Sunday Football, Smarter Energy Use
Football season is back, and Sundays are made for cheering on your favorite team, gathering with friends and family, and settling in for a full day of game-day fun. But while the TV, kitchen, and house may all be working overtime, your energy use doesn’t have to.
This football season, add a few energy-smart plays to your game-day strategy.
Make Your TV Part of the Starting Lineup
The TV may be the MVP of football Sunday, but that doesn’t mean every screen in the house needs to be running. Gather everyone around one main TV when possible and turn off TVs, gaming systems, and other electronics that aren’t being used.
When the final whistle blows, remember to power everything down rather than leave electronics running in the background.
Let Your Thermostat Play Defense
A house full of football fans can warm up quickly. Before lowering the thermostat, give your heating or cooling system a chance to take a break.
If the weather is comfortable, use ceiling fans to help circulate air or open windows to bring in some fresh fall air. Just remember to turn ceiling fans off when you leave the room.
Cook Up Some Energy Savings
Game-day snacks are almost as important as the game itself.
For smaller dishes, consider using countertop appliances such as an air fryer, toaster oven, or slow cooker instead of heating a full-size oven. If the oven is already on, make the most of it by cooking several dishes at once.
And try not to keep opening the oven door to check on those wings. Every peek lets heat escape.
Put Your Lights on the Sideline
October means shorter days, but you may not need every light in the house turned on for an afternoon game.
Open curtains and blinds to take advantage of natural daylight. As evening arrives, use LED lighting where possible and only light the rooms your guests are actually using.
Call a Timeout on Energy Vampires
Chargers, electronics, and other devices can continue using small amounts of electricity even when they aren’t actively being used.
Game day is a good reminder to check around the house for devices that can be unplugged. A power strip can also make it easier to turn several electronics off at once.
Make Cleanup an Energy-Smart Play
When the game is over, wait until the dishwasher is full before running it. If your dishwasher offers an air-dry or energy-saving setting, consider using it.
Have leftovers? Let hot foods cool appropriately before storing them, then keep your refrigerator organized so you can quickly grab what you need without leaving the door open longer than necessary.
Score Energy Savings All Season Long
You don’t have to change your football Sunday traditions to make your home a little more energy efficient. Small choices—turning off unused electronics, taking advantage of natural light, cooking efficiently, and giving your thermostat a break—can become easy habits throughout the season.
