As the school year kicks off and new routines take shape, it’s a great time to build energy-saving habits into your daily life. With a few simple changes, your household can make the grade in energy efficiency — and save money in the process.

Start by turning off lights, TVs, and electronics each morning when the house empties out. Switch to LED bulbs to cut lighting costs — they use up to 75% less energy and last much longer.

Adjust your thermostat while you’re away, or install an ENERGY STAR®-certified smart thermostat. These devices learn your schedule, make automatic adjustments, and can be controlled remotely to keep your home both comfortable and efficient.

Unplug idle devices like gaming systems and phone chargers or use smart plugs to reduce “phantom” energy use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this simple habit can save up to $200 a year.
Before you head out in the morning, close the blinds to block the sun’s heat and give your air conditioner a break. And when packing lunches, try grabbing everything from the fridge in one trip, each open door lets cold air escape and adds to energy use.

For a deeper look at potential savings, consider scheduling a home energy audit. A professional can pinpoint where you’re losing energy and offer custom tips to improve efficiency.
Back-to-school season is a busy time, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to fine-tune your habits and set your home up for savings all year long.