With the kids headed back to school, take advantage of that empty house, and follow these energy saving tips to get your wallet back in check:
- Keep the Fridge Closed – When you’re packing lunches, don’t leave the fridge open. Remove all needed items first.
- Use a Laptop – For homework that requires a computer, a laptop uses less energy than a desktop.
- Turn Up the Thermostat – With the kids at school all day, there’s less need to cool your house. When the house is empty, bump up the thermostat above 78 degrees to save energy and money.
- Keep Showers Short – This not only saves water but gets you out the door faster.
- Practice Good Laundry Habits – Between school, sports and clubs, laundry can pile up. Make sure you’re washing only full loads in cold water.
- Unplug Unused Devices – All those TVs and game systems can eat up energy even when they’re not in use. This will stop them from using ‘vampire energy’, energy that leaks out from plugs, chargers, and electronics while they are not in use.
- Ditch the Oven – Instead, use a toaster oven or microwave. This saves energy and makes meal prep easier on busy weeknights!
