PPL Electric Utilities

Tips to help save energy and money

Fall days are perfect for preparation and planning to prepare for the colder months ahead.

Here are five tips to help get ready for the challenges of winter heating.

•Dust off the furnace: A heating system that is not maintained properly can make for a cold winter. Schedule service for your system now, before you need to use it. Additionally, a dirty filter will decrease airflow and waste energy, so set a reminder on your phone to clean or replace furnace filters once a month or as recommended. Be sure to clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators as needed and check they are not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes.

•Love the layered look: You can save on heating costs for every degree you dial back your thermostat. Consider snuggling into a sweater at home and layer on natural fibers to keep in the warmth. Keep plenty of blankets on the couch for snuggling and staying warm while watching the game or binging your favorite television shows or movies.

•Give yourself a better view: Be sure to remove window air-conditioning units or tightly cover them on the inside. Leaving them in place or without protection invites cold air into your house, which could increase heating costs.

•Reverse thinking: A ceiling fan can provide a cooling breeze in the summer, but did you know that the direction they spin can be reversed in colder months to better circulate warm air? By changing its direction to clockwise and operating it at a low speed, your summer cooling device will be able to force warm air back toward occupied space, allowing you to lower your thermostat setting.

•No peeking: As you start using your oven more, resist the urge to check on a dish while it’s cooking. Every time you open the oven door, the temperature drops by as much as 25 degrees, making the oven work harder and use more energy. Use the oven window instead.

With a little preparation this fall, you’ll be ready to snuggle up in comfy clothing and watch the snow fly, and maybe start a vacation fund with some of the money you’ve saved.

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