DIY Archives - People Powering Life

DIY like a pro

Feb 17, 2025 | Energy Efficiency

With a few simple projects, you can boost your home’s energy efficiency, cut down on your utility bills and make a positive impact on the planet.

From sealing drafty windows to installing a smart thermostat, our easy-to-follow videos and tips will have you tackling home upgrades like a pro. Plus, you’ll save money that you can spend on the things that matter most—like family, friends and fun.

And don’t forget to visit our Online Marketplace for great deals on all the supplies you’ll need to get started.

Seal in comfort and save like a pro

Keep the winter drafts outside where they belong. A window insulation kit is the perfect solution to help keep your home warm and lower your energy bill. –

Step 1 – Clean the window to prepare for installation. –
Step 2 – Apply the double-stick tape around the edges. –
Step 3 – Attach the film to one side, pulling it tight while leaving 4–6 inches of extra material. –
Step 4 – Use a hair dryer to shrink the film, creating a snug fit. It’s that simple!

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Want some pro advice?

Make sure to clean your windows all the way to the edges with window cleaner. The tape will stick better, providing a tighter seal. Plus, you’ll have a nicer view!

Keep the air outside from coming inside

Is your window caulking starting to peel and crack? Replacing it not only keeps the cold air out, but also keeps moisture and bugs from getting in. –

Step 1 – Tools: You’ll need two tubes of caulk, a tube gun, a utility knife, a glove, sandpaper and a towel. –
Step 2 – Prep: Wipe down the window surface, remove the old caulk with your knife and sand off any leftover material. –
Step 3 – Application: Cut the tip off the caulk tube, leaving a small hole. Apply continuous pressure along the window seam and then smooth the bead with your glove.

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Here’s a pro tip

Start out by cutting a small tip off the caulk tube. If needed, you can always increase it to the desired size.

Let your thermostat do the work

Ready to install your new smart thermostat? Most brands share the same basic setup, but you may want to check your model’s instructions or find a contractor. –

Step 1 – Turn off the power at the circuit breaker, and if in doubt, turn off all the power. If you feel uncomfortable working with electricity, hire a contractor to install your thermostat. –
Step 2 – Take the faceplate off and snap a photo of the wires to help you reconnect them later. –
Step 3 – Remove the old baseplate and install the new one. Use a level to make sure it’s even. –
Step 4 – Reference the instructions from the manufacturer and attach the wires by matching corresponding colors or labels. –
Step 5 – Attach the smart thermostat, then flip breakers back on to make sure the thermostat has power. –
Step 6 – Connect your smart thermostat to your Wi-Fi network and set the temperature by following the manufacturer instructions for your model.

Save more with pro-level DIY energy tips

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Tip #1

LED lightbulbs can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent ones. But they’re not all the same, so check the label. –

Look for Brightness. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the bulb. Brightness used to be measured in watts, but it’s now measured in lumens. –
Check the Estimated Yearly Energy Cost, allowing you to compare savings between different bulbs. –
Look under Life to see how long the bulb might last before it needs to be replaced. –
Check Light Appearance. A low number means the light is warm, while a higher number means it is cooler. –
Finally, check Energy Used to find out how many watts the bulb uses.

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Tip #2

Electronics that draw power even when shut off can add up to about $200 in annual energy costs for the average home. Save energy and money with an advanced power strip—all you do is plug it in!

Use a power strip for electronics such as your computer, tablet, gaming system and cellphone. –
Plug in your TV, cable box, DVD player and sound system to a power strip.

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Want a quick reference to help you with the DIY projects shown above? Download our step-by-step guide.

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Got a task you don’t want to tackle yourself? We know some real pros who can help you out. Find a contractor near you.

Looking for more energy efficiency tips?

Learn more at SaveWithPPL.com

These lights are right up your alley

Aug 22, 2014 | Energy Efficiency

Getting “unplugged” gets harder and harder these days. We’re so dependent on electronic gadgets and gizmos that it’s difficult to think of a time when I’m not within 5 feet of at least my mobile phone. It seems just about everything we do is behind a screen. Whether I’m at my computer writing a blog post or using my phone to pay a bill, I’m always connected.

I’ve made it my personal mission to make sure my family takes the time to completely unplug and enjoy the dog days of summer. It was time to turn off the phones, TV and tablets and get outside for family fun that was right up our alley.

We wanted to spend these beautiful summer nights outdoors so we brought the bowling alley to our backyard.

Glow Stick Bowling

What you need
10 Glow Sticks
10 empty water bottles

How we did it:
After digging 10 water bottles out of the recycling bin, I simply filled them with water. Next, I activated the Glow Sticks and plopped them in.

All that was left was to put on the lid, grab a ball and bowl.

Once it started to get dark, I set up the “pins.” I must say it looked really cool.

We still had a touch of World Cup fever, so we used a soccer ball and “bowled” with our feet. Simple, easy and a great new spin on an old classic. The kids loved it, and to be honest, so did we. It was hilarious to see just how bad our aim was at first. The best score was obtained by my little one, who is 2. She “bowled” with her hands and feet. And at times, she took off with a pin or two.

It was an unplugged summer night success. Check back to see what activity is next on the list and visit Project Envolve to what fun activities these families came up with.