Tips to Save Money & Save Energy – Summer 2024

As summer temperatures rise, higher electric bills become a norm for many Arizona households. While circumstances vary, each household can save money and save energy by being more energy efficient and by taking advantage of energy-saving discounts and rebates.

Please use the tips below and share with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

1. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. Every time you turn on the light switch or have a computer or other electronic device plugged in and using electricity, your utility bill is increasing. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, an appliance constantly taking in 1 watt of electrical current is equivalent to 9kWh per year, with costs for the average household adding up to $100-200 annually. Turning off lights and plugging devices into a power strip and switching the power strip off when electronics are not in use can save money for your household.
2. Close curtains and drapes during the hottest part of the day. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, closing curtains and drapes can reduce the amount of heat that enters a room by up to 33%, depending on the material. By reducing the heat in a room, you are likely to use less air conditioning, thereby saving money.
3. Use the ceiling fan. When you lower the thermostat in the summer, you increase costs to your utility bill. According to Home Depot, using a ceiling fan can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 30% when the fan is circulating counterclockwise as it pushes cooler air downward creating a cooling effect. Since fans cool people and not the room, remember to turn the ceiling fan off when leaving the room.
4. Use an air fryer, slow cooker, microwave, or grill. When possible, avoid using the oven in the summer to prevent unwanted heat from further warming your household. In the summer months, when feasible, it is best to use the oven in the evening.
5. Use the dishwasher and washing machine when you have a full load. If you have a dishwasher and/or a washing machine in your home, you can minimize costs by maximizing the load size and often by using the appliances during off-peak hours, which tend to be mid-afternoon to early evening (check with your utility for exact hours). The U.S. Department of Energy recommends air drying dishes in the dishwasher to use less energy and lower costs. And Energy Star states that water heating consumes about 90% of energy when washing clothes; and, washing clothes in cold water can reduce energy use by more than half, further saving money for your household.
6. Raise your thermostat. Salt River Project recommends setting the thermostat between 78-80 degrees when at home and up to 85 degrees when you are away. The utility estimates that every degree above 80 degrees will save about 2%-3% on cooling costs.
7. Set the air conditioning fan to auto. By setting the air conditioning fan to auto, the motor of the fan isn’t running when it isn’t cooling. Salt River Project estimates this can save $15-$25 monthly on the average utility bill.
8. Switch to LED light bulbs. The U.S. Department of Energy finds that LED light bulbs use 90% less energy and can last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. By switching to LED light bulbs, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates the average household in Arizona can save about $119 annually.
9. Install a smart thermostat. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, installing a smart thermostat to save energy can save the average household in Arizona about $72 annually. A smart thermostat allows greater control of your home’s cooling and heating through an app on your smart device.
10. Install or update windows to be more energy-efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows are responsible for 25%-30% of heat gain and heat loss in the home. Depending on where you live in Arizona, your household can save an estimated $245-$410 annually using a certified Energy Star single-pane window. If your windows are in good condition, it may be more cost-effective to update them through weatherstripping or caulking.

General Tips

• Learn about the energy efficiency discounts and rebates your utility offers. Utilities often update their energy-saving programs. Check your utility website frequently for any new offerings: Arizona Public Service; Salt River Project; Tucson Electric Power. If you utilize an electric co-op, check out their webpage or contact us for more information.
• Call your utility to see if you are on the best rate plan for your household. Be sure to share any expected changes to your electricity usage — working or schooling from home, new additions to your household, purchase of an electric vehicle or addition of a swimming pool — as there may be a better rate plan option, particularly if you are on a Time-of-Use or Demand Rate plan. If you deem it best to switch, verify with your utility that they will not assess a penalty and then switch plans, with the potential to further adjust at the appropriate time.
• Pay your bill along the way or request financial assistance if you need help. Although electric utilities in Arizona have varied policies not to disconnect services during the summer months, ratepayers eventually still need to pay. Paying what you can along the way will avoid bill shock later. If you are behind or anticipate having a hard time paying your electric bill, contact your utility or the statewide non-profit Wildfire as soon as possible to learn about financial assistance that may exist for your household. You can also ask your utility to set you up on a payment plan.
• Don’t fall for scams. Unfortunately, scammers continue to persist. If someone claims to be calling from your utility company, it is best to hang up and call your utility directly to ask questions or to make a payment.

*Please note the above information taken from government and Arizona utility websites is subject to change. We recommend checking the relevant website(s) for updates. We also recommend checking out our webpage for additional opportunities to save money and save energy: www.savingenergytips.org

For more information or to suggest additional tips, please email [email protected]