How Daylight Saving Time Affects Your Energy Use
This Sunday, March 9th, clocks will spring forward by one hour as Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins. While the shift means longer evenings and later sunsets, many people wonder: does this time change actually help reduce energy use? The idea behind DST is that with more daylight in the evening, homes and businesses will rely less on artificial lighting and energy use will drop. But is that really the case? Let’s break down how the time change affects your electricity use and what you can do to keep energy costs under control.
How Daylight Saving Time Impacts Energy Use
Daylight Saving Time was originally introduced to make better use of natural light and reduce overall electricity demand. In theory, shifting an hour of daylight into the evening should lead to less lighting use and lower energy consumption. However, today’s energy usage patterns have changed, and DST doesn’t always lead to clear-cut savings.
Here’s how different parts of your energy use may be affected:
Less Evening Lighting, But More Morning Usage
With the sun setting later, households may need to turn on their lights later in the evening. However, since sunrise is also later, many people find themselves needing to use indoor lighting earlier in the morning when they wake up. This shift can balance out any savings expected from later sunsets.
Heating and Cooling May Offset Any Savings
Longer daylight hours can mean warmer evenings, especially as the season progresses. If the temperature rises earlier in the day, air conditioners may run for longer periods, increasing energy use. On the flip side, in early spring when mornings are colder, some households may use heating more often in the early hours before sunrise.
Changes in Daily Routines
With longer daylight hours, people tend to stay out later, which may increase energy use in other ways. More activity in the evening can mean more appliances running—TVs, kitchen appliances, and electronics—which can offset any savings from reduced lighting use.
Does Daylight Saving Time Actually Save Energy?
Studies on the energy impact of DST have produced mixed results. Some research suggests modest reductions in electricity use, while others indicate that the savings from reduced lighting are counterbalanced by increases in heating and cooling demand.
A study by the U.S. Department of Energy found that DST reduces overall electricity use by less than 1% per day. While this isn’t a huge amount, every bit counts when it comes to managing your energy bill. The biggest factors affecting whether DST helps you save are your location, climate, and daily energy habits.
How to Make the Most of the Time Change
Even if DST doesn’t dramatically lower energy use on its own, you can take advantage of the shift by making small changes that help keep your electricity bill in check:
- Adjust Your Thermostat Wisely – Take advantage of the natural warmth from the sun in the evening and use fans to circulate air before relying on your air conditioner. In the morning, dress in layers to stay warm instead of cranking up the heat.
- Make the Most of Natural Light – Open blinds and curtains in the morning to brighten up your home naturally instead of turning on lights. In the evening, rely on outdoor daylight for as long as possible before using indoor lighting.
- Use Smart Lighting Solutions – Consider timers or motion sensors for outdoor lights so they’re only on when needed. Inside, opt for LED bulbs, which use far less electricity than traditional bulbs.
- Unplug Electronics Before Bed – Longer daylight hours often lead to increased screen time at night. Reduce standby energy consumption by unplugging devices like gaming consoles and computers when they’re not in use.
- Shift High-Energy Tasks – With more daylight in the evening, shift energy-heavy tasks like laundry or dishwashing to earlier in the day when solar production is higher (if you have solar panels) or when rates may be lower if you’re on a time-of-use plan.
Daylight Saving Time may not be a magic solution for cutting energy costs, but it does offer opportunities to make small adjustments that can help reduce unnecessary electricity use. By using natural daylight effectively, being mindful of heating and cooling, and making smart choices about lighting and appliances, you can make the most of the time change.
At NextVolt Energy, we’re here to help you manage your energy use year-round with straightforward plans and helpful tips. As we move into longer days and brighter evenings, now is a great time to rethink your daily energy habits and find ways to save.