May 12, 2023 | Energy Efficiency
During this time of year, it’s nice to be able to hold off using your air conditioning when you can, but as temperatures fluctuate, hotter days may call for a few new ideas to keep things cool. We’ve put together seven effortless ways you can beat the heat on warmer days while still being mindful about energy savings and when to run your A/C system.
1. Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise
In warmer months, switch your ceiling fans to a counterclockwise rotation. (Check to see if there is a small toggle switch on the fan’s base. For remote-controlled fans, check your remote for a “REV” button.) Since heat rises, this helps push hot air down to create a cool breeze that can reduce room temperatures by about 4 degrees. It also can help keep a room’s temperature consistent throughout the day, so once you do turn on your A/C, it will help cut down on how much your system must run.
2. Get a cross breeze going
Let nature work for you. Open windows on opposite sides of your house to create a beautiful cross breeze. NOTE: If it’s hotter outside than inside and there is no breeze, close all windows and use tip #3.
3. Close your curtains or shades
For windows that take a direct hit from the sun, close your curtains and/or shades during the most intense times of the day. Windows let heat enter your home, so this simple suggestion is a great way to keep the cool in and the heat out. On days when temperatures are cooler, you can open those curtains to let sunlight and warmth in.
4. Close doors to unused rooms
This keeps any cross breeze moving more efficiently throughout the areas of your home you use the most. It is one of the easiest ways to help your living space stay cooler.
5. Limit use of your stove, dishwasher and dryer during the day
These appliances heat up your home fast. Run your dishwasher and dryer after the sun goes down.
6. Position fans low to the ground
If you have portable room fans, make sure they are in a corner and low. This helps circulate cooler air throughout the room. (Cool air is denser so it’s closer to the ground.)
7. Use a dehumidifier
While dehumidifiers don’t technically cool a room, they do remove moisture from hot air. This makes a room feel cooler by drying the air, which not only makes it more comfortable but healthier as well. Find ENERGY STAR® certified humidifiers for your home on our website.
Remember, heat stroke is serious. Please don’t push yourself to the point of overheating. Use your A/C when you need it! And stay inside during the hottest hours of the day.
Feb 15, 2023 | Energy Efficiency
Looking to increase your home’s comfort while saving a few dollars? Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.
Free virtual home assessment
With our no-cost virtual home assessment you can spend 30 minutes on the phone with an Energy Advisor. You’ll receive customized, energy-saving recommendations, along with suggestions on rebates and incentives that we offer. You’ll also get a free energy-savings kit with do-it-yourself upgrade ideas and Information.
If you rent your home – or you’re not ready for an in-home visit – our virtual home assessment is an ideal option. Learn more and schedule your assessment here.
In-home audit
Get a thorough look at your home’s energy use with an in-home audit. A certified contractor will give you a detailed assessment of your heating and cooling systems, provide a blower door test so you can see where you may be leaking energy, and give you a personalized report with rebate suggestions on energy efficiency products.
Plus, you’ll receive a free energy savings kit with do-it-yourself upgrade information, and you can get a rebate of up to $250 to offset the cost of the assessment. If you own your home and you’re looking to decrease your energy use, this option is for you! Learn more.
Jan 13, 2023 | Energy Efficiency
If you’re looking to heat your home in a more efficient and cost-effective way, look no further than a heat pump. Learn how you can save on your monthly energy costs and receive a $400 rebate from PPL Electric Utilities.
Even when it’s very cold out, there’s still heat energy in the air. In the winter, heat pumps use electricity to transfer that heat energy from outside, and uses it to heat your home. The process works the same way during the summer, but in reverse. Thanks to modern advances in technology, heat pumps provide energy-efficient heating even in the coldest weeks of Pennsylvania’s winter temperatures.
Ductless Heat Pump
A ductless heat pump (also called a mini-split heat pump) offers flexible heating and cooling for individual rooms or can be set up as a multi-unit zone system throughout the home. They consume 60% less energy than standard resistance-based heating systems and can reduce cooling costs by 30% compared to conventional air conditioners.
Heat Pump Water Heater
A heat pump can also be used to heat water. Just like a mini-split, a heat pump water heater uses electricity to transfer heat from one place to another. An ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump water heater consumes 70% less energy compared to a standard model and you can expect to save an average of $315 a year in energy costs.
Start Saving Now
Our customers can receive a $400 rebate when installing a ductless heat pump or heat pump water heater. These upgrades may qualify for our bonus rebate as well as government tax credits.
Dec 19, 2022 | Energy Efficiency
’Tis the season for swirling snowflakes, hot cocoa and decorations. This year, as you hang your holiday lights, we’d like to offer a few ideas to make them even brighter, and to help you save a few dollars while you’re at it.
For starters, if you haven’t replaced your traditional incandescent holiday lights with energy-efficient LED strands, this is the year to do it. Not only do LEDs consume less electricity, but they’re also made to be safer and sturdier. If you purchase ENERGY STAR® decorative bulbs, some have a manufacturer warranty of up to three years. They’re also a cinch to install.
Here’s the best part — many holiday LED strands don’t just shine brighter, but they also come in a wide array of changeable colors and patterns that can be synced to music.
Magnify the shine
Making the switch to holiday LEDs isn’t the only way to save energy this time of year. Once the lights are strung, here are a couple of other ideas. First, try amplifying the light by adding sparkle — hang small, mirrored objects that will catch the glow and reflect it. That way, you can get a brighter feel without adding extra lights. Next, cozy up the place by adding natural garlands, wreaths and ribbons, which don’t require any energy beyond your own.
Timing’s everything
Finally, use energy-efficient smart power strips and timers to automatically turn displays on and off, inside and out.
P.S. Decorate cookies, too.
Once the house is spruced, take some time to decorate some no-bake cookies. You can keep the holiday energy up, while keeping the oven off. And remember, when the guests arrive to see your décor, turn the thermostat down a degree or two as more warm bodies in the house will naturally raise the temperature. Pretty cool, huh?
There you have it. The makings of a brilliant holiday.
You can find discounted LED lightbulbs, smart power strips and more on our online marketplace.
Nov 10, 2022 | Energy Efficiency
Winter is near, and colder weather often means more energy use and higher bills. We want to help, and we’re happy to offer rebates for most of the ENERGY STAR® Home Upgrade series of improvements. These are designed to maximize your energy and cost savings with energy-efficient appliances and products.
Insulation
We’re offering rebates of up to $200 for air sealing and up to $500 for attic insulation; and doing multiple projects like these will put you on the path to a potential $350 retrofit bonus. Plus, you could qualify for tax credits.
If your home is leaking air, you may be leaking money on your energy bill. Ensuring your attic is well-sealed and properly insulated is one of the most important things you can do to reduce air leaks, save on your electricity bill, and improve comfort.
Low insulation levels and air leaks make your heating and cooling systems work harder and use more energy. If the insulation is below the level of the floor joists in your attic, you probably need to add more.
Tackle air sealing and attic insulation projects now to reduce your energy costs before it gets colder. Learn more about our insulation rebates here.
