Practice saving energy, even on vacation

Summer is the time when many people take off for a much needed, and much deserved, vacation. Even though a house may be unattended for a significant period of time, homeowners can still rack up a hefty energy bill that can eliminate all the good feelings that the time off created.

However, the Newburyport News reports that there are important steps to take to avoid coming home to a heating-and-cooling related fiasco.

The biggest money saving tip is turning off the air conditioning completely. The news source says that who people prefer coming home to a cool house sometimes leave it on for long periods of time even while they're gone.

Along the same vein, the news provider recommends closing all blinds or shades before leaving. This will keep rooms naturally cooler and reduce the amount of air needed to cool them back upon one's return.

Although closing blinds can get the job done, certain blinds are more effective than others. According to MyFoxHouston.com, one of the best options for window treatments are aluminum mini blinds, which will keep rooms from heating up in the summer so homeowners don't lose their cool when the energy bill arrives.