Back to school means back to saving energy

8 tips to help save money and energy this fall

Summer is winding down, and families are gearing up for a new school year. This season brings a lot of changes, and it’s a great time to build or refresh energy-saving habits at home.

As routines shift and schedules get busy, a few simple habits can help keep energy bills under control without adding extra stress.

Below are eight helpful tips and ready-to-share graphics your utility can use to spread the word. Whether you’re helping families save on lighting, electronics, or heating and cooling, these ideas are easy, practical and perfect for the back-to-school season.

1) Make the most of your lighting

Energy-efficient LED bulbs are increasingly common, but how you use lighting can also make a difference. Turn off lights when you leave a room and take advantage of natural daylight, especially during homework time or morning routines.

2) Unplug before you unwind

Laptops, tablets and chargers still use power when plugged in–even when they’re not in use. Unplug and power down electronics when homework is done for the day. Consider using advanced power strips or smart plug timers to ensure devices don’t stay on longer than needed. It saves energy and gives you peace of mind.

3) Adjust the thermostat

With fewer people home during school hours, you can adjust your thermostat to save energy. Setting it a few degrees higher in the late summer or lower as winter approaches is an easy way to cut heating and cooling costs without sacrificing comfort. Programmable thermostats can bring your home back to a comfortable temperature about 30 minutes before everyone returns.

4) Run full loads

Back-to-school often means more laundry and more dirty dishes. To save energy and water, wait until your washing machine or dishwasher is full before running it. When washing clothes, use cold water when possible. It works just as well for most loads and uses less energy than hot or warm cycles.

5) Keep the fridge closed

Whether packing school lunches or grabbing a quick snack, be mindful of the refrigerator door. Cool air escapes quickly, and leaving the door open or opening it repeatedly makes your fridge work harder and use more energy. Know what you need before you open the door so you can grab everything at once.

6) Green time before screen time

Bored kids can be a big energy drain–flipping on lights, scrolling screens or standing in front of an open fridge (see our last tip!). Encourage outdoor play, reading, or activities like sports, music or clubs after school. These healthy habits keep kids active and engaged while helping to lower energy use during busy evening hours.

7) Maintenance matters

A little upkeep goes a long way toward home energy efficiency and savings. Clean or replace HVAC filters every 1-3 months to help your system run smoothly. Routinely check vents, coils, and seals on appliances for dust and buildup. These efforts can reduce strain on the equipment, lower energy use and help prevent costly repairs.

8) Get the whole family involved

Turn energy conservation into an activity the whole family can enjoy. Encourage your kids to find creative ways to save energy and stay safe at home. Set goals, track your progress and celebrate each success.

BONUS TIP: Boost savings with Power Forward

A new school year is a fresh start–not just for schedules and routines, but for energy habits too. Small, everyday actions can lead to meaningful savings at home.

For an even greater impact, Heartland Energy’s Power Forward program offers rebates for upgrading to more efficient electric equipment, like HVAC systems and water heaters. It’s a smart way to cut costs, use energy wisely, and start the school year strong.

The images below are free for you to use to promote energy efficiency to your municipal customers. Visit heartlandenergy.com/resources for more graphics and communications materials.