Sep 1, 2026 | Energy Efficiency
Cooler weather will be here before we know it, but getting your home ready doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. A few DIY projects can help reduce drafts, improve comfort and make your home more energy efficient throughout the season. Sealing air leaks and adding insulation are among the most cost-effective ways to improve comfort in your home while reducing the energy needed to heat it.
In fact, the EPA estimates that air sealing and adding insulation can save homeowners an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs.
Whether you’re checking off one project this weekend or working your way through the list over the next few weeks, your Fall Prep Checklist can help you get started and stay organized.
Use the guide below to learn more about each item on your Fall Prep Checklist.
These beginner-friendly projects require only basic tools and not a lot of time.
☐ Find air leaks
Before you can seal drafts, you need to find them. Even small air leaks around windows and doors can let warm air escape and make your home less comfortable during colder weather.
Two simple tests can help you spot problem areas:
- Hold a damp hand near windows, doors and other areas where you suspect a draft. If you feel moving air, you’ve likely found an air leak.
- Close a window or exterior door on a dollar bill. If you can easily pull it out, the seal may not be tight enough.
Watch this short video to see these quick tests in action
☐ Add or replace weatherstripping
Weatherstripping helps create tight seals around exterior doors. However, over time, this weatherstripping can crack, flatten or peel away, allowing outside air to enter your home. Adding or replacing weatherstripping can help keep your home more comfortable before winter arrives.
Need a walk-through? Watch the video to see exactly what to look for and how to replace it.
☐ Caulk around window frames
Even small gaps around your window frames can allow outside air to find its way indoors.
Inspect the caulk around your interior window frames. If you notice cracking, shrinking or missing sections, remove the old caulk and apply a fresh bead to help create a tighter seal. Our step-by-step video covers everything you need to know.
Ready to take on something a bit more involved? These projects require extra materials or steps, but they can make an even bigger difference.
☐ Seal behind window or door trim
Even when your windows and doors close tightly, hidden gaps between the frame and the wall can still allow warm air to escape.
This project involves carefully removing the interior trim, sealing the gap between the window or door frame and the wall, then reinstalling the trim.
What you’ll need:
- Low-expansion foam sealant for windows and doors
- Putty (for stained trim) or spackle and paint (for painted trim)
- Pry bar
- Putty knife
- Utility knife
- Hammer and nail punch or brad nail gun
- Pliers or nippers
- Rags
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Dust mask
Basic steps:
- Remove the interior trim around one window or door.
- Carefully loosen the trim by cutting along the painted edge with a utility knife, then gently pry it away from the wall using a putty knife and pry bar.
- Check the gap between the wall framing and the window or door jamb. If there’s little or no insulation or sealant, the area may need to be sealed.
- Remove any old insulation from the gap.
- Apply low-expansion foam sealant and allow it to harden.
- Trim away any excess foam.
- Reinstall the trim and replace any nails that were removed.
- Fill the nail holes with matching putty or spackle and paint as needed.
Safety reminder: Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint. Removing trim can create hazardous dust. Consider working with a qualified contractor if this applies to your home.
☐ Seal your attic hatch
Your attic hatch is often overlooked, but without a proper seal, it can allow warm air to escape into the attic.
What you’ll need:
- Self-adhesive weatherstripping
- Rigid foam board or fiberglass insulation
- Construction adhesive
- Utility knife
- Tape measure
Basic steps:
- Clean the edge of the attic opening.
- Apply weatherstripping around the opening to create a continuous seal.
- Cut insulation to fit the back of the hatch.
- Attach the insulation securely.
- Close the hatch and make sure it forms a snug seal.
DIY shortcut: Pre-made insulated attic stair covers are available at many home improvement stores and online.
☐ Seal small gaps around pipes and wiring
Openings around plumbing vent pipes and electrical wiring can allow warm air to escape into the attic. Sealing these small gaps helps improve your home’s air seal.
What you’ll need:
- Low-expansion spray foam
- Caulk
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
Basic steps:
- Locate visible openings around pipes and wiring.
- Fill larger gaps with low-expansion spray foam.
- Seal smaller gaps with caulk.
- Allow the sealant to cure before replacing any insulation that was moved during the project.
Safety reminder: Wear gloves when using expanding foam. Once it cures, the foam can be very difficult to remove from skin or clothing. Be careful when working around electrical wiring and avoid disturbing any electrical connections.
☐ Seal leaky ducts
If your ductwork runs through an attic, basement or crawl space, leaks can allow heated air to escape before it reaches the rooms you’re trying to keep comfortable. Sealing and insulating your ducts can help improve your HVAC system’s performance and efficiency.
What you’ll need:
- Something to dust off the area
- Foil tape (not duct tape)
- Work gloves
- Duct sealant (mastic) (optional)
- Paintbrush (optional)
- Flashlight (optional)
- Fiberglass duct insulation (optional)
- Utility knife (optional)
Basic steps:
- Turn off your HVAC system before starting any work.
- Clean off any dust or debris on and around the crack.
- Seal gaps along straight duct seams with foil tape.
- Apply duct sealant with a paintbrush where elbow joints connect to straight sections. (optional)
- Wrap accessible ducts with fiberglass insulation and secure it with foil tape. (optional)
Watch the video for step-by-step instructions for inspecting and sealing accessible ductwork.
Some of the most effective cold-weather improvements involve areas that can be difficult to safely seal and insulate on your own. If you’d rather leave these projects to a professional, consider working with a qualified contractor.
☐ Consider professional attic air sealing
The largest air leaks in a home are sometimes hidden beneath attic insulation.
Have a qualified contractor evaluate your home if you notice:
- Wet insulation
- Mold
- Roof leaks
- Ice dams
- Ventilation problems
- Older knob-and-tube wiring
☐ Consider professional basement air sealing
As warm air escapes through leaks in your attic, cold outside air is pulled into the home through gaps in the basement. Professionally sealing these hidden basement leaks can help reduce drafts and improve comfort throughout your entire home.
No-cost tip
Take advantage of the mild September weather by opening your windows and letting fresh air circulate through your home. Just make sure to fully close all your windows before you turn on the heat for the first time this season.
Get one check mark closer to winter
You don’t have to finish every project in a single weekend. Start with the quick wins and then tackle a moderate DIY project when you have more time. And if you’re planning larger home improvements, consider talking with a qualified contractor about professionally sealing your attic or basement.
Every project you complete is another step toward a more comfortable home during the cold season. So pull up your Fall Prep Checklist, choose your next project and start checking them off.
Want to keep the momentum going? Visit SaveWithPPL.com for more simple ways to manage your energy use and find tools to help you along the way.
Aug 13, 2026 | Energy Efficiency
Summer is a time when many homes use the most energy, especially during long stretches of hot weather. If you’ve been wondering what’s using the most electricity in your home, the Energy Analyzer can help you find out.
This free tool breaks your home’s energy use into easy-to-understand insights, showing which appliances use the most electricity, how your usage changes over time and where you might find opportunities to save.
These video walk-throughs explain the different sections of the Energy Analyzer and show you how to get the most from it.
Access the Energy Analyzer
To get started, sign in to your online PPL Electric Utilities account. Select My Account, choose Account Summary, then scroll down and select Explore Energy Analyzer. Once it opens, you’re ready to begin exploring your home’s energy use.
Personalize your experience
If you’re new to the Energy Analyzer, the Home Survey is the most important step in getting started. It only takes a few minutes to complete. You’ll answer questions about your home’s size, heating and cooling systems, and the appliances you use. As your home changes over time, updating the survey can help keep your energy breakdowns and recommendations as accurate as possible.
Get to know your dashboard
The dashboard is your starting point for exploring the Energy Analyzer. Start by looking at your recent appliance breakdown, Bill Summary and Bill History. You’ll also find personalized insights and quick links to the Energy Analyzer’s main sections, making it easy to explore each feature.
See what uses the most electricity
The Energy Details page starts with the Appliance view, where you can see approximately how much electricity your different appliances have used during each billing period. You can compare months over time or focus on a single category (like Cooling or Always On) for a closer look.
Get to know Always On
The Always On category includes devices that quietly use electricity around the clock, like internet equipment, televisions and other electronics that are always plugged in. Some electronics even continue using small amounts of electricity when they’re turned off. It’s something often called “vampire power.”
Some devices need to stay on all the time, so it’s not really possible to completely remove Always On energy use. But if a higher-than-expected Always On category catches your eye, it could be worth checking for electronics that never fully power down. Smart plugs and advanced power strips can also help curtail unnecessary energy use.
Take a closer look at your usage
Switch to the Usage view to see your electricity use from a different perspective. Compare billing periods throughout the year, then zoom in to view electricity use by month, day or hour to better understand when your home used the most electricity.
Understand your monthly summary
If one of your bills was higher than another, the Monthly Summary is a great place to begin looking for answers. See how different appliance categories contributed to your energy use and compare one billing period with the next. At the top of the page, you’ll find a Bill Breakdown showing your total energy use and bill charges. Below that, you’ll see approximately how much each appliance category contributed during that billing period.
Check out your personalized recommendations
Based on your home and your survey responses, the Recommendations section points you toward personalized energy-saving tips that can help you reduce your energy use. Some recommendations focus on simple habit changes you can start using right away. Others highlight rebates, programs and equipment upgrades that can have an even greater impact on your home’s energy use while improving comfort.
Find answers to common questions
Have questions about how the Energy Analyzer works? The FAQs section explains appliance categories, answers common questions and provides more information about how your home’s energy use is estimated.
Bonus tip: Check your electricity usage
Looking for the most up-to-date view of your electricity use? Outside of the Energy Analyzer, your online account also includes Electricity Usage charts, where you can view your electricity use by month, day or hour.
To find it:
1. Sign in to your PPL Electric account.
2. Select My Account.
3. Choose Check Usage.
4. Scroll down and select the Electricity Usage chart.
5. Use the buttons to switch between Monthly, Daily and Hourly views.
Get out there and explore
Now that you’ve seen what the Energy Analyzer can do, log in to your online account and explore it for yourself. Check in each month to spot trends, track changes and make informed decisions about your home’s energy use.
Jun 11, 2026 | Energy Efficiency
Keeping costs manageable for the people and communities we call home is important to us. That’s why we offer energy efficiency programs, tools and resources designed to help you use less energy, lower your monthly costs and feel more in control of your bill.
Summer cooling can put extra pressure on your budget, especially when hot days keep your air conditioner running longer. The good news is you have options. With a plan and the right support, you can stay comfortable while taking steps to manage your energy use.
By combining small changes at home with helpful programs and smart upgrades, you can reduce energy use, stay comfortable and keep more money in your pocket.
Here are a few ways we can help.
Find discounts on energy-saving products.
Some of the easiest ways to save start with small upgrades. Our Online Marketplace offers instant discounts on energy-efficient products that can help lower your energy use, including:
- Smart thermostats
- Advanced power strips
- Dehumidifiers
- Showerheads and aerators
These simple upgrades are designed to use less energy and make saving easier at home
If your smart thermostat includes geofencing, turn it on. It can automatically adjust your cooling when you’re away, helping you avoid unnecessary energy use and extra costs.
Get personalized energy-saving advice.
A no-cost Virtual Home Energy Assessment can help you spot savings that fit your home and budget.
During a short phone call, a trained energy advisor will review your home and suggest rebates, incentives and efficiency improvements that make sense for you. You’ll also receive a free energy savings kit with simple upgrades to help you start saving right away.
Take a closer look at your energy use.
Understanding how your home uses energy can help you find opportunities to save.
Our Energy Analyzer helps you see how much energy you’ve used recently and how it compares with past months. It can also show which appliances may be using the most energy, so you can focus on changes that may have the biggest impact on your bill.
Get rebates on efficient home upgrades.
If you’re replacing older equipment, energy efficiency rebates can help lower the upfront cost while reducing long-term energy use.
- Up to $325 for air-source heat pumps
- $225 per outdoor unit for mini-split heat pumps
- $400 for heat pump water heaters
- Up to $175 for central air conditioning systems
- Up to $100 for smart thermostats
- Enhanced rebates are also available for eligible customers
That means you may be able to save now and continue saving over time.
Make simple cooling changes at home.
You don’t need a major home project to save on cooling costs. A few practical changes can help your HVAC system work more efficiently during warmer months.
- Keep heat-producing devices away from your thermostat. Lamps, TVs and electronics can warm the area around your thermostat, causing your A/C to run longer than necessary.
- Use fans strategically. Ceiling, tower or pedestal fans can help circulate cooled air. When using fans with A/C, keep windows closed and raise your thermostat by at least 4 degrees to save energy.
- Use box fans for fresh air. When it’s cooler outside, box fans in open windows can help move fresh air through your home. Be sure fans are securely placed, especially around children or pets.
- Improve airflow. Open windows on the cooler, shaded side of your home. On the warmer side, place a fan facing outward to help push hot air outside and draw cooler air in.
- For multi-level homes, place an outward-facing fan upstairs to push rising hot air out, while opening windows downstairs to bring in cooler air.
Keep ceiling fans running smoothly.
A shaky ceiling fan can wear out faster and may not run as efficiently.
Here are four simple ways to keep your fan working smoothly.
Important: Turn off power at the breaker before you begin.
Check blade alignment
Measure the distance from the ceiling to each blade and gently adjust as needed.
Tighten loose screws
Secure all visible screws on blades, blade holders and the fan housing.
Test with a balancing kit
Attach the balancing weight to each blade until wobbling improves.
Use a penny if needed
Tape a penny to each blade to locate the most stable position, then secure it permanently.
Additional solutions to fit your needs
Make monthly bills more predictable.
Energy use can change with the seasons. Budget Billing can help make monthly bills more predictable by spreading costs more evenly throughout the year.
That can mean fewer surprises and easier month-to-month planning.
Find support when you need it.
Managing energy costs isn’t always easy. When you need extra support, our Bill Toolkit can connect you with payment assistance, bill management options and assistance resources designed to help you navigate higher energy use or financial strain.
Small steps can add up.
Saving energy and money doesn’t have to happen all at once. Small steps, paired with the right tools and support, can add up to meaningful savings over time.
Whether you’re looking for quick ways to cut energy use, more predictable monthly bills or help with bigger home upgrades, PPL Electric Utilities is here to help. We’re committed to helping you find options that fit your home, your budget and your goals.
Jun 9, 2026 | Safety and Security
Extreme heat can be more than just uncomfortable — it can affect your health, increase your energy use and make it harder to stay cool at home. It’s also a time when the electric system is working harder to meet increased demand, and we know that’s when you rely on us most. That’s why we’re working behind the scenes to keep power flowing while helping you stay prepared.
As temperatures rise, air conditioners, fans and other cooling appliances work overtime to keep you comfortable. These devices often run longer and work harder during extreme heat, driving up electricity use across the region.
At the same time, extreme heat can pose real health risks. Health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), say air conditioning is one of the most effective ways to prevent heat-related illnesses. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, spending time in cooler places like shopping malls, libraries or community cooling centers can help you stay safe.
While at home, a few simple steps can help you stay comfortable and use energy wisely:
- Block the sun: Close blinds and curtains during the day.
- Limit indoor heat: Avoid using ovens, dryers and dishwashers at times of peak heat.
- Fans cool people, not rooms: Run ceiling and portable fans only in occupied rooms.
Staying safe during extreme heat is just as important as staying comfortable:
- Drink fluids often.
- Wear light, breathable clothing.
- Take breaks in cool spaces.
- Check on neighbors and loved ones.
If you feel dizziness, nausea or unusual fatigue, take it seriously, find ways to cool down right away or seek medical attention.
What we’re doing to keep your power reliable
While you’re focused on staying cool, we’re focused on keeping your power reliable. Extreme heat and higher electricity use can put added stress on equipment, which is why we prepare year-round. Our teams replace aging equipment, trim trees and install advanced technology like Smart Grid devices to strengthen the system.
During heat waves, we closely monitor the grid and use real-time data to spot and address issues early. And, if an outage occurs, our crews are ready around the clock to respond safely and restore service as quickly as possible.
We’re here with you
Extreme heat can be dangerous, but you don’t have to face it alone. By taking a few simple steps, you can stay safe, manage your energy use and look out for those around you.
We’re committed to strengthening the system and supporting our customers when it matters most — so you can feel confident knowing we’ve got your back when temperatures rise.
Apr 30, 2026 | Energy Efficiency
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.
