Sep 6, 2024 | Energy Efficiency
Everyone is gaming. From racing to role playing, the whole family is powering up.
Playing on a gaming console?
Avoid streaming media on your gaming system—it uses 15 times more energy than your digital media player and four times more energy than a traditional cable box or satellite.
Don’t wait to update! Some software updates can help lower your gaming energy use by over 65%.
Here are some more tips to help you save energy:
- Review console settings: Adjust in-game graphics settings to find the right balance between performance and energy usage. Lowering graphics quality can significantly reduce power consumption and may make your computer cooler as well.
- Check your power supply: For best efficiency and value, look for an 80 Plus-rated power supply that is gold level, according to PC Magazine. An 80 Plus rating guarantees that the power supply will achieve a minimum of 80% efficiency. Here are some that meet the criteria:
- Unplug your console: Set your computer to turn off when you’re away from the keyboard—or if you aren’t going to use your console for a while, simply unplug it. If using a PC, schedule software updates during the day while you’re using your computer in other ways.
- Use an advanced power strip: Watch for accessories that may still be plugged in and draining energy. Purchasing an advanced power strip from our Online Marketplace can help control your energy consumption.
- Turn off your controllers: Some consoles allow you to turn off controllers after a set time of inactivity. If that’s not an option, simply turn off your controllers when you stop playing.
See how small changes can add up to big savings. Learn more at SaveWithPPL.com.
Video and copy sources
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
- Entertainment Software Association
- EnergyStar.gov
Aug 2, 2024 | Energy Efficiency
Summer is always a fun time to get family and friends together to share some great-tasting food. Why not skip cooking in a hot kitchen and grill outside? It’s an easy way to save energy and money.
Serving no-bake desserts is another way to enjoy the party. You’re not only saving time, you’re also helping to keep your home cool and lower appliance energy costs.
It all adds up! Spend less on energy so you can spend more on what matters most.
Here are some of our summer favorites to get you started.
Grilled Texan chicken
Step 1 – Ingredients
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried tarragon
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
Combine ingredients in a dish to marinate.
Step 2 – Drain and grill uncovered over medium heat, turning once, for 8–12 minutes—or until a thermometer reads 165°F.
(We made it. Check it out above!)
No-bake yogurt and fruit tart
Step 1 – Make your favorite no-bake crust, such as date, graham cracker, etc., and press into pan.
Step 2 – Spread 1 cup of your favorite flavored Greek yogurt over the crust.
Step 3 – Add a variety of fruit toppings. Get creative!
(We made it. Check it out above!)
Grilled chocolate chip cookies
Step 1 – Gather the following ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Step 2 – Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt.
Step 3 – Cream the butter, brown sugar and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Beat in vanilla, then eggs one at a time, scraping down bowl as needed.
Step 4 – Add dry ingredients until just combined. Add chocolate and refrigerate dough in an airtight container at least 2 hours.
Step 5 – Form dough into golf-ball-size rounds and place on a large sheet of foil, leaving 2 inches between cookies. Flatten partially with your palm.
Step 6 – Set grill at medium heat (325°F to 375°F), transfer cookies to rack, close and grill for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
(We made it. Check it out above!)
For more tips, tools and programs to help you save energy at home, visit SaveWithPPL.com.
Jul 16, 2024 | Energy Efficiency
The long days of summer mean higher temperatures, but they don’t have to mean higher energy costs. We have easy tips to help you stay cool and save, so you can spend less on energy and more on what matters most.
For instance, a smart thermostat is a great way to automate your summer settings and can save you up to $100 a year in energy costs. You can even check the temperature while you’re away to make sure your pet is comfortable. Save with generous rebates on smart thermostats at our Energy Efficiency Marketplace and find discounts on other energy-saving products.
Another idea is to limit the use of your stove, dishwasher and dryer during the day. These appliances heat up your home fast. Try running your dishwasher and dryer after the sun goes down.
And while dehumidifiers don’t technically cool a room, they do remove moisture from the air—which can keep your home healthier, as well as make it feel cooler and more comfortable.
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.
And for extra savings, set your air conditioning fan to “auto.” That will dehumidify your home, keeping you cool and helping you save energy and money. It also helps prolong the life of your air filter.
Get more energy-saving ideas and tips by going to SaveWithPPL.com.
Jun 18, 2024 | Energy Efficiency
We’ve compiled a summer cooling checklist with quick and easy things you can do to save up to $325 a year in energy costs. You’ll stay cool this summer and have more $ for the things that matter most. Let the savings begin!
Click on the image below to use our interactive checklist with the savings you can expect from each item by hovering over the Notes icons. To print: Open this list in your browser by clicking “Use This List,” click on the hamburger (three–line) menu and choose “Print.”
On mobile? Get a better view of our list items by tapping “Use This List” and then selecting the item you are interested in.
Mar 29, 2024 | Energy Efficiency
Earth Day is almost here, so we’re sharing some simple ways to save energy and money. From preparing your home for warmer weather to delicious recipes that use less energy, we’ve got you covered. Here are some things you and your family can do to save while having fun!
Unplug and reconnect
Here are some creative games that will get you and your family off their screens and into a sustainable mindset. You’ll find some enjoyable diversions while saving electricity by unplugging your devices.
Get a strike: Glow stick bowling is a great activity for the whole family! Find some empty water bottles, fill them with water, and pop in activated glow sticks. Then all you need is a soccer or other ball for a fun nighttime activity that will get glowing reviews from everybody.
Fold a plane: Ready to take flight? This flight school game will test kids’ skills at folding paper airplanes. For this easy DIY game, all you’ll need is some paper, a poster board and a desire to fly!
Perfect your toss: Laundry basket Skee-Ball is a great way to unwind together.
Green your cooking routine
Electric stoves and ovens use a lot of energy and can also heat up your kitchen. By choosing other appetizing options, you can save a lot of energy—and money. Check out these energy-saving alternatives.
Isn’t it time you had a classic burger? It’s a good idea to get out of the kitchen with these great grilling recipes.
Mmmmm. Low-and-slow chicken chili: Slow cookers can mean fast energy savings. Check out these slow cooker recipes.
We think you’ll love the no-bake cheesecake: No-bake options can be a great alternative. Here are some no-bake recipes to consider.
Energy-efficient spring cleaning
We all know that decluttering and cleaning can make our lives run more efficiently. Making these simple fixes can help save money and energy.
DIY filters: Replacing your air filters to ensure that your HVAC system runs efficiently is a great spring DIY project. It’s also a great time to call one of our Energy Advisors for a free virtual home assessment to make sure you’re saving money all year round.
Cold water clean: Heating the water when you do laundry takes energy. Find a detergent that will get your clothes just as clean in cold water. And save energy by washing full loads instead of partial ones.
We’ll haul away that fridge: Old refrigerators can consume a lot of energy. Receive $50 for your old fridge or freezer. And learn about our $50 rebate on new ENERGY STAR® refrigerators.
Spring into action
Spring is here, and summer’s not far behind. Make the most of the season and prepare your home for warmer weather with these easy, energy-saving actions you can do to make a big difference on your energy bills.
Keep it tight: Stop energy leakage by weatherstripping and caulking around doors and windows. Sealing air leaks could save you up to $150 in total energy costs.
Switch and save: Adjust the rotation of your ceiling fan to move counterclockwise. Using your ceiling fan lets you increase your thermostat setting by 4°F with no impact on your comfort. You can also pick up an ENERGY STAR ceiling fan that’s up to 60% more energy efficient.
Cover up: Open your shades or curtains on cool but sunny days to let in warmth and light. Close them when it gets too hot or to prevent drafts at night.
A greener backyard
Your sustainable routines don’t have to be limited to your home. There are great opportunities to increase your energy efficiency right outside your back window. From lighting to landscaping, here’s how to enjoy your green space.
A windbreak for your home: To battle those cold and windy Pennsylvania nights, consider a windbreak of evergreens and shrubs. When mature, ensure your landscape windbreak height is tall enough to properly protect your home with foliage that also extends to the ground.
Solar solutions: Solar lights are the perfect complement to any backyard vibe you’re going for. Not only will they not increase your energy costs, but they’re also not tied down by any outside outlet. Patio umbrellas with solar-powered lights are a great, energy-efficient lighting solution.
Cool it off: Shading your home with trees can save you up to $75 annually and cool surrounding air temperatures by up to 9°F. And shading your A/C unit with landscaping can increase its efficiency by 10%.
These are just some of the many ways you can green your routine to save energy and money. You’ll find a host of other energy-saving ideas, products and programs at SaveWithPPL.com.
We want to help you spend less on energy so you can spend more on what matters most.
