A family gathered around an outdoor dinner table with string lights above

May 29, 2025 | Energy Efficiency | 16 comments

Keep calm, cool and comfortable

Chill out with tips to save energy at home this summer

Summer weather is here, and while we all love sunny days and warmer temperatures, increasing heat also makes us feel like turning on the A/C. But don’t worry, staying cool doesn’t have to mean cranking up the air conditioning. We’ve got a few simple tips to help you beat the heat and use less energy at home while still staying comfortable.

Tip 1: Start with our Energy Analyzer

Want the simplest way to save energy? Find out where your home uses the most energy each month with our new Energy Analyzer tool. You can also view a breakdown of your appliance’s energy usage over the past 12 months and see exactly how much you spent on cooling last summer. Log in to gain access to your usage, along with insights and tips to help you keep saving all year long.

Tip 2: Prep your A/C for peak performance

Make sure your A/C is operating effectively by clearing leaves and debris around your outdoor unit so it can run efficiently.

Icon of A/C filter with air moving through it

Pro Tip: Move indoors to clean your A/C’s air filter and improve its efficiency by 10%.

Tip 3: DIY your way to a cooler home

Up to 75% of sunlight that hits your windows turns into heat inside your home. Installing window shades can help keep rooms cool and prevent your A/C from working overtime.

Step 1: Mark inside the window casing where to attach the bracket.

Step 2: Secure the shade brackets to the window casing.

Step 3: Insert the shade into the bracket on each side.

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Quick Fix: No shades? Reflective window film is a quick, easy way to block heat and cool things down.

Tip 4: Make the most of your fans

Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise in the summer to create a cooling breeze. You’ll feel cooler even if the temperature stays the same, but don’t forget to turn them off when you’re gone.

Bonus Tip: Open windows in the morning and evening to create a natural cross-breeze before the heat kicks in.

Tip 5: Host smarter, stay cooler

Getting ready for a Fourth of July party? Try an outdoor or evening gathering when temperatures are cooler. Grill more and bake less to avoid heating up your kitchen with the oven—plus, use energy-efficient string lights to add a cozy glow.

Here’s a Tip: Grab some coolers to keep drinks cold instead of repeatedly going into the house to open the fridge, preventing cold air from escaping, which makes your appliances work harder.

With just a few simple changes, you can stay comfortable all summer long while using less energy. Try out these tips and enjoy a cooler, more efficient home.

To learn more about how our tools, tips and programs can help you save energy and money, check out SaveWithPPL.com.

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16 Comments

Marie Batzel on June 9, 2025 at 1:46 pm

Excellent tips for saving &$
Thank you
Reply
- Melissa Craig on June 9, 2025 at 4:11 pm
  
  Who helps w a ac or 2
  Reply
- Stephen Homka on June 9, 2025 at 6:28 pm
  
  Thanks I do all of them
  Reply
Tiffany Henry-Hosby on June 9, 2025 at 1:55 pm

Please provide resources to help the community not just tips
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Jean L Herbert on June 9, 2025 at 4:15 pm

Great ideas on saving energy. Also will use appliances on off peak hours.
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Cristal Escarlen Laureano Torres . on June 9, 2025 at 5:19 pm

Excellent Services..
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Joann on June 9, 2025 at 5:44 pm

I would like to know when you use your dishwasher is it cheaper after a certain time?
Reply
- Kathryn on June 12, 2025 at 3:34 pm
  
  Good afternoon Joann, while we cannot see your account and can only guess it is not on any specific program, running your dishwasher is not cheaper any specific time of the day. You may want to read about our Time of Use program to see if it may benefit you under http://www.pplelectric.com/tou. Thanks.
  Reply
Susan Laputka on June 9, 2025 at 5:45 pm

Great ideas!
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Stephen Homka on June 9, 2025 at 6:29 pm

Save money
Reply
Rebecca Leas on June 9, 2025 at 8:16 pm

I didn’t see how I can activate the energy analyzer
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- Kathryn on June 12, 2025 at 1:53 pm
  
  Good afternoon Rebecca, please be sure to have a web profile set up for your account. When the profile is in place, click on https://www.pplelectric.com/energyanalyzer which will be activated. Scroll to the bottom of the page that provides an instructional video. Simple click on “Get Started” to discover how the Energy Analyzer can help you take control of your energy costs by analyzing your energy usage. Thanks for your question.
  Reply
Sheila Germany on June 10, 2025 at 1:02 am

I think the ideas are great especially the window film and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do
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Laura on June 10, 2025 at 6:25 am

Great ideas I already use, Thank You’ lowering your thermostat helps as well and start early morning will save your unit from over working once the heat does set in after being away and returning to a hot house it works over use of your unit!!!!!!!
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Cathy Andrus on June 10, 2025 at 3:50 pm

Freeze some water, juices etc. put in cooler with ice and ice packs keeps drinks cold for longer and as others thaw out you have more cold drinks
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Sharon M. on June 12, 2025 at 5:33 am

Great tips! I’m heading out for the window film. You still have light while blocking the heat. Thank you
Reply