Keep cool, use these energy-saving tips during first heat wave of 2021

Rhea-AI Summary

PPL Electric Utilities urges customers to implement energy-saving methods as temperatures rise, accounting for 12% of total home energy costs. They recommend practical tips like using blinds to block sunlight, optimizing appliance usage, and investing in Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostats, which can save up to 10% annually. Insulating attics and sealing gaps around windows can further reduce heating and cooling expenses by an estimated 15%. PPL Electric serves over 1.4 million customers in Pennsylvania, emphasizing reliability and customer service.

Positive

• PPL Electric Utilities emphasizes energy efficiency, potentially benefiting customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Advice on insulation and smart thermostats may lead to long-term cost savings for customers, enhancing PPL's reputation.
• PPL serves over 1.4 million homes, indicating a strong customer base.

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• None.

ALLENTOWN, Pa., May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Temperatures are heating up in eastern Pennsylvania.

While we all welcome fun in the sun, sometimes you just need to get inside the air conditioning and chill out. Air-conditioning costs account for 12% of total home energy expenses, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, so taking some simple energy efficiency steps can really pay off.  

Follow these energy efficiency tips to stay comfortable and pocket savings for a rainy day: 

• Make sure your drapes and shades are pulled down during the day to block the hot sun.
• Minimize the use of heat-generating appliances, such as dishwashers, stoves, washers and dryers during the warmest hours of the day.
• Ceiling fans are economical and cost far less to use than air conditioners. Pro tip: Only use ceiling fans in occupied rooms because they work on the wind-chill effect to cool people. Plus, using a ceiling fan lets you raise the temperature setting on your thermostat by one to three degrees.
• Speaking of thermostats, a Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature settings in your home to save you money. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on cooling by turning your thermostat up seven to 10 degrees for eight hours a day.
• Insulating your attic helps keep the heat outside. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics and floors over crawl spaces and basements.
• Sealing the gaps around your windows and doors will prevent cool air from escaping and help to keep you comfortable in the summer. Use caulking or weatherstripping found at home improvement stores and you could potentially lower your energy use. 

For more information on all PPL can do to help you save energy and money – including information on our customer assistance programs – visit pplelectric.com. 

PPL Electric Utilities provides electric delivery service to more than 1.4 million homes and businesses in Pennsylvania and ranks among the best utility companies in the country for customer service and reliability. PPL Electric Utilities is a major employer in the communities it serves. It is a subsidiary of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL). For more information visit www.pplelectric.com.

Note to Editors: Visit our media website at www.pplnewsroom.com for additional news and background about PPL Corporation.

Contact: For news media: Patrick Lester, 610-774-5997, pwlester@pplweb.com, PPL Electric Utilities 

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/keep-cool-use-these-energy-saving-tips-during-first-heat-wave-of-2021-301295054.html

SOURCE PPL Electric Utilities

FAQ

What energy-saving tips did PPL Electric Utilities provide on May 19, 2021?

PPL Electric Utilities recommended closing drapes, minimizing heat-generating appliance use, using ceiling fans, installing smart thermostats, insulating attics, and sealing gaps around windows to save on energy costs.

How much can smart thermostats save customers annually according to PPL Electric Utilities?

Smart thermostats can save customers up to 10% per year on cooling costs.

What percentage of home energy expenses are attributed to air conditioning?

Air conditioning accounts for 12% of total home energy expenses according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

How many customers does PPL Electric Utilities serve?

PPL Electric Utilities serves over 1.4 million homes and businesses in Pennsylvania.

What is the focus of PPL Electric Utilities' customer assistance programs?

PPL Electric Utilities focuses on helping customers save energy and money through various assistance programs.