibly save money on their monthly bill – all while enjoying their time away. 

As you finish packing bags, confirming flights or putting gas in the car, add in these energy efficient to-dos – they might be the easiest thing you do before your trip:

• Raise your thermostat. Before you leave the house, set your thermostat to 78 degrees to prevent it from continually running for an empty home.
• Block unnecessary heat. Close curtains and shades on west and south-facing windows to block sunlight and heat during the day.
• Unplug unused electrical devices. Coffee pots, televisions, gaming systems and more can draw power even when turned off. This “vampire energy” can be avoided as the house sits empty.
• Give appliances a rest. Turn off and unplug anything you can. Also remember to set your water heater to the lowest setting and shut off the water supply to the dishwasher and washing machine.
• Take a final check of the house. Make sure lights are turned off in each room before leaving for any length of time.

The savings don’t have to stop once vacation is done. With school out for the summer, families might experience more people in the house than usual during the day. Simple practices like closing doors and windows when the air is on keeps cold air in the house. Consider adding a Wi-Fi/smart thermostat to your home to help reduce cooling costs by 4%. Check out the I&M Marketplace to purchase your smart thermostat or browse through a list of other appliances and electronics available.

For additional energy-saving tips, visit www.ElectricIdeas.com to find products, rebates and discounts to help you save even more.