Dec 11, 2023 | Energy Efficiency
Do you know the only category of energy use that’s increasing in homes? In our energy quiz last month, 63% of our customers correctly answered that appliances and devices use around 21% of a home’s energy each year. And device use is rapidly rising.
Each year, energy for electronic devices costs an average of $191 for every U.S. household, according to the Consumer Technology Association. So why not start saving this year? Whether you’re hoping to give or receive an electronic device or just looking for ways to decrease electronics use in your own home, here’s an easy guide for how to save energy and money.
TVs:
Review your TV’s brightness settings
Use your TV’s default brightness setting. On some TVs, this may be called the ABC, or Automatic Brightness Control.
Power off when not in use or use a smart power strip
Plugging your TV and components into a smart power strip can prevent energy waste when the system is not powered on. You can buy one at a discounted price on our Online Marketplace.
Buy ENERGY STAR®
If you’re purchasing a TV, look for the ENERGY STAR label and remember that smaller screens save energy. Find out how to choose the optimal screen size in the “buying guide” section here.
Speakers and Sound Bars:
Turn down the sound
It saves energy and prevents damage to your hearing. Or use volume-leveling technology that adjusts the volume for you between shows and commercials. To ensure that volume leveling is on, follow the directions included with your speakers or given on the manufacturer website.
Use sound bars instead of powered speakers
Sound bars use less energy than multi-speaker surround systems and can offer the same three-dimensional sound effect.
Computers:
Adjust sleep settings
You can save $10–$100 every year by activating the sleep settings on your computer, according to ENERGY STAR. Here’s how to activate these settings on your model.
Don’t use screen savers
Despite common belief, screen savers don’t save energy. In fact, screen savers often continue to draw power from the monitor and can even keep the CPU from shutting down.
Go smaller for bigger savings
Smaller devices tend to be the most energy efficient, so pick a smaller device to do a task when possible. Desktop computers use more energy than laptops or notebooks, while notebooks and laptops use more energy than tablets.
Games:
Shut down when you’re finished
Many computer games continue to run even when you’re doing something else, and don’t allow the computer to go to sleep even if the game is paused.
Keep up with updates
New software updates can reduce the energy use of a gaming console.
Don’t use your gaming console to stream media
Digital media players, also known as streaming devices, use 15 times less energy than gaming consoles.
There’s money hiding in your home, and a few simple changes can help you find it! Learn more about these and other ways you can Save with PPL.
Nov 14, 2023 | Energy Efficiency
The holiday season is here. Whether you’re planning to host a gathering, prepare a celebratory meal or decorate your home, we have some easy ways to save energy and money during the festive season. Wishing you very happy holidays!
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Click on the card to expand it
Extra Links:
*For more tips on how to add shine to your decorating, see our 2022 blog on decorating for the holidays.
† Get your smart power strip and more at our Online Marketplace.
‡Learn about energy-efficient landscaping here.
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There’s money hiding in your home, and few simple changes can help you find it! Learn more about these and other ways you can Save with PPL.
Sep 26, 2023 | Energy Efficiency
October is Energy Awareness Month. Here’s an opportunity to find out how much you know day. To get started, click the button below to answer the quiz questions. When you choose an answer, you’ll get some useful tips and suggestions to help you start saving energy and money right now!
There’s money hiding in your home, and a few simple changes can help you find it! Visit our one-stop shop to find out all the ways you can Save with PPL.
Sep 12, 2023 | Energy Efficiency
As the leaves and outside temperatures change, simple actions, household fixes and upgrades can help you save on your energy consumption this fall, winter and beyond. Here are some of the easiest and most effective changes you can make right now.
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Visit the links below to learn more about the benefits and offerings featured above.
There’s money hiding in your home, and a few simple changes can help you find it! Visit our one-stop shop to find out all the ways you can Save with PPL.
Jun 21, 2023 | Energy Efficiency
Welcome back, summer! It’s the season for enjoying the sun and relaxing outdoors. However, this also tends to be the time when home energy use begins to soar. Increased use of air conditioners and other household appliances can elevate energy use, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Here are five easy tips to save energy and money this summer with almost no effort!
1. A simple way to save energy in your washing routines.
Instead of pre-rinsing your dishes, simply dispose of any leftover food, pop them into the machine and wait until you have a full load before running the dishwasher. Apply this same “full load” method to your laundry routine and you’ll save tons of water and energy.
2. Sometimes it’s okay to put off daily chores.
Maximize your time in the sun by saving chores for later in the evening. Avoid running major appliances during the day when it’s hottest outside. Instead, consider running them at night when temperatures are cooler. This will keep your house cooler and boost energy efficiency.
3. Make a bake-off trade-off.
Skip the oven and use the microwave instead. Not only are microwaves more energy efficient, but your house will stay much cooler than if you fired up the oven. Microwaves use up to 80% less energy than conventional ovens, so it’s a great way to save on your energy bill and keep indoors cooler at the same time.
4. Let a smart thermostat do the work.
Use a smart thermostat to control your heating and cooling. An ENERGY STAR® smart thermostat will learn your habits and adjust the temperature for you, saving you an average of $50 per year on your energy bills. Pay less for your thermostat when you buy it on the PPL Online Marketplace.
5. Keep the sunlight (and heat) on the outside.
Close curtains or blinds for any windows that receive direct sunlight throughout the day. Keeping window coverings closed will reduce heat in your home and lessen the need for A/C. This is a simple and effective way to save energy and keep your home comfortable during the summer months.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your home cool, save energy and still enjoy all that summer has to offer.
