6 Tips to Help You Save on Your Summer Electric Bills

It’s about that time again here in Arizona, where the temperatures and our monthly electric bills start to spike. This time of year leads many people, myself included, to think about easy ways to cut down on the money spent to keep your house cool. While solar is the most viable way to cut costs and reduce your reliance on the local power company, several other options are great for those families not quite ready for solar. 

One key thing to remember when trying to save money on your energy bill is that many seemingly insignificant steps can add up to big cost savings when combined. Everything from lights to when you use your energy can noticeably impact your monthly energy bill. Here are a few of our favorite tips to help you live a little bit cooler and cheaper all summer.

1. Only use energy during off-peak hours

This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget this easy money-saving option. If you’re on a time-of-use rate plan, energy can be significantly cheaper during off-peak hours. You can realize substantial savings on your electric bills by shifting as much of your major appliance use as possible into these hours. Do your laundry on the weekend, or turn your AC down during the day. It all adds up! Check with your local energy provider to determine the off-peak hours in your area.

2. Add solar screens to windows

These screens have been proven to cut cooling costs by up to 25 percent by reducing the heat that travels into your home through your window glass and frames. They also protect from harmful UV rays, reduce glare, and add privacy. These could be especially useful if you have a lot of afternoon sun coming through your windows.

3. Use fans

Ceiling fans and other circulating fans work well to keep your house cool. Fans also help move the cooler air-conditioned air more efficiently throughout your home. Using fans will help reduce your use of the AC; just be sure to turn them off when you’re not in the room.

4. Replace your AC filter

Did you know that not properly changing out your AC filter can lead your AC to work less efficiently and cost you more money? Not only do they filter out bits of dirt and pollen that would otherwise lead to poorer air quality, but clean filters also keep your HVAC system running efficiently, saving you money in the long run.

5. Don’t leave doors open and turn off lights

Another one may seem like a no-brainer, but this tip can easily slip your mind when you get caught up in your daytime bustle. Close the door if you’re stepping outside for a minute or two. In as little as a few seconds, hot air flowing through an open door or window can substantially impact your bill. Turning off lights when exiting rooms can also add up over time. Not only do lights use electricity, but they also produce heat, contributing to the overall temperature.

6. Install solar

With over 300 days of sunshine, Arizonans have a great opportunity to turn the state’s most abundant natural resource into big savings. A properly designed solar energy system in your house can greatly reduce energy bills, helping you live cleaner and more sustainably. A local solar installer should be able to give you a savings estimate based on your unique energy profile.

If you’re looking for more ways to save on your electric bills, we invite you to download our complimentary guide: Is Solar Right for You?  to explore if solar is the right choice for you and your home.