Keep Your Home Cool During The Summer

When summer arrives in southern New Mexico, temperatures can quickly climb into the triple digits. Residents of Alamogordo, Tularosa, La Luz, and surrounding communities know that keeping a home comfortable during the hottest months can be challenging. Fortunately, a few simple strategies can help your air conditioning system perform more efficiently while keeping energy costs under control.

Start With Your Thermostat

Many homeowners try to combat extreme heat by setting their thermostat very low. However, your air conditioner can only cool your home so quickly. Setting the thermostat to 68 degrees on a 105-degree day won't cool the house faster. It will simply cause the system to run longer. For most homes, a thermostat setting between 76 and 78 degrees provides a good balance between comfort and efficiency. If you'll be away during the day, raising the temperature a few degrees can help reduce energy consumption.

Change Air Filters Regularly

One of the easiest ways to improve air conditioner performance is to replace your air filter regularly. In the desert Southwest, dust and pollen can accumulate quickly, restricting airflow and forcing your system to work harder. A dirty filter can lead to:

• Reduced cooling performance
• Higher electric bills
• Increased wear on HVAC equipment
• Poor indoor air quality

Most homeowners should check their filters monthly during the summer cooling season.

Keep Vents and Registers Open

Closing vents in unused rooms may seem like a good way to save energy, but it can actually create airflow problems throughout the system. Your HVAC system is designed to distribute air throughout the entire home.

Make sure furniture, curtains, and rugs are not blocking supply or return vents.

Block Out the Afternoon Sun

The intense New Mexico sun can significantly increase indoor temperatures. Windows facing west and south often contribute the most heat gain during the afternoon. To reduce solar heat:

• Close blinds during the hottest part of the day
• Use blackout curtains in sun-exposed rooms
• Consider solar screens or window tinting
• Keep exterior shade structures in good condition

Reducing heat gain means your air conditioner won't have to work as hard to maintain comfort.

Use Ceiling Fans Wisely

Ceiling fans don't actually lower the temperature of a room, but they help people feel cooler by moving air across the skin. During summer, fan blades should rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze. Using ceiling fans can allow you to raise your thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.

Don't Ignore Maintenance

Your air conditioning system works harder in Alamogordo than in many other parts of the country. Regular maintenance helps ensure that it can handle the demands of summer. A professional cooling tune-up can identify issues such as:

• Low refrigerant levels
• Dirty condenser coils
• Electrical problems
• Weak capacitors
• Worn components

Addressing small problems early can help prevent costly breakdowns during the hottest days of the year.

Know When It's Time for a Replacement

Even a well-maintained air conditioner has a limited lifespan. If your system is more than 12 to 15 years old, requires frequent repairs, or struggles to keep your home comfortable, replacement may be the more cost-effective option.

Today's high-efficiency systems can provide improved comfort while reducing monthly energy costs.

Stay Comfortable All Summer Long

Keeping your home cool during an Alamogordo summer doesn't have to mean sky-high utility bills. Simple steps like changing filters, reducing heat gain, scheduling maintenance, and using your thermostat wisely can make a significant difference.

If your air conditioner isn't keeping up with the heat, the team at Climate Heating & Air Conditioning can help. From routine maintenance and repairs to complete system replacements, we're committed to keeping southern New Mexico families comfortable all summer long.