- On August 31, 2023
Do you ever look at your Phoenix electric bill and wonder how it got so high? With the average AZ electricity bill soaring above $400 during the summer months, you certainly aren’t alone – your fellow desert dwellers are facing the same struggle.
Air conditioning, a necessity in Arizona’s desert climate, can account for a significant portion of your household energy consumption, particularly during our scorching summers. Fortunately, there are several practical ways to help reduce energy bills without compromising your comfort, one of which is upgrading to an energy-efficient Lennox air conditioner.
At Howard Air & Plumbing, we’re here to help you find the perfect balance of comfort and affordability. You shouldn’t have to sweat just to save a few bucks, and with a few smart tips, you can stay cool and reduce your bills simultaneously.
Effective Ways to Lower Your Arizona Electric Bill
While you can’t control the searing Arizona sun, you do have some influence over your energy bills. Simple tweaks in your daily habits and small home improvements can significantly affect your energy consumption, especially when it comes to air conditioning.
Let’s explore these easy yet effective strategies in detail to help you cool your home more efficiently and achieve lower energy bills.
1. Seal Up Your Home
Ensuring your house is properly sealed is one of the first steps to reducing energy wastage. This involves a careful check of all windows, doors, and even your attic or basement for any leaks or cracks.
Weatherstripping and caulking are effective solutions for sealing these gaps and can be a simple DIY task for most homeowners. Proper insulation maintains a comfortable indoor temperature and eases the burden on your air conditioner, ultimately reducing energy consumption.
2. Optimize Your Thermostat Setting
You might love the feel of a cool breeze from your air conditioner during the sweltering Phoenix summers, but your thermostat setting can significantly influence your energy bill. A degree or two may not seem like much, but even slight adjustments can lead to considerable savings over a month.
The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home in the summer for optimal energy efficiency. Remember, every degree counts!
3. Stay Cool in the Kitchen
The heat generated by cooking appliances can significantly raise your kitchen’s temperature, causing your air conditioner to work overtime to cool your home. To keep heat production to a minimum, consider planning your meals around the cooler parts of the day.
Utilizing outdoor cooking options, like a grill, or preparing cold meals such as salads and sandwiches, can help maintain a more stable indoor temperature, leading to lower energy bills.
4. Choose the Right Fan Mode on Your AC
Understanding your AC settings is key to optimizing its efficiency. While the “on” setting causes the fan to run continuously, the “auto” setting means the fan only runs when the AC is actively cooling. This simple switch can reduce your energy usage and contribute to substantial savings in the long run.
5. Embrace the Convenience of Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are an energy-saver’s best friend. These devices allow you to customize your home’s temperature settings for different times of the day. This means your AC won’t be running at full blast while you’re at work, yet your home will be comfortably cool when you return.
Programmable thermostats help reduce energy consumption and your average electric bill in Arizona by minimizing unnecessary cooling.
6. Consider Energy Star Ceiling Fans
While ceiling fans can’t replace air conditioners, they can certainly complement them. Energy Star-rated ceiling fans are more efficient than conventional models and can circulate cool air throughout your home. This means you can raise your thermostat setting without compromising comfort, saving substantial energy.
7. Keep Your Thermostat and Vents Unobstructed
It may seem trivial, but ensuring your thermostat and vents are free from obstructions can influence your AC’s performance. Blocked vents can restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder and use more energy. Similarly, suppose your thermostat is obstructed or positioned in an area that’s warmer or cooler than the rest of your home. In that case, it may cause your AC to run unnecessarily long, increasing energy consumption.
8. Get Strategic with Your Thermostat Use
Strategizing thermostat use is critical for energy efficiency. When you’re home, aim for a comfortable yet energy-saving temperature. When you’re away, let the temperature rise slightly—your AC won’t need to work as hard, and you won’t notice the difference.
9. Prioritize Regular AC Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your AC unit at peak performance. A well-maintained AC unit operates more efficiently, consumes less energy, and is less likely to break down unexpectedly. Regular filter changes, coil cleaning, and professional check-ups are all part of an effective maintenance routine.
At Howard Air & Plumbing, we generally recommend scheduling AC maintenance in AZ every spring so that you can be well-prepared for the sweltering summer ahead.
10. Utilize Window Coverings
Direct sunlight streaming in through your windows can significantly increase your home’s temperature. Using window coverings like blinds, curtains, or reflective films can help keep the sun’s heat out, reducing the demand for your air conditioner. Even blackouts and thermal curtains are specifically designed to block excess heat.
11. Opt for Energy-Efficient Lighting
Finally, lighting is another factor often overlooked in energy conservation. Traditional incandescent bulbs can generate a surprising amount of heat, adding to your AC’s cooling load. Switching to LED or compact fluorescent bulbs can reduce heat output and use less energy for the same amount of light.
The Lennox Advantage: Efficiency Meets Performance
One of the most impactful ways to reduce energy bills is by upgrading to a Lennox air conditioner. Known for their high efficiency, Lennox units leverage advanced technologies to provide optimal cooling while minimizing energy usage. Their durable construction and reliable performance make them a smart, long-term investment for your home. A well-chosen Lennox AC unit can significantly enhance your home’s comfort, even in the face of Phoenix’s intense heat.
At Howard Air & Plumbing, Your Comfort is Our Priority
Understanding how to reduce energy bills involves a mix of savvy habits and smart home upgrades. By implementing these tips and considering upgrading to a Lennox air conditioner, you can look forward to more manageable energy bills and a more comfortable home.
As Arizona’s #1 HVAC company, Howard Air & Plumbing is proud to be a Lennox Premier Dealer. Our team of experts can help guide you toward the most suitable Lennox air conditioner for your needs and ensure professional installation and maintenance. Please contact us for more information on how we can help you achieve lower energy bills.
Together, we can make the scorching Arizona summers a breeze!
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