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Energy Efficiency

Use Energy Wisely at Home

Families that reduce their electricity use by avoiding waste and buying energy-efficient appliances save money and help preserve natural resources used to generate electricity.

Show your parents this list of ways to be energy-efficient and save money on your energy bills every month. Maybe you can persuade them to pass the cost savings on to you!

Lighting:

• Install light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.
• Turn off lights when they're not in use.

Heating/Air Conditioning:

• Set your heater thermostat to the lowest temperature that still keeps you comfortable—some recommend 68°F by day and a cool 55°F by night.
• Ask an adult to make sure the fireplace damper is closed when the heating system is on, so heated air doesn't escape up the chimney.
• Keep your air conditioner's thermostat set between 76°F and 78°F to stay comfortable and use less energy.
• Close doors quickly when you enter or leave a house where heating or air conditioning is on.
• Remind adults to have heating systems cleaned annually and to replace furnace filters regularly.

Appliances:

• Use a clothesline when possible.
• Wait until the dishwasher is full before running it.
• Wash and dry full loads of laundry.
• Clean the coils on the refrigerator.

Cooking:

• Cover pots when cooking.
• Don't open the oven too often.
• Use the microwave whenever possible.

Bathing:

• Install a low-flow showerhead.
• Take shorter showers or half-full baths.
• Turn down the thermostat on your water heater.

Transportation:

• Use bicycles.
• Use buses, trains, and car pools.
• Combine errands to reduce trips.

Use Energy Wisely at School

Most schools spend more money on energy than on computers and textbooks combined. Here's how you can help your school reduce energy waste.

Lights and Computers:

• Pick an energy monitor to make sure lights and computers are turned off before recess and lunch, and after school.
• Create a "Save Energy" sign to hang near your classroom light switches to remind people to turn lights off when not in use.

Heating and Cooling:

• Make sure books or furniture does not block the vents in your classroom.
• Encourage everyone to keep doors and windows closed when heating or air conditioning is running.

Water:

• Turn off the water in the bathroom when you are finished using it.
• Report any water leaks you find to your teacher or school custodian.