4 Top Ways to Save Energy Now the Kids Are Back in School
Learn the top ways to save energy now that school is back in session, and how to reduce electricity usage year-round.
By Anne Fonda
The end of summer can mean a big change in routine if you have kids going back to school. It can also present a chance to save money on your electricity bill. Whether you have kids or not, the following tips can help you conserve energy and reduce costs.
#1: Use a smart thermostat
Your kids may have cranked the AC over the summer. It’s time to set your thermostat to a more reasonable temperature. Installing a smart thermostat can help you save as much as 10-20% on your cooling and heating bills each year.
By programming a heating and cooling schedule, you can raise or lower the temperature when no one is home. Some smart thermostats can learn your temperature preferences and automatically set an energy-saving schedule.
With a smart thermostat, you can set the schedule or change the temperature from the palm of your hand with the American Standard Home App. In addition, if you enable geofencing, the thermostat will adjust the temperature as you or your family members get near your home.
We have smart thermostats compatible with new, communicating Trane systems as well as conventional systems from other HVAC brands.
#2: Keep up with maintenance
Keep your HVAC system performing its best. Replace air filters! Replacing a clogged filter with a clean one can reduce energy consumption by 5% to 15%, according to the Department of Energy. Getting regular service is also recommended. Having clean indoor and outdoor components increases comfort and efficiency. Besides saving energy, routine HVAC maintenance can help avoid costly issues down the road.
#3: Eliminate vampire power usage
Another thing you can do to reduce electricity usage is to eliminate vampire power usage.
What is vampire power?
Vampire power, aka vampire load, vampire energy, or standby power, is the power that electronics, kitchen appliances, and other gadgets use just by being plugged in. You may not think this is a big deal, but according to industry studies, vampire power can account for nearly 25% of your home’s electricity usage. That’s wasted energy and wasted money.
Slay the vampires
So what can you do? Slay the vampires.
- Use smart power strips. Smart power strips disable power to multiple devices once they go into standby mode.
- Unplug devices when not in use. Unplug the Xbox and all the peripherals when your kids aren’t actively using them. This can be easily done if you use a power strip with an On/Off switch.
- If laptops and tablets are fully charged, unplug the chargers. If they’re turned off, they won’t use any power and will be ready to use when you come home.
- Unplug phone chargers. Have you ever noticed that the phone charger block/adapter is warm even when not in use? That’s because it’s drawing power.
- Unplug the coffee maker, toaster, toaster oven, and other countertop appliances. Get in the habit of unplugging these appliances when they’re not in use.
- Choose ENERGY STAR®. When shopping for a new TV, new refrigerator, or new HVAC system, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. That shows you the item is more energy efficient than others.
In 2025, the average monthly electric bill in the United States is $140.56, based on the average usage of 855 kWh and average kWh price of 16.44 cents. Taking that average, 25% of that would be $35.14, or $421.68 a year. Check your average bill and average usage and do the math to see what you could save.
#4: Replace a failing HVAC system
If you noticed over the summer that your central air conditioner or heat pump was struggling to keep up in sweltering heat, or repair bills are getting higher and more frequent, it may be time to research HVAC system replacement.
Aging HVAC systems become less efficient and can use more energy.
Read these articles for more information.
Visit our Electric Heat page to learn why an electric heat pump system might be your best energy-saving option.
Save energy year-round
By incorporating a smart thermostat and following some of these other tips year-round, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your energy bills all year long. Check out our Green Guide for some more suggestions regarding lighting, weatherization, and more.
Work with HVAC professionals you can count on
From HVAC maintenance to HVAC repair to HVAC replacement, your local American Standard dealer is your partner for energy-saving comfort. Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your system, which can save you even more money on your home energy bills.
Anne Fonda
Content Writer, Trane Technologies
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Josef Hejda, Electrification Commercialization Leader
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