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:
- Turn off your HVAC system before starting any work.
- Use foil tape (not duct tape) to seal gaps along straight duct seams.
- Apply duct sealant (a thick water-based paste used to seal HVAC ductwork) with a paintbrush where elbow joints connect to straight sections.
- 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.
Good stuff
I need you help for my bill is still off in may 9 😔
Good morning, Joysi. We’re sorry to hear about your bill! Please contact us at 1-800-342-5775 to review your statement. You can also find tools to help understand your bill by visiting us at https://pplelectric.com/site/Ways-to-Save/Bill-Toolkit
Hello buena información, me gustaría saber ,si pueden chequiarme algo de una válvula del gas. I need apoitmet for that,thank you.
Buenas tardes, Rosa:
Gracias por contactarnos. Lamentablemente, PPL no presta servicios ni realiza reparaciones relacionadas con el gas. Por favor, comuníquese con su compañía de gas para recibir asistencia adicional. Gracias.
Tips on reducing heat this summer is extremely helpful and applicable in many ways.
To keep cooler. Pull down your shades and blinds and close curtains. It is good to get ROOM DARKENER DRAPES! Sunshine seeps through windows and cracks. Keep it dark in your rooms. Close windows so heat will not come in. Wear light clothing in your home or since no one can see you, wear nothing! Drink plenty of cold drinks, like ice water, ice tea, lemonade, ice cold soda. Eat lighter so you do not use your stove or oven so much. The darker your home is, you will feel more cooler! OH! AND OF COURSE EAT SOME WATERMELON! VERY REFRESHING!
Very helpful information
Ìm looking forward to the summer months
Why is my home bill over $800 per month?
Hello Belinda, We would be happy to look into this for you. Please contact us at 1-800-342-5775 to review your statement. You can also find tools to help understand your bill by visiting us at https://pplelectric.com/site/Ways-to-Save/Bill-Toolkit
Every time I try to save the bill goes up anyway. I unplug everything when I go on vacation but the bill never goes down, I don’t use my air conditioner to save but it’s still very high.
Hello Bonnie,
For more information on how to save on your bill, please visit http://www.pplelectric.com/virtualassessment to learn more. Thank you
What are Deciduous trees?
Hello Naomi! A deciduous tree is a tree that sheds its leaves annually, like maple, oak, beech, ash, etc.
I just installed additional insulation in the attic and I had insulation installed in the basement floors
That insulation sown in basement floor is great idea but mine is dirt I wish it wasnt.I have crawl space I. My
Basement I was wondering Id I put insulation in it put all my pipes under the floor in kitchen
Great reminders 🙂
Excellent suggestions, thanks.
You’re welcome Virginia!
very good
Hi Good Day to you. My COMMENT My PPL Electric BILL just keep going up & up.
Need some answers. Thank you. & Have a good day.
Good morning, Youbraj. We understand that can be frustrating and are here to help. Please contact us at 1-800-342-5775 to review your bill. M-F 8AM-5PM. You can also find tools to help understand your bill by visiting us at https://pplelectric.com/site/Ways-to-Save/Bill-Toolkit
I have already taken steps to prepare my home for the upcoming summer. Air conditioning filters have been cleaned, among other things.
Thermal curtains these days are not only beautiful, but also keep heat in and cold out during the winter months, but also keep the heat OUT and the A/C in, during the summer saving money both on heating/cooling.
That’s a great tip!
I have tried everything to keep my electric cost down
Good morning, Vandian. We understand sometimes this can be overwhelming. If you’d like to speak to someone from our Energy Education to help with reviewing your costs, contact us at 1-800-342-5775 to review your bill. M-F 8AM-5PM. You can also find tools to help understand your bill by visiting us at https://pplelectric.com/site/Ways-to-Save/Bill-Toolkit
Check door and window seals for leaks. Add blown in insulation in the attic areas of the house.
We have no AC or HVAC units to bother with . Living in the Pocono Mountains, we just open the windows . Lived here since 1986 .
Very Efficient
Can a new central air conditioner lower the cost of electricity
Love these reminder tips
Great tips . Thanks
Great ideas!!
It’s definitely important to find ways to remove unnecessary heat or cold elements from damaging one’s home.
Good message for everyone
Thanks for the information adding comfort to my house.
my apt has No AC and there are No trees at or around my apt area that are close. thanks for the reminders and tips anyway.
Very helpful!
I can only use window a/c units where I live. This survey/game was not helpful to me. 🙁
Great tips to stay cool
Thank you for the advice!
The insurance company said we’re not allowed to have trees near the house. So no I won’t be planting any.
Good info.
Thank you very much!
Great help thank you. I have already finish these changes!
I had a healthy tree that the city required that I cut it down due to sidewalk buckling. Still paying for this loss in both beauty and decreasd cooling air flow . You are correct in the benefit of trees but you need to includeca warning about treecselection and the cost of maintenance especially in the city
Love The Hints Reminds us of what to Do and and what to check
Good afternoon, Mary. We are glad to hear these are helpful.
do not have ceiling fans
It’s funny how you assume that your customers all have the latest heating or air conditioning. Some actually have baseboard electric heat and window air conditioners. You ask for increases every year. When you want a 3% increase, you ask the PUC for 10% and make it look like your all for the customer. How about having your execs taking less. I’m sure they could survive on $200K / year!
Hello, DD,
Thank you for reaching out. There are many other ways to save on your electric bill. Please visit http://www.pplelectric.com/virtualassessment to learn more. Thank you.
Good Reminders
We hope they will help you save! Thank you.
Hi great information can recommend someone that can come out and do these repairs on my HCAV be cause I can’t do my self I have heart condition that doesn’t allow me to do these things I appreciate you let me know.