Energy Efficiency

Dads are tough to buy for. After all, they usually already have everything they need and more. If the dad on your list is a do-it-yourselfer or just loves gadgets, we've got a few gift ideas. They'll help save energy all year long and maybe give him a little project to work on.

1. LED bulbs

These lightbulbs use at least 75% less energy than traditional incandescents, and they last up to 25 times longer. After all of the lights are switched out, dads will enjoy the lower energy costs and not having to change another bulb for years.

If your electric blanket has seen its better days, especially if it’s a decade old or more, it’s time to replace it. Throw it out and don’t donate it, as it could be a fire hazard. Older electric blankets are more apt to be worn through or damaged, and they and their 100 feet of wiring account for thousands of worldwide injuries and deaths each year.

Laundry day can be complicated. From sorting all of the different fabrics and colors to removing dirt and stains, washing your family's clothes can be time-consuming. Luckily, smart technology has come to the rescue, updating washers and dryers to help you work smarter, not harder.

When winter temperatures drop and storms hit, it can be challenging to stay safe and warm. Winter storm severity varies depending on where you live, but nearly all Americans are affected by extreme winter storms at some point. PPEC cares about your safety, and we want you to be prepared.

There's a lot more energy being used in your home while you sleep than you may think. You can use these five tips to reduce energy use and keep energy waste from haunting your dreams.

1. Pull the plug

Don't let electronic devices in standby mode draw power while you sleep. Plug into smart plugs or advanced power strips to automatically cut power to unused devices.

2. Adjust the thermostat

Raising or lowering the thermostat before you go to bed will significantly reduce your overnight energy costs.

Much has been said about the benefits of purchasing energy-efficient appliances and their ability to help you save money and reduce your environmental footprint. Less is known, however, about the years of research and development that have gone into making these appliances more energy-efficient. The resulting features enable today's high-efficiency models to use less energy while achieving the level of performance that you expect.

You need your refrigerator to keep food cold and fresh, but buying a new unit is expensive. How can you tell when it time to replace it? Consider an upgrade if you see these telltale signs of trouble.

1. Your food is going bad

Are you having to deal with a lot of sour milk or wilted lettuce? If food spoils before the expiration date or beverages take a long time to get cold, it could be a sign that your older unit has subpar power. Check the temperature setting on your unit to make sure it's cold enough. If that looks okay, consider an upgrade.

Does hand washing dishes use less water and energy than a dishwasher?

It's widely believed that dishwashers are convenient but use more water and energy than hand washing. In fact, hand washing a load of dishes uses about 27 gallons of water, while using an ENERGY STAR®-rated dishwasher can use as little as 3 gallons.

Space heating is critical for winter comfort, but it's also the biggest energy user in homes nationwide. Despite this, a lot of households have some bad habits when it comes to heating and energy use, according to a recent U.S. Department of Energy survey. The survey found that:

Space heating is the largest energy user in many homes. Although it's important to weatherize your home and have your heating system inspected by a qualified professional at the beginning of the season, you shouldn't stop there. There are a number of things you can do throughout the winter to save money and improve the comfort of you and your family.