Powering Through the School Year: Family-Friendly Strategies to Save Energy and Money

Backpacks are out.

New water bottles are in place.

And both of my boys are eager to wear their new Steph Curry T-shirts on the first day of school.

My home is shifting into high gear with a back-to-school buzz that also marks a seasonal increase in household energy use.

More lights on. More laundry. More lunch and snack prep. And… more electronics.

It’s a whirlwind, but the new school year is also a perfect time to build new routines and energy-saving habits.

Here are some simple and easy ways my family is keeping energy use in check during this busy season without disrupting the school-year flow.

Make mornings energy-efficient

• Limit hot water use: install low-flow showerheads to reduce water and heating costs. Also, encourage quick baths or showers.

• Use natural light: open blinds to let in the morning sunshine instead of turning on lights in the house.

• Adjust the thermostat: while the house is empty, give the thermostat a break to save on cooling or heating costs. PG&E recommends 7°-10°F degrees higher for 8 hours a day from its normal setting, health permitting.

• Use ceiling fans: help circulate the air and reduce the strain on the AC unit.

Lunch & laundry lessons

• Batch cooking: “one and done” recipes that require one oven session and cover meals for the week save energy and money. Getting the kids involved in planning and prep work provides additional lessons in responsibility, and self-sufficiency!

• Unplug small appliances: the coffee maker, toaster and air fryer draw power when idle, so we unplug them before leaving the house.

• Cold water for the win: wash clothes in cold water to save on heating costs.

• Wash full loads: the washer and dryer use the same amount of energy regardless of load size, so it’s better to fill it up.

• Reuse containers: swap plastic bags for more eco-friendly, reusable food containers. 

Solutions for study spaces

• Use power strips: Power strips will automatically turn off the power supply to unused electronics and chargers when we’re not using them, reducing energy waste and costs.

• Light with LEDs: Swap traditional incandescent bulbs at desks and in bedrooms with LED lighting. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer.

Additional resources

• HomeIntel: Receive a free, detailed home energy analysis with help from a personalized energy coach. PG&E customers save an average of $350 per year.  

• WatterSaver Program: A program that pays you to use energy when prices are lower. Your connected water heater can automatically take advantage of lower electricity rates, so water is heated at the least expensive times of day.

• Energy Action Guide: PG&E’s online guide that helps customers to find personalized energy-efficient product recommendations.

   

Even in the blur of our back-to-school routine, I’m hopeful our small and intentional energy habits can help save money and set the tone for a smarter school year.

About the author

Adrienne Moore joined PG&E’s Marketing and Communications team in 2023. A busy mom of two boys, she is passionate about helping customers save energy and money, sharing energy efficiency tips and tools, and making bill support programs easy to understand and accessible for all. Her goal is to ensure customers feel supported when managing their energy needs.