Summer is around the corner and for many families, that means higher energy use as temperatures climb—especially in July and August. The good news? A few small, practical steps you take now can help your home stay cooler and keep energy costs more manageable during the warmer months ahead.

We’ve pulled together a few quick, weekend-friendly moves that can help you stay in control of your comfort, energy use and budget. They’re simple, realistic and designed to help you prepare for the months ahead—when summer heat and energy use are at their highest.

Before hotter weather causes your A/C to work harder, these small steps can make a meaningful difference. Now is the best time to get started.

Start small. Feel the difference.

You don’t need a big renovation or a big budget to make an impact. These quick projects fit into a free afternoon or a weekend and help your home work smarter when the summer heat is on.
Got some free time Saturday? Take our short survey to discover easy ways to keep your home’s energy costs more manageable all summer—and all year long.

Looking for another weekend-ready DIY project? Here’s one of our favorites. Leaky ducts can reduce cooling system efficiency by as much as 20%. Seal accessible ducts with these four simple steps:

1. Turn off your HVAC system before starting any work.
2. Use foil tape (not duct tape) to seal gaps along straight duct seams.
3. Apply duct sealant (a thick water-based paste used to seal HVAC ductwork) with a paintbrush where elbow joints connect to straight sections.
4. Cut fiberglass insulation to fit around ducts, then wrap and secure it with foil tape.

Discover more energy-saving tools, tips and programs at SaveWithPPL.com. Because when it comes to summer energy use, you don’t have to do everything—just the right things. And we’re right here to help you save.