Summer Savings
• Boats. If you're near a lake, chances are you own a boat of some type. If you have a family that enjoys water skiing, you need a larger and more powerful motor. But you don't have to use this big one all the time. What do you use to go fishing early in the morning? Or to go on a little sight-seeing trip? A smaller motor is more economical and will get you wherever you want to go. Perhaps not as quickly, but you'll have more time to relax. And isn't that the whole idea?• Hot-water heater. When you're heading home from the cottage be sure to turn off the hot-water heater. It's an energy waste to keep water hot that isn't needed, and it won't take long to heat up when you return.
• Heating. Some heating units, particularly electrical ones, can be turned off at the unit; others have a thermostat that says "warm." If the weather turns cool the heater will come on. This is a waste in summer if the cottage is empty. Check to see if your unit can be turned off completely; if not, switch it off at the main fuse-box.
• Fall close-up. If you don't use the cottage in winter, there are a few points to check when you leave for the last time in the fall. Drain the water from all taps. Defrost and unplug the refrigerator; be sure it's dry and leave the door slightly ajar. Turn off the main electric power switch as a double check that nothing has been left on.
November 20, 2008