Save energy
Create a home energy-saving plan and test small actions like switching off lights, unplugging devices, and closing curtains, then record and compare results.
Step-by-step guide to save energy at home
Ask Series | Tips to Save Energy at Home
Step 1
Gather all your materials and bring them to the room you will test.
Step 2
Pick one room to test and write its name at the top of your page.
Step 3
Draw a chart with five columns labeled Action; Before Reading; After Reading; Difference; Notes.
Step 4
On your chart list three actions to test one per row: switch off lights; unplug devices; close curtains.
Step 5
Take a baseline measurement now by reading your home electricity meter or a plug-in energy meter and write the number in the Before Reading column OR if you do not have a meter count how many lights are ON and which devices are plugged in and write that instead.
Step 6
Do the first action on your list now and keep it that way for 30 minutes.
Step 7
After 30 minutes take the same type of measurement you used before and write it in the After Reading column.
Step 8
Calculate the Difference by subtracting After Reading from Before Reading or by noting how many fewer lights or devices were on and write that in the Difference column.
Step 9
Put everything back to how it was before the test.
Step 10
Wait 5 minutes to let things settle before the next test.
Step 11
Repeat Steps 6 to 10 for the second action on your list.
Step 12
Repeat Steps 6 to 10 for the third action on your list.
Step 13
Look at the Difference numbers for all three actions and circle the action that saved the most energy.
Step 14
Write two short rules for your home energy plan based on what saved the most energy and pick one rule to try this week.
Step 15
Take a photo or write a short summary of your chart and share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a plug-in energy meter or can't read the home electricity meter?
Follow Step 5's alternative by counting how many lights are ON and which devices are plugged in for your Before Reading and After Reading, and use a phone timer to measure the 30-minute test.
What should we do if the meter reading doesn't change after 30 minutes or results seem inconsistent?
If the whole-house meter doesn't show a change, test individual devices with a plug-in meter or use the count method from Step 5, make sure you kept the action unchanged for the full 30 minutes, and wait the 5-minute settle time between tests.
How can we adapt this activity for younger children or older kids?
For younger children, simplify Step 3 by listing only two actions and shorten Step 6 to a 10-minute test with parental help filling the chart, while older kids can keep the 30-minute tests and add kWh calculations from meter readings.
How can we extend or personalize the project after completing the three tests?
After circling the biggest saver in Step 12, repeat tests at different times of day, add extra actions like thermostat changes or sealing drafts to your chart, take the photo suggested in Step 14, and turn the two rules from Step 13 into a week-long family challenge.
Watch videos on how to save energy at home
How to Save Energy - ENERGY STAR Education Program
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How to Save Energy - ENERGY STAR Education Program
Energy in Action: A Fun & Easy Guide for Kids! Unlock the Secret Power of Energy-A Fun Song for Kids
Different Sources of Energy, Using Energy Responsibly, Educational Video for Kids
World Environment Day | Energy Saving Tips for Home |Twinkl Kids Tv
Facts about energy conservation for kids
š”ļø Closing curtains at night reduces heat loss through windows, helping keep rooms warmer without extra heating.
š If many homes each cut a little energy, the total savings would equal the output of whole power plantsāsmall actions scale up.
š” Lighting makes up about 5ā10% of a typical home's electricity use, so turning off unused lights really adds up.
š Standby (or "phantom") power can be responsible for around 5ā10% of household electricityāunplugging or using power strips stops the waste.
š§¾ Tracking energy for just a week can reveal surprising culpritsāsometimes the smallest device uses more power than you expect.
How do you create and test a home energy-saving plan with a child?
What materials do I need to test small home energy-saving actions with kids?
What ages is a home energy-saving plan activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of creating a home energy-saving plan with your child?
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