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.
May 9, 2022 | Energy Efficiency
Tip 1: Plant shade trees to cool your home
The summer sun hits your home’s walls, windows and roof. This heats up your house, causing your A/C to work overtime. Planting trees around your home can provide shade, giving your air conditioning unit a much-needed break.
Tip for tip 1:
To the south and west of your home, plant trees that shade your walls, windows and at least 20% of your roof. Plant deciduous trees that grow 25‒40 feet tall when mature for the best results. Plant the trees with their trunks at least 15‒20 feet away from your walls, and make sure there are no power lines or other obstructions nearby.
Tip 2: Use ground cover in place of grass or turf
Adding plants to your yard can help keep it cool. Replace part of your lawn with lush ground cover. Water will evaporate off the leaves of the plants, cooling the air around your home.
Tip for tip 2:
Choose low, slow-growing plants that do not require much water or fertilizer to grow. Keep plants 1‒2 feet away from house foundations to avoid a buildup of moisture or pests.
Tip 3: Plant shrubs to better shade your air conditioner’s condenser
Creating shade for your air conditioner can cool down the air around it. The result? Your A/C unit doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your air before sending it into your house.
Tip for tip 3:
Plant tall, narrow shrubs (with a height of around 5‒8 feet). Leave 3‒5 feet of space between the shrubs and the A/C unit for better airflow. And don’t forget to leave room for airflow around the A/C heat exhaust vent.
Tip 4: Plant a windbreak
Planting a windbreak near your home will create an area of still air next to your house. This will prevent drafts and increase your home’s energy efficiency.
Tip for tip 4:
Decide which direction the wind blows most frequently on your home. On that side, plant an unbroken row of evergreen trees that won’t lose their foliage in the winter while blocking the wind year-round. Make sure the edge of the trees is about 5 feet away from your exterior walls. The row of trees should also extend beyond your walls on both sides.
For more energy efficiency tips and ways to save, visit savewithppl.com.
