Spring break is on the horizon for many Indiana families, and you may be planning to escape to the mountains or the beach. Wherever you’re heading for spring break fun, you’re probably considering the cost of gas or airfare, hotels, restaurants, and souvenirs.
Don’t add to the cost by paying for energy you’re not using back home. By taking advantage of some simple tips, you may be able to splurge on your vacation with the money you’re saving.
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LaBarr
Start with your thermostat. “The habit of leaving the heat cranked up, especially when you’re away, is one that can drive up your energy bill,” said Mark LaBarr, government and community relations manager at Duke Energy. “Heating and cooling accounts for around half of your home’s energy use, so the best way to save money on energy consumption is to lower the temperature on your thermostat before you hit the road.”
- Turn off your electric water heater at the breaker so it’s not keeping your reserve hot water warm when you don’t need it. If you’re reluctant to turn it off, consider turning it down.
- A full refrigerator is more energy efficient than a half-empty one, so resist the urge to purge everything before you skip town. “Even if you stuff your fridge full of water bottles – and make sure they’re full – it’s more efficient than having little to nothing in there,” said LaBarr.
- Unplug anything with a light on it. “The TV, DVD player, cable boxes, laptop, printers, toaster oven, coffee maker, chargers – none of them need to be plugged in when you’re out of town for a week or more,” said LaBarr. “If they’re plugged in to a smart strip, then you don’t have to walk around the house unplugging one appliance or device after another.”
- This may seem obvious, but make sure your lights (you are using LED bulbs, aren’t you?) and fans are off before you go.