Beat the Heat: Top Ways to Reduce Cooling Costs in Santa Fe
When summer temperatures climb in Santa Fe, NM, your air conditioner starts working overtime—and so does your electric bill. Living in a high desert climate means homeowners need reliable cooling, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort for savings.
The good news? You can still stay cool and save money.
In this guide, we’re sharing 12 proven ways to reduce cooling costs in Santa Fe, from lifestyle habits to smart home upgrades. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your AC system or just want easy changes that help lower your energy bill, this guide has something for everyone.
Let’s dive into the most effective ways to keep your home cool without breaking the bank.
1. Schedule Annual AC Maintenance
Your air conditioner is like a car—it needs regular maintenance to run efficiently. Without it, your system has to work harder, which leads to higher bills and a shorter lifespan.
Why it matters in Santa Fe:
With long, dry summers, your AC runs a lot more often than in cooler climates. Dirt, dust, and wear-and-tear can reduce efficiency fast.
Benefits of professional AC maintenance:
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Increases energy efficiency by 10–15%
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Catches small issues before they become major repairs
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Extends the life of your AC system
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Ensures consistent, cool airflow
📍 Need a tune-up? Salazar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers AC maintenance in Santa Fe that’s fast, affordable, and thorough.
2. Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is one of the easiest ways to save on cooling costs—especially if you’re away during the day or forget to adjust the temperature.
How it helps reduce cooling costs in Santa Fe:
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Learns your schedule and cools only when needed
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Lets you control temperature from your phone
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Can save up to 15% annually on cooling according to the U.S. Department of Energy
Popular options like Nest or Ecobee integrate seamlessly into most HVAC systems and pay for themselves in savings within a year.
3. Raise the Temperature Just a Little
Turning your thermostat up just 2 to 3 degrees higher can make a noticeable difference in your energy bill without sacrificing comfort—especially when paired with ceiling fans or whole-house fans.
Recommended settings:
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78°F when you’re home
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82–85°F when you’re away
It might not sound like much, but those few degrees can lead to significant savings during long Santa Fe summers.
4. Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors
Cool air can escape through gaps and cracks in your home’s envelope, forcing your AC to work harder.
How to check:
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Feel for drafts around doors and windows
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Look for visible light between door seals
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Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps
This small project can have a big impact on energy efficiency—especially in older Santa Fe homes.
5. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
If your home still has single-pane windows, you’re losing a lot of cool air—and gaining too much heat.
Double-pane, Low-E (low emissivity) windows are designed to reflect heat and UV rays while keeping conditioned air inside. Though it’s a bigger investment, the long-term savings and comfort are worth it—especially during triple-digit summer heat.
6. Close Blinds and Curtains During the Day
Direct sunlight can increase your indoor temperature by several degrees—especially if you have south- or west-facing windows.
Use blackout curtains, blinds, or reflective window films to block sunlight and reduce solar heat gain.
Pro tip:
Open windows and blinds in the early morning or evening to let in cool air, then close them by midday to trap that cooler air inside.
7. Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Air
Ceiling fans don’t lower the temperature, but they help your body feel cooler by creating a wind-chill effect.
This allows you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher without losing comfort.
Fan direction matters:
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Summer mode: Blades should spin counterclockwise to push air downward
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Winter mode: Clockwise to circulate warm air
Running a fan costs just a few cents per hour—way less than running your AC nonstop.
8. Replace Old or Dirty Air Filters
Clogged air filters block airflow and make your system work harder—driving up your cooling costs.
Check your filter every 1–2 months and replace it more often if you have pets, allergies, or live in a dusty area (which is common in Santa Fe).
Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder or subscribe to filter delivery services so you never forget.
9. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency AC Unit
If your air conditioner is more than 10–15 years old, it might be time for an upgrade. Modern ENERGY STAR® certified systems are up to 30% more efficient than older units.
Why it’s smart in Santa Fe:
The long cooling season means more usage. A high-efficiency unit can pay for itself faster through energy savings.
📍 Ask Salazar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing about AC replacement options that fit your home and budget.
10. Don’t Cool Unused Rooms
Close vents and doors in rooms you don’t use regularly—like guest rooms or storage areas. This focuses the cooled air where it’s needed most.
Be careful, though:
Never completely block too many vents, as it can create pressure imbalances and strain your system.
Instead, talk to an HVAC pro about zoning systems, which allow for customized temperature control in different parts of your house.
11. Install Attic Insulation or Radiant Barrier
Santa Fe homes often suffer from attic heat buildup. Without proper insulation, that heat radiates down into your living space and forces your AC to work harder.
Consider:
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Adding or upgrading attic insulation
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Installing a radiant barrier to reflect heat
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Using an attic fan to remove hot air
This upgrade can significantly reduce cooling costs—especially in older homes.
12. Schedule a Whole-Home Energy Audit
Want a full picture of your home’s energy use? A professional energy audit checks:
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Insulation levels
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Air leaks
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HVAC performance
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Appliance efficiency
With expert recommendations, you’ll know exactly where your energy is going—and how to stop wasting it.
📍 Ask us about scheduling an energy efficiency consultation with our trusted local partners.
Bonus Tip: Avoid Peak Usage Hours
Santa Fe Electric and other utility providers often charge more during peak hours—usually mid-afternoon to early evening.
Try to:
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Run dishwashers and laundry machines early in the morning or late at night
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Pre-cool your home in the morning before peak hours start
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Avoid cranking the AC lower during peak usage
This small shift can make a big difference in your bill.
Local Santa Fe Cooling Services to Help You Save
Looking for ways to make your home more energy-efficient? At Salazar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we help Santa Fe homeowners stay cool while cutting costs with:
✅ AC maintenance & tune-ups
✅ High-efficiency air conditioner installations
✅ Smart thermostat installations
✅ HVAC inspections & airflow testing
✅ Filter replacements
✅ Duct sealing & insulation upgrades
Stay Cool & Save Money — Call Salazar Today
You don’t have to suffer through high bills just to stay comfortable. With the right strategies—and a little help from the pros—you can enjoy a cool, efficient home all summer long.
📞 Call Salazar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing at (505) 820-2007 to schedule a cooling system tune-up or learn about energy-saving upgrades for your home.
Serving Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and surrounding areas with honest service, expert advice, and local experience you can trust.
