When the temperature climbs above 110 degrees in the Phoenix area, air conditioners around the Valley will run for long stretches with the arduous task of maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. That constant demand on HVAC systems can drive up your energy bill quickly. The good news is that by simply adopting a few practical habits homeowners can reduce their cooling costs significantly and help their system work more efficiently.
Check Filters and Airflow Every Month
One of the easiest ways to keep your cooling system running efficiently is to be sure that the air filter is replaced regularly. It may sound obvious, but it’s easy to forget if it has not become a habit.
During the hot and dusty peak summer months, filters can collect that dust quickly, restricting the airflow and forcing the system to work harder than it needs to. Checking your filter monthly and replacing it when needed helps to maintain proper airflow throughout the home and keeps the system operating closer to its optimal level of efficiency.
It’s also worth walking through your home once in a while to make sure that none of the vents and return grilles are blocked. Good airflow allows the cool air to circulate through each room evenly, preventing hot spots and reducing the amount of time your air conditioner needs to run.
Use Your Thermostat Strategically
Small adjustments with your thermostat can make a meaningful difference in overall summer cooling costs. Keep your thermostat set at the temperature that feels comfortable for your family, for many that is between 72-75, but consider raising it a few degrees when the house is empty. Even a small adjustment while you’re away at work or running errands can reduce how long your air conditioner needs to run. It also helps to avoid large temperature swings. Setting the thermostat drastically lower does not cool the house faster; it simply causes the system to run longer once the temperature is reached. Maintaining a steady temperature helps the system operate more efficiently over time.
Use Ceiling and Floor Fans
Using ceiling and floor fans can also play a helpful role in keeping the house cool. To make a comparison, a central air conditioner uses between 1,300-3,500 watts depending on the unit, while a ceiling, floor, or pedestal fan uses around 75! While fans will not actually lower the temperature, they can improve air circulation significantly and make rooms feel cooler. Because of the cooling effect blowing directly on the skin, many experts say homeowners can raise the thermostat about 4°F without sacrificing comfort.
Make Use of Your Pool
If you have a pool, don’t underestimate the potential cooling effect it can have on your family’s comfort. Many homeowners find that after spending time swimming, they feel cooler and are comfortable keeping their thermostat a few degrees higher when they come back inside. Going for a swim helps you to take advantage of your pool during the hottest parts of the day. It can go a long way towards reducing how hard your air conditioner needs to work while keeping everyone comfortable.
Reduce Direct Sunlight
In the desert climate, direct sunlight entering through windows can dramatically increase indoor temperatures, especially on the south and west facing sides of the house. Blocking that heat before it enters the home is an easy way to keep rooms cooler and reduce the workload on your air conditioner. Closing blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the afternoon can help limit the solar heat that enters the house. Some homeowners also use thermal curtains or solar screens on the outside of the windows to further reduce heat from hitting the glass. Even simple shading strategies can make a noticeable difference in indoor comfort.
Reduce Indoor Heat Sources
Another often overlooked factor in A/C costs is the heat generated inside the home. Appliances such as ovens and dryers are notorious, but even items such as older light bulbs can produce heat that your air conditioner must remove. Whenever it is possible, shift these activities to the morning for after dark when it is cooler. Using an outdoor grill instead of the oven can prevent unnecessary heat buildup inside the house. Switching to LED lighting can also reduce both electricity usage and heat production.
Limit the Opening of Doors
Ok kids, we’re looking at you on this one. Every time a door is opened during extreme heat, cool indoor air escapes and hot outdoor air rushes in to replace it. In hot climates, studies suggest that simply opening a door for 5–10 seconds can allow up to 20–30% of the air in the immediate room area to exchange with outdoor air, especially if there is a strong wind or huge temperature difference. It may seem obvious but the hotter it is outside, the faster warm air will flow in and cool air escapes. As impossible as it may seem, keeping doors closed as much as possible during the hottest parts of the day can help maintain indoor comfort and reduce unnecessary cooling dramaticaly.
Don’t Overlook Your Utility Plan
One strategy that many Arizona homeowners overlook is to modify their electricity pricing plan. Both of the major utilities in Phoenix offer programs that are designed to reward customers who shift the bulk of their energy usage away from peak hours.
APS Time-of-Use Plans
Arizona Public Service (APS) offers residential services plan, such as Time-of-Use, to their customers where electricity costs more during late afternoon peak hours, typically around 4 PM to 7 PM on weekdays when energy demand is at its highest. Electricity is significantly cheaper to generate during off-peak hours. Homeowners who shift high-energy consumption activities such as laundry, dishwashing, or pool pumps to evening or overnight hours can often reduce their total electricity costs. It is common for households to pre-cool their homes slightly before peak hours begin and which allows the temperature to be set higher by a few degrees during the peak period.
SRP Time-of-Use Plans
Salt River Project (SRP) currently offers a similar program, Conserve 6-9 and Save, where peak pricing occurs in the early evening from 6 PM to 9 PM. Customers who move energy usage outside of these windows may see lower overall bills compared to a flat-rate plan. Note that their Time-of-Use price plan is no longer available for new enrollments and will be discontinued after the November 2029 billing cycle.
Small Changes Add Up
When the outside temperature reaches 110°F, or as all Arizona residents know gets much higher than that, cooling costs can feel insurmountable. With the constantly rising costs, embracing a combination of small changes, such as keeping filters clean, unimpeded airflow, strategic thermostat settings, shading windows, and taking advantage of utility rate plans, which can help keep them as low as possible. These adjustments will also reduce the strain on the HVAC system, which will help to extend the life of the equipment and reduce the potential of costly repairs during the hottest part of the year.
Staying comfortable in the desert heat doesn’t always making major upgrades or sacrificing comfort. Often, a few simple changes with your energy playbook can help your air conditioner work smarter while keeping your home cool and your energy costs under control.
Learn About Reducing A/C Cost
Can You Save Money With a Wifi Thermostat
How Does Air Conditioner Maintenance Save You Money
6 Reasons Why is Your Electric Bill So High
How to Get The Most Savings Out of Your Programmable Thermostat