As the peak of the summer approaches, metro Phoenix residents brace not only for soaring temperatures but also for the inevitable spike in their energy bills.
Luckily, you can use practical and effective strategies to reduce these expenses while not necessarily compromising your family’s comfort.
There are a lot of projects you can do around your home to make it more energy efficient. But sometimes, you have to start with the small adjustments that can make a big difference.
Here are some simple yet significant tips from local experts and energy providers to help residents stay cool while keeping their wallets healthy.
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Plan your AC use
Arizona experts say using your AC strategically can help you save the most on your energy bill.
Salt River Project spokesperson Casaundra Donahoe said almost 50% of your energy bill during the summer comes from AC use. Donahoe said one effective strategy is to set your AC a few degrees higher before leaving home.
“We recommend while you’re home, keeping it at at least 78 degrees to save money and energy. And then when you leave, every degree you can set it above 80 degrees will help to save you about 2-3% on your bills,” she said.
Katie Conner with Arizona Public Service also suggests setting your AC at a higher temperature during peak hours.
“Precool your home during off-peak hours and stay comfortable while saving money if you are on a (time of use) plan,” Conner said.
Your price peak hours vary depending on the plan you are using.
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Install a smart thermostat
Investing in a smart thermostat can make planning your AC use easier, as it helps set your AC on a schedule and can control the temperature from your phone even when you’re not at home.
Tom Hines, a customer advisor with APS, said the company encourages customers to install smart thermostats. It offers a $30 rebate for purchasing a qualifying thermostat on APS Marketplace or at another retailer and then applying for the credit through APS. Customers can get an additional $85 rebate by enrolling in APS’s Cool Rewards program.
“It saves you a ton of money cooling your home when you’re not there,” Hines said. “If you’re on vacation or you’re away from home, you can automatically adjust your temperature, setting it up a little bit.”
SRP customers can access rebates on a new smart thermostat at marketplace.srpnet.com and get up to $100 off their SRP bill when they join SRP’s Bring Your Own Thermostat Program. By participating in the program, customers’ thermostats will automatically adjust a few degrees higher during periods of high power demand.
“We have over $1,100 in rebates available, depending on the type of unit you install,” Donahoe said. “We have lots of great deals and rebates on smart thermostats.”
People who already own a smart thermostat and enroll in SRP’s thermostat program can receive a $50 SRP bill credit per eligible thermostat when they enroll and a $25 credit each year they remain enrolled in the program.
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