How to Lower Your AC Bill in Phoenix, AZ: 10 Energy-Saving Tips
Phoenix summers can put your air conditioner to the test. When outdoor temperatures climb into the triple digits, your AC may run for hours just to keep your home comfortable. Learning how to lower your AC bill in Phoenix can help you stay comfortable while managing your energy costs.
If you're wondering how to lower your AC bill in Phoenix, start by looking at the factors that may be causing your system to use more energy than necessary.
Knowing how to lower your AC bill in Phoenix isn't always about using your AC less. Proper maintenance, efficient thermostat settings, good airflow, and reducing heat entering your home can all help improve cooling efficiency.
Why Are AC Bills So High in Phoenix?
Air conditioning is one of the biggest energy users in Arizona homes, especially during the summer. APS notes that cooling can account for a very large portion of household energy use during hot months, making AC efficiency an important part of managing your electricity bill.
When your AC has to run continuously, several factors can contribute to higher costs, including:
Extremely high outdoor temperatures
An inefficient or aging AC system
Dirty air filters
Poor airflow
Incorrect thermostat settings
Air leaks around doors and windows
Poor insulation
Dirty outdoor condenser coils
Lack of regular maintenance
Cooling an empty home unnecessarily
The goal isn't necessarily to stop using your AC. Instead, the goal is to help your AC cool your home more efficiently.
10 Ways to Lower Your AC Bill in Phoenix
1. Set Your Thermostat to a Reasonable Temperature
One of the easiest ways to reduce your cooling costs is to adjust your thermostat.
Instead of setting your thermostat extremely low, try keeping your home at a comfortable temperature that doesn't force your AC to work harder than necessary.
SRP recommends approximately 78°F–80°F when you're home and up to 85°F when you're away, depending on your comfort level and circumstances.
APS also notes that raising your thermostat by even a few degrees can reduce cooling costs.
Don't make extreme thermostat changes
Setting the thermostat dramatically lower doesn't make the AC cool your home proportionally faster.
Instead, choose a reasonable temperature and allow your system to maintain it consistently.
2. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat can automatically adjust your home's temperature based on your schedule.
For example, you can program the thermostat to use a higher temperature while everyone is away and return to a more comfortable setting before you get home.
This can prevent your AC from running unnecessarily for hours while the house is empty.
Smart thermostats can also make it easier to manage your cooling schedule and monitor your energy use.
A simple thermostat schedule
You might create a schedule such as:
When you're home: Comfortable cooling temperature
When you're away: Higher temperature
Before you return: Begin cooling the home
The ideal settings depend on your household, comfort level, and utility plan.
3. Replace Your AC Filter Regularly
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and make your HVAC system work harder.
When airflow is restricted, your AC may have to run longer to achieve the temperature you've selected on your thermostat.
APS recommends checking or changing filters regularly and specifically notes that dirty filters can make an AC work harder and cost more to operate.
How often should you change your AC filter?
The ideal replacement schedule depends on your filter, home, pets, indoor air quality, and other factors.
As a general rule, check your filter regularly and replace it when it becomes dirty.
A clean filter can help maintain proper airflow and system performance.
4. Schedule Regular AC Maintenance
Regular maintenance isn't just about preventing breakdowns. It can also help your AC operate efficiently.
During an HVAC maintenance visit, a professional can inspect important components, check system operation, and identify potential problems before they become major repairs.
APS recommends having an AC serviced at least once a year to help maintain efficiency.
Why Phoenix AC maintenance matters
Phoenix's extreme summer temperatures can put significant demand on an air conditioning system.
A system that is dirty, poorly maintained, or developing a mechanical problem may have to work harder to provide the same level of cooling.
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5. Keep Your Outdoor AC Unit Clear
Your outdoor condenser needs adequate airflow to release heat from your home.
Leaves, dirt, grass, weeds, and other debris around the condenser can interfere with airflow.
Take a look around the outdoor unit and keep vegetation and debris from crowding the equipment.
Don't block the condenser
Avoid placing objects, storage items, or dense vegetation directly around the outdoor unit.
If the condenser is heavily dirty or needs professional cleaning, have an HVAC technician inspect it rather than attempting complicated maintenance yourself.
6. Keep Blinds and Curtains Closed During the Hottest Part of the Day
Arizona sunlight can add significant heat to your home.
Windows exposed to direct sunlight can increase indoor temperatures and make your AC work harder.
One simple solution is to close blinds, curtains, or shades during the sunniest parts of the day.
APS specifically recommends using shades on sunny windows to help keep heat out of the home.
Focus on your sunniest windows
Pay particular attention to windows that receive strong afternoon sunlight.
Reducing direct solar heat gain can help your home stay cooler and reduce the workload on your AC.
7. Use Ceiling Fans to Improve Comfort
Ceiling fans can help you feel cooler without requiring your thermostat to be set as low.
Fans circulate air across your skin, creating a cooling effect.
However, remember that fans primarily cool people rather than rooms. Turn them off when you leave the room to avoid using electricity unnecessarily. APS provides similar guidance.
Use fans with your AC
Instead of lowering the thermostat significantly, try using your ceiling fan while you're in the room.
This can help improve comfort while allowing you to maintain a slightly higher thermostat setting.
8. Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows
If cooled air is escaping through gaps around doors and windows, your AC has to work harder to maintain your desired temperature.
Check areas such as:
Exterior doors
Window frames
Door seals
Weather stripping
Gaps around windows
Other visible openings to the outside
APS recommends checking weather stripping and seals and using caulk where appropriate to reduce unwanted air leakage.
Small leaks can affect comfort
Sealing obvious gaps won't solve every efficiency problem, but it can help prevent conditioned air from escaping and hot outdoor air from entering.
9. Consider Pre-Cooling Your Home
If your electricity plan uses time-of-use pricing, the time of day you run your AC can affect your energy costs.
For example, APS offers time-of-use plans with higher-cost periods, including 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays for certain plans. APS recommends pre-cooling the home before the higher-cost period and then raising the thermostat during peak hours.
How pre-cooling works
The basic idea is:
Cool your home before the higher-cost period.
Raise your thermostat during peak hours.
Allow your home to remain comfortable using the cooling you've already built up.
Return to your normal temperature schedule after the peak period.
Your best strategy depends on your specific utility plan, so check your electricity provider's current rates before changing your schedule.
10. Know When Your AC Is Losing Efficiency
Sometimes a high electricity bill isn't simply caused by using your AC more.
It can also be a sign that your system isn't operating efficiently.
If your AC suddenly starts running much longer than usual, struggles to maintain the temperature, or produces inconsistent cooling, it may be worth having the system inspected.
Potential problems can include:
Refrigerant issues
Dirty coils
Restricted airflow
Electrical problems
Failing components
Poor system sizing
An aging AC system
If you've already tried the basic energy-saving steps and your bill remains unusually high, professional AC service may help identify the underlying problem.
How Much Can You Save by Raising Your Thermostat?
The amount you save depends on several factors, including your home, insulation, AC efficiency, weather, thermostat settings, and electricity plan.
APS says that increasing the thermostat by one degree can save approximately 2–3% on cooling costs.
That doesn't mean every homeowner will see exactly the same savings. Think of thermostat adjustment as one part of a larger energy-saving strategy.
Combining a reasonable thermostat setting with clean filters, regular maintenance, reduced heat gain, and good airflow can make a bigger difference than relying on a single change.
Does an Old AC Use More Electricity?
An older or inefficient air conditioner may require more energy to provide the same amount of cooling as a newer, properly sized system.
If your AC is several years old and you're experiencing:
Increasing electricity bills
Frequent repairs
Long cooling cycles
Uneven temperatures
Poor cooling performance
Frequent breakdowns
it may be worth having an HVAC professional evaluate the system.
In some cases, improving or replacing the system may provide better long-term efficiency.
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When Should You Call an HVAC Professional?
Energy-saving tips can help, but they aren't a substitute for professional service when your AC has a mechanical problem.
Contact an HVAC professional if you notice:
Your AC is blowing warm air
Your system runs constantly
Your electricity bill suddenly increases
Your AC is making unusual noises
Your system repeatedly freezes
Your home has uneven cooling
Your AC frequently turns on and off
Your system requires frequent repairs
Your AC struggles during normal Phoenix temperatures
A professional inspection can help determine whether the problem is maintenance-related, mechanical, electrical, or related to the age and efficiency of the system.
Phoenix AC Energy-Saving Checklist
Before calling for service, go through this quick checklist:
☐ Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature
☐ Increase the temperature when you're away
☐ Use a programmable or smart thermostat
☐ Check your air filter
☐ Replace a dirty filter
☐ Keep blinds and curtains closed during intense sunlight
☐ Use ceiling fans when you're in the room
☐ Keep the outdoor condenser clear
☐ Check doors and windows for obvious air leaks
☐ Schedule regular AC maintenance
☐ Check your electricity plan for time-of-use options
☐ Consider professional service if your AC is struggling
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Phoenix Home Comfortable Without Overspending
Lowering your AC bill doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing comfort.
Small changes such as adjusting your thermostat, replacing dirty filters, using ceiling fans, reducing sunlight through windows, sealing air leaks, and maintaining your HVAC system can help your AC operate more efficiently.
For Phoenix homeowners, regular AC maintenance is especially important because your system can work extremely hard during Arizona's hottest months.
If your AC is running constantly or your energy bills are higher than expected, don't automatically assume you simply need to use the thermostat differently. Your HVAC system may need professional attention.
Need AC Service in Phoenix, AZ?
If your air conditioner isn't keeping up with the Phoenix heat or your energy bills seem unusually high, Elite AC & Heating can help.
Our team can inspect your cooling system, identify potential problems, and help you determine the right solution for your home.
Whether you need AC repair, maintenance, installation, or replacement, getting your system checked can help keep your home comfortable and your HVAC system operating properly.
Don't let Phoenix heat drive up your energy bill. Contact Elite AC & Heating today to schedule professional AC service in Phoenix, AZ.
Call Elite AC & Heating or request service online to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I set my AC in Phoenix?
A commonly recommended starting point is around 78°F–80°F when you're home, with a higher setting when you're away, depending on your comfort level. SRP currently recommends 78°F–80°F while home and up to 85°F when away.
How can I lower my AC bill without replacing my AC?
Start with low-cost changes such as adjusting your thermostat, replacing dirty filters, using ceiling fans, closing blinds during intense sunlight, sealing air leaks, and scheduling regular maintenance.
Does changing the AC filter really save money?
A dirty filter can restrict airflow and make the AC work harder. Replacing or cleaning the filter as appropriate can help maintain airflow and efficiency.
Should I turn my AC off when I leave the house?
You don't necessarily need to shut the system completely off. Raising the thermostat while you're away can reduce cooling demand while still allowing you to return to a reasonably comfortable home.
Are smart thermostats worth it in Phoenix?
A smart thermostat can make it easier to create cooling schedules, adjust temperatures while you're away, and manage energy use. APS also recommends smart thermostats as an energy-saving option.
How often should I have my AC serviced?
A good starting point is at least once a year. APS recommends annual AC service to help maintain efficient operation.
Why is my AC bill suddenly so high?
A sudden increase can be caused by hotter weather, increased AC usage, thermostat settings, utility-rate changes, poor airflow, dirty filters, or an HVAC system that isn't operating efficiently.
If the increase is unusual and your usage hasn't changed significantly, consider having your AC inspected.
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