By now, your kids are probably on their summer break from school. When they’re home, your energy use might go up—with more lights on, more electronics running and the air conditioner working harder.
Here’s how to keep your energy use from skyrocketing while the kids are home for summer.
- Set rules for electronics use. Limit screen time for TVs, gaming con- soles and computers. Encourage outdoor activities or reading instead of running devices all day.
- Adjust the thermostat. Set your air conditioner a few degrees higher and turn on ceiling fans when the kids are home. Closing blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day can also keep the house cooler without extra AC use.
- Unplug devices when not in use. Chargers, gaming consoles and small appliances draw power even when turned off. Plug them into a power strip and switch it off when not needed.
- Be energy-efficient with lighting. Remind children to turn lights off when they leave a room, and swap old bulbs for LEDs, which use less energy and last longer.
- Plan meals wisely. Avoid using the oven. Opt instead for air fryers, microwaves or outdoor grills to reduce heat inside the home.
- Remind kids not to leave the refrigerator or freezer door open while they look for a snack or drink. Opening the door and quickly selecting the items you need, then closing the door helps keep the cold air where it belongs—inside the fridge.
- Don’t leave the house doors open unnecessarily long when going in and out so that your conditioned air stays in the home instead of pouring into the outdoors.