Jul 28, 2022 | Energy Efficiency
Give your water heater a vacation
If you haven’t yet, check your water heater for an “away” or “vacation” setting. If your model doesn’t have this option, lower the temperature of your water heater before you leave home. Water heating can account for 20% of your energy use, so why heat water you’re not going to use?
Turn off the A/C
Raise your thermostat so the A/C won’t turn on during your time away. When you get back home, return your thermostat to its normal level slowly, two degrees at a time. You could also step up to a smart thermostat if you want to save energy and still come home to cool rooms. This little efficiency wonder will allow you to control your HVAC unit remotely from an app while you’re away. A programmable thermostat can’t be controlled remotely but can be set to fit your schedule.
Pull the plug on all appliances you won’t be using
Just turning devices off won’t keep them from using energy. Everything from your television to your microwave uses energy even when it is not switched on. It’s an energy drain called phantom power. You can unplug devices by hand or step up to smart power strips if you want to get more advanced. Many of these power strips sense motion, or take their cues from a key device like your TV, to know when to power on and off and knock out that phantom power that can eat away at your energy costs.
Use your lights for security and savings
If the movies have taught us anything, it’s that a few strategically placed lights will properly deter robbers. Putting your lights on timers will give the impression that your home is occupied. If you’d like to take your lighting to another level, leverage LEDs and smart lighting to maximize your security and efficiency.
Keep the heat out
You can save by closing your window coverings while you’re away. Nearly 76% of sunlight that hits your windows enters your home and becomes heat. To keep things energy efficient and secure, start closing your drapes or blinds away.
For more energy-efficient ways to save, visit savewithppl.com.
Jun 23, 2022 | Energy Efficiency
It’s official. Summer has arrived. Time to heat up the grill, turn up the tunes and get the party started. To save energy and money, try these simple party power plays.
Take it outside
Hosting a crowd indoors can raise your home’s temp and make your A/C work harder. Instead, invite your guests to grab a cold one, head outdoors for the real fun and close the door behind them. And while they mingle, you can relax knowing you’re keeping the party energy up and the indoor temp down.
Grill, baby, grill
Give your oven the night off and your A/C a break. Grill instead. Add some cold sides and you’ve got the perfect recipe for the hottest party on the block.
Cool it
Let your fridge relax, too. Allow leftovers to cool completely before putting them in your fridge. Doing so helps prevent unnecessary heat from entering your fridge and causing it to work extra hard to lower internal temperatures. Another great idea — opt for beverage coolers that can be filled and wheeled into place outside for partygoers.
Go for glow
Keep a good party going. Place strings of energy-efficient LED lights or solar-powered lanterns throughout the yard to give it a glow. Then, to save even more, add a timer to automatically turn off the lights at the end of the night.
Avoid getting soaked
If your party involves a pool, take a closer look at your current pool pump. It could be draining dollars. If it’s making noise, is shutting off unexpectedly or is more than seven years old, it may be time to take the plunge and purchase a new, more energy-efficient model. We offer a $350 rebate on ENERGY STAR® certified variable speed pool pumps.
Follow these energy-saving tips and your next backyard bash won’t just be fun, it’ll be budget friendly, too.
Learn more about PPL Electric Utilities’ energy savings programs at savewithppl.com
Jun 15, 2022 | Energy Efficiency
Hot temperatures can impact your comfort and your energy costs. Keep cool and save with these helpful tips from our friends at ENERGY STAR® and rebates from PPL Electric Utilities.
1. Consider an HVAC upgrade. If your cooling equipment is more than 10 years old or needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up, it may be time to replace the system. Get rebates of up to $450 on ENERGY STAR certified cooling equipment through PPL Electric.
2. Install a smart thermostat. An ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat saves energy by adjusting to your schedule and favorite temperatures. You can even control it right from your phone. We offer rebates of up to $100.
3. Insulate and seal air leaks. Feeling different temperatures from room to room? Updating insulation and sealing air leaks can keep the hot air out and improve the efficiency of your cooling system. Save with rebates of up to $700.
Check out more information on our current rebates.
Jun 4, 2022 | Energy Efficiency
It’s June, and that means summer is here. You can offset the summer heat by incorporating some energy efficient habits into your routine. Here are a few tips to help you save energy and money as temperatures rise.
Take advantage of shade. Blocking the sun’s warm rays can help lower your home’s temperature. Try planting trees or shrubs outside of your home’s windows, or purchase sunlight-blocking shades or curtains.
Keep hot air from leaking into your home. Seal openings with weatherstripping or caulk.
Install a smart thermostat. You can save energy with an ENERGY STAR® smart thermostat by setting temperatures to match your schedule. Leaving for a few days? Adjust the thermostat before you leave home or control it from your phone. We also offer rebates up to $100 for the purchase of a smart thermostat.
Check your HVAC air filter every month. Your heating and cooling systems use more energy than anything else in your home. Routine maintenance, like replacing or cleaning air filters, can lower your system’s energy consumption by up to 15%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If the air filter looks dirty, change it.
Use a ceiling fan. As long as indoor humidity is not very high, running a ceiling fan allows you to set the thermostat four degrees higher without a noticeable change in comfort.
Check out our Virtual Home Energy Assessment. A no-cost Virtual Home Energy Assessment is the perfect way to kickstart your energy efficiency journey. Your free virtual assessment includes a phone consultation with a trained Energy Advisor, energy efficiency recommendations, and a free personalized energy savings kit. For more information, visit pplelectric.com/virtualassessment.
For even more tips and ways to save, visit savewithppl.com.
Jun 3, 2022 | Energy Efficiency
Students in kindergarten through eighth grade throughout our service territory shined brightly during the month of May as they were recognized for their submissions to the Bright Ideas Energy Efficiency Student Poster Contest and Innovation Challenge.
The annual contest gives students the opportunity to creatively showcase how they would save energy and help the environment and shines a light on education and sustainability tips.
From the large number of thoughtful entries, the panel of judges from PPL Electric Utilities and the National Energy Foundation selected 3 grand prize winners and 10 honorable mentions to be showcased online. The students also received prizes and parties for their classes. Additionally, program funds are reinvested into the classroom as a grant for the grand prize winner’s teacher.
Prior to the contest, students and teachers participated in an energy efficiency education presentation. Students used the lessons they learned, as well as their own ideas, to create their posters.
Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences Innovation Challenge winners
“I want to thank PPL Electric Utilities for the Think! Energy Innovation program that they have allowed the students to partake in,” says Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences teacher Greg Mazurek.
“It was a great opportunity for these young adults to educate and inform themselves about being energy efficient; I am immensely proud of their successes in this program. I also want to thank National Energy Foundation on behalf of the Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences, we appreciate their time and resources. Congratulations to the Innovation Challenge grand prize winners Kaitlyn W., Tegan O., and Josh P. Their incredible projects beat out competitors from over 60 other schools in the state. In addition, Danielle B. and Paige V. received honorable mentions for their work in this contest.”
We’re proud to partner with educators and to highlight local students who are inspired to work towards green living.
Below is a list of our poster contest winners for the 2021-22 contest season. You can also check out the featured poster entries. Congratulations to all the winners!
Grand Prize Winners
Ivy A. – Dunmore Elementary Center (pictured above with her brother, James, and teacher Michelle Walsh)
Mara W. – Twin Valley Middle School
Iccha B. – Springhouse Middle School
K-2nd Grade Honorable Mentions
Ethan W. – Schnecksville Elementary School
Brennan Y. – Schnecksville Elementary School
James A. – Dunmore Elementary Center
3rd-5th Grade Honorable Mentions
Penelope B. – St. John Vianney School
Alina B. – Dunmore Elementary Center
Riyan M. – Dunmore Elementary Center
Addisyn M. – Solomon Plains Elementary School
6th-8th Grade Honorable Mentions
Quinn P. – Executive Education Academy Charter School
Kenialys S. – Executive Education Academy Charter School
Nila R. – Springhouse Middle School
