Here in the Northeast, summer seems to hit hard and fast. When temperatures rise and your AC starts working overtime, you might have to do the same to keep up with increasing energy bills.

Here are five tips to help you save on your energy bill this summer (without sacrificing your comfort):

1. Think windows and fans first

Before you turn on your air conditioning this summer, turn to Mother Nature and open up your windows. Running your AC in the summer is inevitable, but if you can utilize open windows and fans first, you can enjoy significant energy savings. While a standard two-ton AC unit costs around 20 cents per hour to run, ceiling fans can cost less than 1 cent per hour.

2. Install a smart thermostat

Besides the added conveniences, a smart thermostat will save you around 10% to 15% on heating and cooling costs each year.

Smart thermostats allow you to set custom heating and cooling schedules, and even control your HVAC system remotely.

A smart thermostat also offers useful insights into your energy usage so you can make adjustments to save even more money.

3. Switch to LED lighting

Paying to switch over to LED lights might seem counterintuitive to saving money, but believe me when I say it’s a worthwhile investment.

Lighting can account for roughly 15% of your home’s energy bill, and LEDs use 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.

LEDs also last roughly 25 times longer and are a safer choice than incandescents because they emit virtually no heat and are much more resistant to shattering.

4. Catch some shade

Whether your shade comes from sun-blocking window coverings or even a collection of plants, creating a shady indoor environment can help keep your home’s climate cool and under control. Though window treatments and plants do have an upfront cost, it’s a worthwhile investment that can increase your home’s aesthetic appeal.

5. Consider the time of day

Did you know the cost of electricity can vary based on the time of year and even the time of day? That’s right — using electricity could cost you $0.15 per kWh at 6 AM, but $0.18 per kWh at 6 PM that very same day.

Energy companies often adjust prices in response to demand, like when it’s hot outside or when more people are at home doing laundry or running the dishwasher.

Though it’s impossible to avoid using electricity altogether during peak hours, try and be mindful of when you’re using electricity.