Staying cool with energy-saving tips from PPL

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — As Pennsylvania braces for a heat wave this week with temperatures soaring into the upper to mid-90s, PPL released some important energy-saving tips to help residents stay cool and safe.

With this intense heat wave, staying cool becomes a priority, but it can also lead to higher energy bills.

PPL is offering several tips to keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank.

Cranking up the air conditioning during a heat wave seems like the best idea, but it can take a toll on your bank account.

Enter PPL with some ways to conserve energy and keep those summer power bills low.

“You’re gonna save energy basically every degree higher you can set your thermostat, with that in mind the federal Department of Energy recommends about 78°,” said PPL EU Regional Affairs Director Jonah Howe.

If the thermostat is up, the use of a circulating fan in your home can keep your home up to 4° cooler.

“Ceiling fans, they’re wonderful to have for air movement, and they are economical to operate, it costs a lot less to move air than to cool it,” Howe added.

Simply closing blinds and curtains can keep your home cool.

“Keeping your drapes, shades pulled down during the day to block out that hot sun is really important and really makes a difference,” Howe continued.

Avoid using larger appliances that create heat.

“Minimize the use of heat through generating appliances, some of which include dishwashers, stoves, washers, dryers, stuff like that, especially during the warmest hours of the day,” Howe stated.

The experts advise using LED light bulbs can help cut back excess warmth inside your home.

“Incandescent light bulbs also produce heat, so switching to cooler and more efficient LED bulbs is also a smart choice,” said Howe.

You can find more energy-saving tips during a heat wave and the overall summer heat online.

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