Back to School Energy Saving Tips

Summer fun has come to an end, and the youngest members of your household are heading back to the classroom. As you shop for the new school year, remember that back-to-school savings are not just for clothes and supplies. You can also save energy and money by making smart decisions with your thermostat, unplugging some devices and scheduling after school activities.

Just like when you go on vacation, you can bump the temperature up on the thermostat a few degrees during the day because there are fewer people in the house. Even though it still feels like summer outside, you will have fewer bodies to keep cool, and you can save on cooling costs with each degree you raise your thermostat. You can reverse this action as the outdoor temperatures become cooler to receive the same financial benefit.

While the family is away for the day, there will be a lot of gadgets going unused. You can help save energy by making sure these electronic devices are unplugged from their chargers. Simply making sure your hair drier or laptop are unplugged before you head out the door can have a big impact on your pocketbook. The United States Department of Energy reports homeowners can save anywhere from $100 to $200 each year by unplugging devices not in use.

When the kids get off the school bus in the afternoon, the saving doesn’t have to come to an end. Bored children can become a major energy drain, especially during the early evening peak energy demand . It’s not hard to imagine your teenager, or even yourself, standing in front of an open refrigerator looking for snacks. Plan outdoor activities or encourage after school programs like sports, FFA or music lessons. Your teen will gain valuable experiences and lower your electric bill at the same time.