Teaching kids about saving electricity is not just about lowering your monthly bill—it is also about building habits that will last a lifetime. Kids of all ages can play a role in helping the family use less energy at home, and when they understand the “why” behind it, they are often eager to pitch in.
Here are 8 simple ways your kids can help cut electricity use, keep your home running smoothly, and even make the process a little fun.
1. Turn Off Lights When Leaving a Room
It sounds basic, but lights left on in empty rooms are one of the most common sources of wasted electricity. This is a habit that kids can learn early and stick with as they grow.
Make it stick:
Turn it into a game. Challenge them to be the “Light Captain” for the week, checking each room before bedtime to make sure all lights are off. Offer small rewards like choosing dinner or the next family movie night.
2. Unplug Chargers and Devices
Phone chargers, tablets, and game consoles can use electricity even when they are not in use. Kids can help by unplugging these items after they are done using them.
How to explain it:
Tell them that chargers are like straws—they keep sipping electricity even when they are not charging anything. Once they get the idea, they will start spotting unused chargers all over the house.
3. Close the Refrigerator Door Quickly
It is easy to stand at the fridge looking for snacks, but every second the door stays open lets cold air escape and makes the appliance work harder to cool down again.
What to try:
Encourage kids to decide what they want before opening the fridge. You can also post a list of snacks on the door to help younger children make quicker choices.
4. Help with Laundry in Smarter Ways
Older kids can assist with laundry by helping to load the washer only when there is a full load, which uses water and electricity more efficiently.
Extra tip:
Let clothes air dry when possible. Hang laundry on a drying rack or line, and invite kids to help clip or fold clothes—it can be turned into a family task and even a quiet time together.
5. Power Down Video Games and Screens After Use
Whether it is a gaming console, computer, or TV, many of these devices continue to use power when left on standby. Reminding kids to fully shut them down helps cut this extra use.
Helpful approach:
Set a routine. After homework or before dinner, make it a habit to turn off all screens, unplug controllers, and tidy up cables. Kids enjoy structure, especially if it earns them free time later.
6. Keep Doors and Windows Closed When Heating or Cooling
When the air conditioner or heater is on, every open door or window allows comfortable air to escape. This causes your system to work harder to keep temperatures steady.
Simple explanation:
Explain that heating and cooling is like filling a bathtub. If the drain is open, the tub never stays full. Keeping doors closed helps the room stay cool or warm, just like keeping the water in the tub.
7. Use Natural Light for Homework and Reading
Encourage kids to take advantage of daylight instead of flipping on lights when doing homework, reading, or playing. Sunny windows can provide plenty of light for most afternoon tasks.
Make it inviting:
Create a cozy reading nook near a window or move the homework table closer to natural light. This not only saves electricity but makes learning time feel more enjoyable.
8. Join in on Energy Challenges
Involve the whole family in tracking energy use. Kids love goals and visuals, so putting up a monthly electricity chart can help them understand the impact of their efforts.
Try this:
Each week, assign everyone a small energy-saving task. Track progress with stickers or stars. At the end of the month, talk about what worked, what can improve, and celebrate any drop in usage.
Saving electricity is not just a job for adults. When kids take part, they learn responsibility and understand the value of being mindful about how their actions affect the home. With a little guidance, kids can become some of your most consistent helpers in keeping energy use low and your home running efficiently.At NextVolt Energy, we believe energy education starts at home. Simple steps lead to better habits—and better habits can lead to lasting savings.