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.
Apr 12, 2022 | Energy Efficiency
There are opportunities to save on electricity throughout your home, and our energy efficiency programs and rebates can help get you started.
No contact, free home energy assessment
With a virtual home energy assessment, an expert energy advisor will evaluate your home’s energy consumption and recommend potential upgrades — all during a 30-minute phone conversation. Best of all, it’s free.
You’ll even receive a personalized energy savings kit — also free — with small, do-it-yourself upgrades. You may receive items like a smart power strip, high-efficiency showerhead, weatherstripping, or LED bulbs.
Visit pplelectric.com/virtualassessment to schedule or give us a call at 1-877-486-9204.
Get paid for your old fridge or freezer
Hanging onto an old fridge or freezer? If it still works, we’ll give you $50 for it. Plus, you can get $10 for each working dehumidifier or room air conditioner.
- Schedule a free curbside or in-home pickup.
- We’ll haul away and responsibly recycle your fridge or freezer and any other qualifying appliances.
- Receive $50 plus an additional $10 for each dehumidifier or room air conditioner.
Visit pplelectric.com/recycle to schedule your pickup.
Rebates for efficient upgrades
We offer rebates for qualifying heating and cooling equipment and other energy efficiency upgrades. The rebates apply to central air conditioners, dehumidifiers, heat pump water heaters, smart thermostats, pool pumps, and more. Visit pplelectric.com/equipment to learn more.
Instant discounts on specialty lighting
Switching out old light bulbs for ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs is one of the easiest ways to save energy. We provide instant discounts on select specialty lighting bulb packs at local retailers. Look for signs with the PPL Electric logo to find the discounts.
Comprehensive Retrofit Bonus
If you’ve already made your first energy efficiency update, you can take advantage of our Comprehensive Retrofit Bonus. Earn a bonus for completing two or three qualifying projects within a year. Check out pplelectric.com/retrofit for more details.
