• Ventilate On cool nights, open the windows and let the cool air in. Close up in the morning to keep the cool air in.  This will also improve the indoor air quality of your home!

• Switch to a programmable thermostat. Using a device to raise and lower the temperature in your house automatically saves energy. (The ABQ/Bernco Water Authority offers a $25 rebate for adding a thermostat to your evaporative cooler)
• Check doors and add new weather stripping as needed.
• Seal cracks in window and door frames to stop cool air from escaping and hot air from getting in.
• Add energy efficient window coverings that block light and heat.

• During the day, especially the afternoon and early evening, limit the use of lights and electronics. These devices not only use electricity, many generate additional heat as well.
• Heat, trapped in the attic, can push down into your home. Make sure your attic ventilation system is in good working condition. Adding extra insulation can also minimize the amount of heat that seeps down into your living space.
• Install and use a ceiling fan in all rooms. A ceiling fan can make a room feel 4 degrees cooler. Adjust your thermostat by 4 degrees and save even more!
• Allow your home to heat up a little higher when you plan to be away for more than 7-8 hours. Use a programmable thermostat to schedule your home to cool off just before your arrival.
• Perform regular maintenance on your cooling system. Clean the air register/return and change filters regularly.

• Plant shade trees and shrubs near windows, especially on the south and west sides of the house.
• Look for places in your home where hot air can creep in and cool air can escape. Pipes, outlets and windows are a few of the most common culprits.
• Minimize the use of heat producing appliances, especially during late afternoon and evening. The oven and clothes dryer can add heat to the air making your air conditioner work even harder.
• Turn down the temperature of your hot water heater. 120 degrees is usually hot enough for a comfortable shower, wont scald you and saves energy.

• Replace old appliances with newer, Energy Star models. (The ABQ/Bernco Water Authority offers a washing machine rebate for switching to a high-efficiency machine)
• PNM is currently offering a $50.00 Rebate on recycling your old refrigerator.
• Switch to energy/money saving CFL bulbs.

If you would like more money save tips or to learn how to make your home more energy efficient all year round by having an Energy Audit done on your home, contact us today!