Ouch! June Is Here, and So Is Your Electric Bill Summer in Phoenix is breathtaking in its own scorched way. Your wallet, unfortunately, feels every degree of it. There is a rite of passage every Arizona summer that nobody warned you about before you moved here: the moment you open your first June electric bill and genuinely question your life choices. Temperatures that regularly push past 110º mean your air conditioner is not just running, it is basically the most expensive appliance you own, operating at full capacity for weeks on end. Air conditioning accounts for up to 50% of a typical Arizona home’s summer electricity bill. The average monthly bill in the state has climbed well past $150, and for households with pools, older HVAC systems, or poor insulation, it can go significantly higher. For families already managing tight budgets, that seasonal spike can genuinely throw off monthly finances. The good news is there are legitimate ways to soften the blow, and most of them do not require any upfront investment. Start with your thermostat.
Setting it to 78-80 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees when you are away saves an estimated 2-3% per degree above 80. Close your blinds during the day, especially on west and south-facing windows. Curtains alone can reduce heat gain by up to 33%. Run your dishwasher, dryer, and oven in the evening when heat buildup is less punishing on your AC. On-peak hours for APS customers run from 4-7 p.m. on weekdays. Shifting high-energy tasks outside that window means lower rates for 21 hours every weekday and all weekend long. It is worth a look at aps.com/ save to find the rate plan that fits your household. If cost is a real concern, APS’s Energy Support program offers discounts of 25%-60% on monthly bills for qualifying lower-income customers. Details are at aps.com/assistance or by calling (602) 371-7171. Longer term, smart thermostats, shade screens, and improved attic insulation all pay for themselves quickly in Arizona’s climate. Summer here is not optional, but letting it crater your budget is.
RE-ELECT JULY 2026
• Preserve Quality of Life in Goodyear • Support Our First Responders • Facilitate Economic Growth and Job Creation • Be a Responsible Fiscal Steward for Our City
A GOODYEAR FOR ALL GENERATIONS WWW.HAMPTON4GOODYEAR.COM BRANNON HAMPTON FOR GOODYEAR CITY COUNCIL | APPROVED BY BRANNON HAMPTON
June 2026 13
Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online