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August 1, 2026 |

Back to School Means Back to Energy Savings

With the kids headed back to school, your family routine shifts from laid-back summer days to earlier mornings, packed lunches, and a quieter house during the day. That change makes this a smart time to take another look at how your home uses energy. A few simple adjustments can help lower waste, reduce monthly bills, and keep your household running smoothly all season long.

Set the Right Temperature
Save energy by programming your thermostat to match your family’s new school and work schedule. If no one is home during the day, there’s no reason to keep your house as cool or warm as it is when everyone is there. A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures while the house is empty, then return your home to a comfortable setting before the school bus drops off the kids or everyone comes home from work.

Close the Door on Energy Waste
Busy school mornings often mean frequent trips to the refrigerator for breakfast and lunch items, snacks, and drinks. Every time the door opens, cold air escapes and the refrigerator must work harder to keep food at the right temperature. To save time and energy, gather everything you need at once, then close the door quickly. It’s a small habit that can make hectic mornings a little more efficient.

Hit the Lights
When the house empties out for school and work, don’t let lights, TVs, or small appliances stay on unnecessarily. Make it part of your morning routine to do a quick walk-through before heading out the door. Turn off lights in empty rooms and power down devices that won’t be used until evening. If you haven’t already switched to LED bulbs, back-to-school season is also a great reminder to make the change for long-term savings.

Plug Smarter
Back-to-school often means more devices plugged in, from laptops and tablets to phone chargers and gaming systems. Even when they’re not actively being used, many electronics still draw small amounts of power. Advanced power strips or smart plugs can help by cutting power to devices when they go into standby mode. That means less wasted energy during the school day and one less thing to think about when your family is rushing out the door.

Seal in Savings
As summer gives way to cooler fall weather, back-to-school season is also a good time to prepare your home for the months ahead. Check windows and exterior doors for drafts, gaps, or worn weatherstripping that could let heated or cooled air escape. Sealing those leaks with caulk or fresh weatherstripping can improve comfort and help your heating and cooling system work more efficiently as the seasons change.

By building a few of these habits into your back-to-school routine, your family can save energy, cut costs, and make the grade in home efficiency all year long.