Summer can be a time of fun, travel, and family, but the hot weather can also drive up your energy bill as your air conditioner struggles to cool your home. But don’t worry — HVAC contractors know there are some excellent ways to save on your power bill and help your AC last longer. Below, Niebuhr Plumbing & Heating, located in La Crosse, WI, shares a few changes you can make to cut your electricity usage.

5 Energy Efficiency Tips to Implement This Summer

1. Use Fans

Ceiling fans, floor fans, and even a fancy attic fan can significantly lower the temperature of your home. By drawing in cool breezes, you can stay comfortable indoors without having to crank up your air conditioner. Invest in the fans of your choice to stay cool this summer.

2. Open Windows

Another even cheaper alternative cooling option for your home is to simply open the windows. At night and in the early morning, you can turn off your AC and open those windows for natural ventilation. Enjoy the lovely natural scents of summer and the sound of birdsong while you’re at it.

3. Install Blinds

Come afternoon, however, you’ll probably want to close those windows and crank up the cool. Sunshine may be a welcome blessing after a long winter, but when it hits your home’s windows, it can heat up a space in no time. Using window treatments like blinds, curtains, shutters, or other shades can keep the intense sun out during the hottest part of the day.

4. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

Innovations in lighting solutions have been producing amazing energy-efficient lightbulbs lately. Using only a fraction of the electricity of traditional lightbulbs, LED lightbulbs won’t produce as much heat, and they’ll last a lot longer. Help your home be the cool, comfortable, efficient space you love with new lightbulbs.

5. Install a Smart Thermostat

If you don’t already have one, getting your HVAC contractor to install a smart thermostat might be a smart move. These programmable appliances allow you to power down your system when no one is home but have it comfortable again by the end of the day. Optimize your home’s energy efficiency by installing this smart system.

Niebuhr Plumbing & Heating is one of the oldest HVAC contractors in the La Crosse area, with loyal clients returning for over 115 years. For those hot days when the AC just won’t work, they offer air conditioner repair services that will help keep you and your family cool. They also provide plumbing services and are available around-the-clock for emergency situations. Call them today at (608) 782-1700 or visit their website to learn more about their services.