Earth Day is almost here, so we’re sharing some simple ways to save energy and money. From preparing your home for warmer weather to delicious recipes that use less energy, we’ve got you covered. Here are some things you and your family can do to save while having fun! 

 

Unplug and reconnect 

Here are some creative games that will get you and your family off their screens and into a sustainable mindset. You’ll find some enjoyable diversions while saving electricity by unplugging your devices.  

Get a strike: Glow stick bowling is a great activity for the whole family! Find some empty water bottles, fill them with water, and pop in activated glow sticks. Then all you need is a soccer or other ball for a fun nighttime activity that will get glowing reviews from everybody.

Fold a plane: Ready to take flight? This flight school game will test kids’ skills at folding paper airplanes. For this easy DIY game, all you’ll need is some paper, a poster board and a desire to fly! 

Perfect your toss: Laundry basket Skee-Ball is a great way to unwind together. 

Green your cooking routine 

Electric stoves and ovens use a lot of energy and can also heat up your kitchen. By choosing other appetizing options, you can save a lot of energy—and money. Check out these energy-saving alternatives. 

Isn’t it time you had a classic burger? It’s a good idea to get out of the kitchen with these great grilling recipes. 

Mmmmm. Low-and-slow chicken chili: Slow cookers can mean fast energy savings. Check out these slow cooker recipes. 

We think you’ll love the no-bake cheesecake: No-bake options can be a great alternative. Here are some no-bake recipes to consider. 

Energy-efficient spring cleaning 

We all know that decluttering and cleaning can make our lives run more efficiently. Making these simple fixes can help save money and energy. 

DIY filters: Replacing your air filters to ensure that your HVAC system runs efficiently is a great spring DIY project. It’s also a great time to call one of our Energy Advisors for a free virtual home assessment to make sure you’re saving money all year round.  

Cold water clean: Heating the water when you do laundry takes energy. Find a detergent that will get your clothes just as clean in cold water. And save energy by washing full loads instead of partial ones. 

 We’ll haul away that fridge: Old refrigerators can consume a lot of energy. Receive $50 for your old fridge or freezer. And learn about our $50 rebate on new ENERGY STAR® refrigerators. 

Spring into action 

Spring is here, and summer’s not far behind. Make the most of the season and prepare your home for warmer weather with these easy, energy-saving actions you can do to make a big difference on your energy bills. 

Keep it tight: Stop energy leakage by weatherstripping and caulking around doors and windows. Sealing air leaks could save you up to $150 in total energy costs.  

Switch and save: Adjust the rotation of your ceiling fan to move counterclockwise. Using your ceiling fan lets you increase your thermostat setting by 4°F with no impact on your comfort. You can also pick up an ENERGY STAR ceiling fan that’s up to 60% more energy efficient. 

Cover up: Open your shades or curtains on cool but sunny days to let in warmth and light. Close them when it gets too hot or to prevent drafts at night.  

A greener backyard  

Your sustainable routines don’t have to be limited to your home. There are great opportunities to increase your energy efficiency right outside your back window. From lighting to landscaping, here’s how to enjoy your green space. 

A windbreak for your home: To battle those cold and windy Pennsylvania nights, consider a windbreak of evergreens and shrubs. When mature, ensure your landscape windbreak height is tall enough to properly protect your home with foliage that also extends to the ground.  

Solar solutions: Solar lights are the perfect complement to any backyard vibe you’re going for. Not only will they not increase your energy costs, but they’re also not tied down by any outside outlet. Patio umbrellas with solar-powered lights are a great, energy-efficient lighting solution. 

Cool it off: Shading your home with trees can save you up to $75 annually and cool surrounding air temperatures by up to 9°F. And shading your A/C unit with landscaping can increase its efficiency by 10%. 

These are just some of the many ways you can green your routine to save energy and money. You’ll find a host of other energy-saving ideas, products and programs at SaveWithPPL.com. 

We want to help you spend less on energy so you can spend more on what matters most.