Midnight came and the confetti fell, now we are almost through the first month of the new year. With each coming year, many make resolutions for the clean slate before them. However, maintaining resolutions for 365 days is extremely challenging as many drop off before the year’s first month. But why not make it easier?

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is encouraging customers to incorporate basic energy-saving practices to support those 2024 resolutions. Tips, like those below, can also help save money on your energy bill.

Resolution: “In 2024, I will travel more.”

Solution: This could be the year of exploration, but did you know you could actually save money while on vacation? Before you leave, turn off and unplug everything you can. If you are planning a winter trip, lower your thermostat to 55 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing and save energy. If a summer trip is in your future, raise the thermostat to about 78 degrees. Look to also lower your water heater to its lowest setting.

Resolution: “This year, I am going to spend more time with friends and loved ones.”

Solution: If you plan to host more gatherings, consider setting the thermostat to account for extra people in your home. Set the temperature to a lower setting in the winter to help save energy and eliminate extra heat for guests. In the summer, utilize a ceiling fan to help circulate air throughout your space.

Resolution: “I plan to read more this year.”

Solution: Find the perfect reading chair and set up your light to get ready for a year of reading. Before you start, ensure that light is using an LED bulb. LEDs use 90% less energy and last 25 times longer than typical incandescent bulbs. Plan to dust the light and bulb regularly as a coating of dust can block up to 50% of light from coming through.

Resolution: “I hope to cook more meals at home in 2024.”

Solution: Aside from saving money by not eating out as much, practicing energy efficient habits in the kitchen can also help save. If meal prepping, try to align cook times so you are not continually reheating your oven. Also consider using smaller kitchen appliances when possible. Microwaves and slow cookers can use 75% less energy than a large electric oven.

Resolution: “In 2024, I will spend less and save more.”

Solution: A smart thermostat is one way to save energy and money without much effort. This technology can pick up on a household’s patterns and adjust the heat or cooling to reflect those, including when the home is unoccupied or about to be occupied. Homeowners can utilize I&M’s Marketplace to purchase a smart thermostat. This online shopping tool can help customers make informed, energy-wise purchase decisions. A full list of appliances, electronics and more is available on the Marketplace website. 

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