Air conditioning is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature during the hot summer months. However, it can be easy to fall into bad habits that may cause your energy bills to skyrocket. As the leading HVAC contractors in La Crosse, WI, Niebuhr Plumbing & Heating understands the effects these three seemingly trivial actions can have and encourages homeowners to make the following changes.

3 Habits HVAC Contractors Say Boost Energy Costs

1. Sealing Off an Empty Room

While it might make sense to close the air vents in an unused room, it’s not helping your HVAC system. These products are sized to the proportions of the house, and sealing off a room could affect the system’s performance. If you would prefer to not cool or heat a particular area of the house, contact an HVAC contractor to install a system with zoning capabilities.

2. Lowering the Thermostat’s Temperature

If the room doesn’t seem to be cooling down fast enough, don’t adjust the thermostat to a lower temperature. This will only cause the system to run longer, which will use a lot of unnecessary energy and increase utility bills. Programmable thermostats allow you to set a schedule for each room and avoid making costly adjustments throughout the day.

3. Opening Your Windows

It’s natural to want to open a window and allow a stray cool breeze to pass through the house, but this could increase your utility bills. The amount of unfiltered air that comes in combined with the air conditioning that escapes from the window will cause the system to work overtime. The simplest solution is to keep your windows closed as much as you can during the summer months to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.

If you’re concerned about the condition of your HVAC system, set up an appointment with Niebuhr Plumbing & Heating today. These HVAC contractors are recognized throughout La Crosse County for their superior air conditioner repair and convenient 24/7 availability. They are committed to supplying quality customer service and will implement the industry’s latest HVAC repair techniques to ensure your system is functioning efficiently. Call (608) 782-1700 to speak with a representative or visit their website for additional information.