Keep Energy Use in Check While Kids Are Home  For Summer

When the kids are home for summer, 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.

• Set rules for electronics use. Limit screen time for TVs, gaming consoles, and computers. Encourage outdoor activities or reading instead.
• 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.
• 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 turn them off when not in use.
• Be energy-efficient with lighting. Remind children to turn off the lights when they leave a room and replace old bulbs with LEDs, which use less energy and last longer.
• 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.