While we’re all for sticking around home and getting those reno and improvement projects done, even we recognize that every family needs a break. So if your plans include a vacation this summer, bon voyage, my friend. Just don’t forget to take care of business before you go. Here are a few tips from Dave Walton, director of home ideas at Direct Energy, to ensure a worry-free holiday and save on energy costs:

• Set the thermostat for vacation temperatures or turn it right off. A programmable thermostat can regulate the temperature in your home even when you’re not there, and keep energy costs down.
• Turn down the temperature of the water heater.
• Turn off all vampire electronics such as computers and chargers.
• Set automatic timers for  lights inside and outside to create the illusion that someone is home.
• Close blinds to reduce heat gain inside the house -- and for safety reasons.
• Divert mail delivery and suspend newspaper subscriptions.
• Turn off the pool heater and cover the pool with a solar blanket.  
• Take digital photos of valuables left in the house.
• Have someone check on your house every day.

And if you are sticking at home, why not take a BiY course so that you can finish that nagging little chore that you swore last summer you would “get around to”?