Tips to lower energy bill in wake of heat

If it hasn’t felt like mid-summer yet, it will this week, as temps are expected in the 90s.

The La Crosse Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch Thursday through Sunday night.

Air conditioners and fans will be in overdrive this week, trying to keep homes cool.

There are things, however, residents can do to keep the AC from working so hard.

“Closing the shades during the day and keeping the sun out helps,” Annmarie Newman, with Alliant Energy, said. “You can also close doors to rooms you don’t use and, also. try not to use the oven.”

Newman added that it isn’t too late to make sure the AC is running properly.

“Make sure you either get a tuneup or change the air filter,” she said. “If there are any large appliances that aren’t running well, those draw a lot more power than things that are running well.”

Newman also recommended turning the AC down — suggesting 77 — when nobody is home.