Energy Efficiency Tips Help Customers Save at Home as Kids Head Back to School

08/23/2021

Small changes create life-long habits the entire family can keep year-round.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The start of a new school year is upon us which means summer is coming to an end and cooler temperatures are on the horizon. With change in the air, there is much customers can do to adjust their energy habits at home.

Ways to Save at Home as Students Head Back to the Classroom

Adjust Thermostat
Ensure the thermostat is set at 78 degrees or higher. Customers can save 4-8% on cooling costs for each degree the thermostat is raised.

Use the Refrigerator Wisely
With kids away at school, the refrigerator door may not be open and closed as often. While preparing school lunches, take out all ingredients and supplies at once and set them on the counter to ensure the door is not open for prolonged periods of time.

Unplug Devices
With electronics unused most of the day at home, make sure they are unplugged and powered off. This will prevent unused electronics from using energy when they are not in use.

Buy ENERGY STAR Products
Back to school season may be the time to invest in new electronic devices like laptops, printers, and appliances. When shopping for electronics, look for the ENERGY STAR label. These products are certified as high-efficiency and low-energy devices.

PG&E encourages customers to put these tips into action as kids head back to school in hopes of forming life-long habits the entire family can keep year-round.

To find out how much energy goes to cooling, hot water, appliances, and other uses take PG&E’s 5-minute Home Energy Checkup. For more ways to save at home, visit pge.com/summer.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.