Company offers tips for keeping homes cool, bills low

As the summer heat continues to climb throughout Eastern New Mexico, residents are bound to see their energy bills begin to grow along with the temperatures.

According to a press release from Xcel Energy, home cooling accounts for about half of the electric bill during the summer season. To combat the summer heat and the inevitable electric bill, Xcel Energy has provided some tips and tricks for residents to keep their house cool without breaking the bank.

Tips to save energy and keep bills low:

• Use ceiling fans to circulate air flow throughout the home, instead of relying on the thermostat to maintain cool temperatures.

• Open the doors inside the house to maintain and improve circulation of cool air.

• Use the whole-house or attic fan to draw in cool air throughout the night, while pushing out hot air during the day.

• Install a programmable thermostat that will raise temps in your house while you’re away and cool it down when you return home.

• Replace air conditioner filters and keep maintenance on air conditioner coils.

• Keep drapes and blinds closed during the peak hours of the day.

Other ways residents can lower their electric bill is to get in the habit of turning off electronics and lights when not using them, according to the release. It is also suggested that residents look into replacing their light bulbs with LEDs, because it uses 75% less energy than your traditional light bulb and is built to last longer.

Xcel also suggests when residents are doing their daily chores, such as laundry or using the dishwasher, that they only use the major appliances after the heat of the day. This best maintains a cool home and puts less strain on the electric grid according to the release.

It is also recommended that area residents get their homes checked for any air leaks. This prevents the house from maintaining a cool or heated environment for everyone to enjoy and it becomes more costly to operate. To keep the bill lower and to stay cool this summer, Xcel Energy encourages residents to follow these tips.