A feeling all Arizona homeowners can relate to is the first 100-degree day in Phoenix! Your AC kicks on, and suddenly it feels like it won't shut off. By the time July rolls around, it is running constantly, and then the bill shows up, making it very real.
In Arizona, that situation is common. Long cooling seasons, extreme desert heat, and utility pricing structures from companies like APS and SRP can all push summer energy bills higher.
But here is something a lot of homeowners do not realize right away:
High summer energy bills can feel inevitable, but there is more you can do to manage them than you might think.
In many cases, they are driven by everyday habits and small issues that are easier to fix than you might think.
Cooling is not just one part of your energy bill in Arizona. It is often the biggest piece.
So it is not just how much energy you use. It is also when you use it that it can make a big difference.
According to cooling and electrical experts at Parker & Sons, many homeowners end up paying more simply because of how they use their homes and systems day to day. “In Arizona, your AC is not just a convenience. It is your biggest energy expense. Small inefficiencies that might not matter in other states can add up quickly here.”
Let’s learn more about how to combat high energy bills this summer!
What homeowners do: It is the hottest part of the day, so you turn the thermostat down, trying to get comfortable as quickly as possible.
Why does it increase costs in Arizona? With APS and SRP time-of-use plans, those late afternoon and early evening hours are usually the most expensive. Running your AC harder during that window means you are cooling your home at the highest possible rate.
What to do instead: Try pre-cooling your home earlier in the day when rates are lower, then let the temperature rise slightly during peak hours. It can feel counterintuitive at first, but it makes a real difference.
What homeowners do: Most people wait until something feels off or stops working before calling for HVAC service.
Why does it increase costs? When parts of your system are dirty or worn down, your AC has to work much harder to do the same job. In Arizona heat, that extra strain shows up quickly on your energy bill. The Department of Energy confirms that proper maintenance improves efficiency and reduces energy use.
What to do instead: Getting a tune-up before summer really helps your system run the way it should! In a place like Phoenix, where AC systems run for long stretches, this is one of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary costs. If your system could use a little attention, the team at Parker & Sons is here to help with a professional HVAC tune-up.
What homeowners do: It is easy to forget about the air filter until it has been in there for far too long. We’ve all been there!
Why does it increase the cost? A clogged filter restricts airflow, which means your system has to run longer and work harder to cool your home. The Department of Energy notes that replacing a dirty filter can reduce energy consumption. Source: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner
What to do instead: In Arizona, with all the dust, it is a good idea to check your filter monthly during the summer. You might be surprised how quickly it fills up with dust and debris.
What homeowners do: You head out for the day, but leave the thermostat right where it is so the house stays comfortable.
Why does it increase costs? That means your AC is working all day long, even when no one is there to benefit from it. In extreme Arizona heat, that adds up fast!
What to do instead: A programmable or smart thermostat can make this easy. Let the temperature rise while you are gone, then have it cool things down before you get back home so you still walk into a comfortable space.
Tip: It usually costs less to let your home warm up while you’re away and then cool it down when you return, rather than keeping it cool all day. Just be mindful of peak pricing hours, since running your AC during those times can reduce your savings.
What homeowners do: Most of the focus goes to the AC unit itself, and we don’t pay much attention to how well the home is sealed.
Why does it increase costs? If your home is letting hot air in and cool air out, your AC has to keep running to make up for it. The Department of Energy points to insulation as a key factor in reducing cooling demand.
What to do instead: Sealing up leaks around windows and doors and making sure your attic insulation is in good shape can go a long way, especially in older homes around Phoenix.
What homeowners do: Running the oven, dryer, or dishwasher in the middle of the afternoon without thinking much about it.
Why does it increase costs? Those appliances add heat inside your home, which your AC then has to remove. If that happens during peak pricing hours, you are paying more while your system works harder.
What to do instead: Try shifting those tasks to earlier in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler, and energy rates are typically lower.
If you want a simple place to start, focus on these:
Even just these steps can help you feel more comfortable and keep your bill from creeping higher than it needs to.
At Parker & Sons, technicians see it all the time. Many homeowners assume high summer energy bills are just part of living in Phoenix, but that is not always the case.
As one of our HVAC techs put it, “A lot of homeowners think high summer bills are just something you have to accept in Phoenix. But we regularly see situations where a few small changes can make a noticeable difference.”
The reality is, your AC is going to work hard in an Arizona summer. But with a few smart adjustments and a little attention to how your home is running, you can stay comfortable without letting your energy bill get out of hand.
If your system is working overtime or your energy bills just are not adding up, it might be time to have it looked at. Parker & Sons can help you get your AC running efficiently so you stay comfortable without overpaying. Give them a call to schedule your HVAC tune-up and get ahead of the Arizona heat.
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