Summertime high temperatures in Sunland Park, NM, often approach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter months of the year, nighttime lows are usually below freezing. These extreme temperatures mean that you spend a lot of money on heating and cooling your home. As your local HVAC contractors in Sunland Park, we offer these tips to help you lower your energy costs without sacrificing comfort.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
When you’re busy, you don’t have time to manually adjust your thermostat. Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat helps keep your energy costs low by automating your home’s temperature settings. In the wintertime, lowering the temperature by 10 to 15 degrees while you’re away could save 10 percent on your heating costs, explains the Department of Energy. In the summertime, set the thermostat to increase the temperature while you’re away.
Keep Up with Maintenance
Stay on top of preventive maintenance for your heating and cooling system. Ideally, schedule your AC tune-up in the spring and your furnace in the autumn. If you have a heat pump, it should have a tune-up in the spring and autumn. Preventive maintenance includes cleaning coils and the condensate line, measuring refrigerant and verifying airflow. It’s also a good idea to have your home’s air ducts inspected and sealed in order to avoid leaks.
Make Home Updates
There are home updates for all budgets that will help keep your energy costs low. In the summertime, close the drapes, shades or blinds. Use the microwave, or cook outdoors instead of using the oven. Use a ceiling fan when in a room. In the winter, let the sun shine inside to warm your home. Caulk and add weather stripping. Replace your HVAC filter every 30 to 60 days, and reduce your energy costs by 15 percent.
For more information about saving energy on heating and cooling costs, check out Scott Heating, Cooling & Plumbing’s HVAC services, or call us today for additional details.
