What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Pflugerville
Residents of Pflugerville, TX can expect to see their summer energy bills rise significantly compared to the milder spring and fall months. The average monthly electric bill from June through August in Pflugerville hovers around $220, with costs peaking in July. The average July electric bill in Pflugerville is about $260, reflecting the intense cooling demands of the Texas summer heat.
These elevated summer costs are typical for the region. Across the Austin metro area, households tend to use 20-30% more electricity during the summer months compared to the annual average. The combination of high temperatures, long daylight hours, and increased indoor cooling pushes energy consumption to its yearly peak.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Pflugerville During the Summer?
Several factors contribute to the steep rise in Pflugerville’s summer energy bills. Chief among them is the dramatically increased demand for air conditioning. With average July highs reaching 96°F, A/C units and heat pumps are running almost constantly to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Older homes with less efficient insulation and cooling systems can expect even higher bills.
In addition to cooling costs, summer energy bills are impacted by the long daylight hours, which delay the time when households might normally turn off lights and electronics. Increased use of pool pumps, irrigation systems, and even electric vehicle charging during the summer months can also contribute to higher-than-average bills.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To better understand how cooling costs impact summer energy bills in Pflugerville, it helps to look at a sample breakdown. The following table shows the typical distribution of energy expenses for a 1,800 square foot home with average A/C use:
| Component | Percent of Bill |
|---|---|
| Cooling | 54% |
| Appliances | 20% |
| Water Heating | 14% |
| Lighting | 8% |
| Other | 4% |
As the numbers reveal, cooling is by far the biggest component of summer electric bills. Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Pflugerville. By comparison, cooling typically makes up only 20-30% of energy costs during the winter months.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some increase in summer energy costs is inevitable in Pflugerville, there are steps residents can take to keep bills under control:
- Sign up for off-peak billing or time-of-use rates to get discounts for shifting energy use to low-demand hours
- Install a smart thermostat to automatically optimize cooling schedules and avoid waste
- Have your ducts professionally sealed to improve A/C efficiency
- Plant trees or install awnings to shade your home’s windows and walls from direct sun
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day and use ceiling fans to stay comfortable. Every degree above 78°F can save 3-5% on cooling costs.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Pflugerville
Some utility providers in the Pflugerville area, such as Austin Energy, offer optional Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing plans. Under TOU billing, electricity rates vary based on the time of day and week. Rates are highest during weekday peak hours, typically 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and lowest at night and on weekends.
By shifting more of your energy use—such as running appliances and charging EVs—to off-peak hours, you can take advantage of lower rates and reduce your overall energy expenses. TOU plans do require some extra planning, but can lead to significant savings, especially in the summer when on-peak rates are at their highest.
Summer Cooling FAQs
How much more are summer bills compared to spring?
In Pflugerville, expect your July electric bill to be about 35% higher than April. Cooling costs drive most of this increase.
Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
Yes, a appropriately-sized solar PV system can significantly offset summer energy costs. With Pflugerville’s abundant summer sunshine, a solar array can generate enough to power cooling systems during the day.
What temp should I keep my house to save energy?
The US Dept. of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F while you’re home in the summer. When away, let the temperature rise to 82-85°F to avoid wasting energy on an empty house.
Smart Cooling Prep for Pflugerville Summers
With some smart preparation and energy-saving habits, Pflugerville residents can keep their summer electric bills in the $220 to $280 range—still higher than spring, but not budget-breaking. Focus on maximizing your A/C efficiency, consider time-of-use billing to access lower off-peak rates, and explore shade strategies to reduce the solar heat load on your home.
For a deeper dive into where your energy dollars go, check out our Pflugerville Utility Costs Explained guide. You’ll find more tips and resources to help manage your household energy expenses year-round in Pflugerville and the greater Austin metro area.