5 Things Kids Can Do to Help Save Electricity

Saving electricity doesn’t have to be a job for just the grown-ups in the house. Kids can get in on the action, too! Turning saving electricity into a family effort is a great way to lower your usage while teaching your little ones a few mindful habits, hopefully ones that will stick with them as they grow up. These five tasks are simple for kids of almost any age to handle, and they may even find it fun. Here are five easy ways for kids to help save electricity:

Flip the Light Switch

This one’s an energy-saving classic for kids. It’s simple, it’s effective, and kids can start this habit as soon as they’re tall enough to reach the light switch (or big enough to reach for a stepstool!). Lights left on in empty rooms quickly add up on your power bill. Help your kiddos remember to turn them off by having a friendly reminder system, like a sticky note by the light switch that says “lights off!” Over time, turning the lights off when they leave a room will become second nature.

Unplug Devices and Chargers

Another quick and easy way for kids to help save power is to unplug electronic devices and chargers after they’re done using them. Even when they’re not actively in use, devices and chargers continue to draw power simply by being plugged in. This is called standby power, and it can account for up to 10% of your total consumption. Make it your kids’ jobs to unplug their gadgets when they move on to a different activity. It’s an easy habit to build, and it can make a big difference on your bill.

Keep the Fridge Door Closed

Opening the fridge door while we stare and figure out what we want to eat is a habit many of us have, but it lets cold air escape and makes your fridge have to work harder to maintain its temperature. Teach your kids to think about what they want to eat before they open the fridge. This will help them quickly grab their snack and close the door. This simple energy-saving habit is an easy one for kids to remember, and it’s a good one to practice no matter their age.

Take Shorter Showers

Heating water takes a significant amount of energy. Shorter showers save you water, electricity and money. Get your kids involved by turning it into a fun challenge. Have them set a 10-minute timer or pick a couple of their favorite songs. The goal is for them to be all washed up and have the water off by the time the timer goes off or the last song ends. This turns energy awareness into a fun game instead of a chore, and a few minutes trimmed off each shower makes a noticeable difference over time.

Help Monitor the Thermostat

Instead of telling kids “don’t touch the thermostat,” give them a job: keeping track of it. Set specific temperatures for different times of the day, then ask your child to give you a reminder when it’s time to make the switch. Make sure to explain why the thermostat settings should change throughout the day based on the temperatures outside. This helps them understand the importance of helping you keep track. Giving your child some ownership is a great way to keep them motivated to save energy.

With a couple of mindful habits and routines, you can get the whole family involved in energy savings! Unlock even more savings by switching to prepaid electricity. Learn how it works or get started today by contacting us online.