The ABCs of Energy Savings

Whether at a school or home, as temperatures begin to rise, so too will energy bills. Throughout the year, your energy bill fluctuates as temperatures shift, especially during warmer months.

Everyone can help save energy. At school, a combined effort by students, teachers, staff and administrators can make a big impact to reduce energy waste. From low-cost measures like turning off lights to upgrading to new energy-saving appliances, the benefits are environmental, economic and educational. Here are just a few energy-saving ideas for schools:



• Install Variable Speed Drives on various functions of chilled water system including the cooling tower fan, condenser water pumps and ventilation fans to best match the needs of your building.
• Insulate chilled water and condenser water pipes, fittings and valves to prevent condensation and wasted energy.
• Invest in smart power strips, which can save 5-10% of power by shutting down power to standby mode devices that are plugged in.
• Unplug or turn off all power strips, smart boards and other IT equipment that isn’t in use in the summer months.
• Keep window blinds closed in rooms not being used to avoid the additional heat load from the sun during the cooling season.

For more ideas, check out the EPA guide Energy Efficiency Programs in K-12 Schools.

We know reducing your energy bill and your carbon footprint is important to you. To help you do both we’ve put together some tips to help you reduce energy usage at home:

• Cut your energy bill by almost $180 per year by adjusting the temperature on your programmable or smart thermostat when you’re at work, away or asleep.
• Trees and shrubs positioned to shade your AC unit can help it run up to 10% more efficiently.
• Set your thermostat back 4 degrees when your ceiling fan is on.
• Replacing a dirty air filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5-15%
• Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees will cool your home most efficiently.
• Go down to your basement where it’s naturally cooler so you can run the AC less.
• Draw your shades or blinds to keep rooms cooler during the day.
• Run ceiling fans counterclockwise in the summer to circulate cooler air
• Give your dryer a break by hanging laundry out to dry in nicer weather.
• Use an outdoor grill to cook instead of heating your home with the oven.

Find more energy savings tips, programs and rebates for your home at xcelenergy.com/WaysToSave and focusonenergy.com.

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The KEEP program is funded with generous support by Alliant Energy, Madison Gas and Electric, We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, WPPI Energy, and Xcel Energy. 

Published June 2023