Summer Energy Saving Tips
Here are some easy steps you can take to save energy in the summer, reduce your cooling bill, and still stay comfortable on hot summer days.
 Low cost / no cost ways
More ways
Low-cost and no-cost ways to save on your summer energy bill
- Set your thermostat as high as comfort permits.
- If you have refrigerated air conditioning, sign up for PNM Power Saver and earn an annual thank you check for helping to reduce energy use on select summer afternoons. Find out more about participating in PNM Power Saver.
- If you have an evaporative cooler, often referred to as a swamp cooler, crack open windows in the rooms where you want cool air to flow. Close windows in rooms that are not in use.
- Use the low speed setting on your swamp cooler whenever possible; it uses significantly less energy.
- Open windows at night to allow the outside air to cool your home, rather than using the swamp cooler.
- Clean or replace swamp cooler or air conditioner filters annually.
- Draw blinds, shades, or drapes to block the sun during the hottest part of the day.
- Plant a tree or other vegetation to shade your largest west-facing window.
- Install awnings or build removable trellises over windows that overheat your home.
- Reduce the amount of energy your pool or hot tub heater uses:
- Hot tub heaters can add 10-20 percent to an energy bill. If you have a hot tub that you keep warm, but don't use, consider getting rid of it.
- If you have a pool, get a solar cover to use in the summer and allow the sun to heat the water, rather than running a pool heater.
- Don't run the pool pump and filter system longer than necessary. Checking water quality more frequently, and running the filter every other day or just enough to maintain water clarity, can save a lot of energy.
- Once swimming season ends, winterize and close down your pool. As the temperature drops, it takes more and more energy to heat the pool water.
More ways to save on your summer utility bill
- Get your refrigerated air conditioner inspected and tuned up by a cooling professional, or do it yourself.
- If your swamp cooler needs to be replaced, upgrade to a new model with thicker pads (8-inch or 12-inch media), which are far more energy efficient and also easier to maintain. Consider adding an advanced evaporative cooling unit to your new swamp cooler for increased comfort that uses less electricity than refrigerated air conditioning. PNM offers residential and business electric customers rebates on advanced evaporative cooling equipment. Find out more about advanced evaporative cooling equipment and rebates.
Ways to save energy in the winter
Ways to save energy all year long
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