Being Energy Smart as you head Back-to-School

As summer fades and a new school year begins, homes shift into “back-to-school mode.” Lights, laptops, gaming consoles, and air conditioning all compete for electricity, often leading to higher energy bills in late summer and early fall. But with some smart habits, students and families can cut down on energy use while staying comfortable and connected.

Why It Matters

Residential energy use rises during the school year as kids spend more time indoors studying, streaming, and gaming. In fact, electronics and appliances make up about 25–30% of household electricity use (EIA, 2023).

At the same time, phantom power—the energy devices draw even when turned off—can account for up to 32% of a home’s electricity use (Wikipedia, Home Idle Load). That’s like leaving a light bulb burning all day, every day, without realizing it.

Smart Student Habits for Energy Savings

Here’s how students can make a difference right from their desks and dorms:

1. Unplug & Power Down: Chargers, laptops, and gaming consoles keep sipping electricity unless unplugged. Use smart power strips to cut phantom load and save up to $200 a year (DOE, 2023).

2. Choose Energy-Efficient Devices: ENERGY STAR–certified computers and monitors use 25–40% less energy than conventional models (EPA, 2023).

3. Light SmarterAs homework piles up, switch to LED desk lamps. LEDs last 25 times longer and use 75% less energy than old bulbs (DOE, 2023).

4. Stay Cool, Not Cold: Set thermostats to 78°F (26°C) when home. Even better—use a programmable thermostat so the AC doesn’t run while everyone’s at school or work. Run the AC early in the morning when it is cool outside.

5. Print Less, Share More: Many schools now encourage digital submissions. Reducing paper use not only saves trees but also cuts the energy used in paper production and ink.

   
   

Why Students Should Care

It’s easy to think energy is an “adult problem,” but students play a huge role. A typical gaming console uses as much energy annually as a full-size refrigerator if left in “instant on” mode (NRDC, 2023). By making small changes, students can directly cut carbon emissions and even influence their families’ choices.

Call to Action

This school year, I am going to try a simple pledge: “One Unplug a Day.” Each day, unplug a device not in use. Over time, these habits save energy, reduce bills, and help fight climate change.

When students lead by example, households follow. That’s a lesson worth taking beyond the classroom.