When the Nguyen family opened their July electric bill, they were shocked. “I knew our summer energy bills in Anaheim would be higher,” said Kim Nguyen, “but I wasn’t expecting it to be over $350 for the month, almost double our spring bills.” The Nguyens’ experience is common in Anaheim, where sweltering summer heat drives up cooling costs.
What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Anaheim
In Anaheim, electric bills surge during the hot summer months as residents crank up their air conditioning to stay cool. While spring and fall bills typically range from $100-200 per month for an average home, summer energy bills in Anaheim often climb to $250-400 monthly from June through August.
The peak usually hits in July, when scorching temperatures are at their highest. The average July electric bill in Anaheim is about $325, based on typical residential usage. However, this can vary widely depending on the size and age of your home, your thermostat settings, and the efficiency of your cooling system.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Anaheim During the Summer?
Several factors contribute to high summer electric bills in Anaheim. The biggest culprit is the increased demand for air conditioning. When outdoor temperatures soar into the 90s and 100s, air conditioners and heat pumps have to work overtime to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, consuming large amounts of electricity.
Older homes with less efficient HVAC systems and poor insulation are hit especially hard. Leaky air ducts, drafty windows, and heat gain through the attic can force cooling systems to run constantly. The long daylight hours in summer also mean people are often awake and using appliances for more of the day, further increasing energy usage.
In some homes, secondary factors like pool pumps, landscape irrigation controls, and extra refrigerators or freezers can also drive up summer electric bills. With more electric vehicles on the road, EV charging can also add to household energy costs during summer road trip season.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To see how cooling impacts summer electric bills, here’s an example breakdown for an 1,800 square foot Anaheim home with average A/C use:
| Component | Cost | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | $175 | 54% |
| Appliances | $68 | 21% |
| Water Heating | $36 | 11% |
| Lighting | $26 | 8% |
| Other | $20 | 6% |
As this example illustrates, expect cooling to account for 50-60% of your July energy bill in Anaheim. Actual costs will vary based on your home’s unique usage patterns, but this gives a general idea of how A/C dominates summer electric expenses.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some increase in cooling costs is inevitable during an Anaheim summer, there are ways to keep your bills in check. Here are a few of the most effective strategies:
- Sign up for a time-of-use billing plan to get lower rates during off-peak hours
- Install a smart thermostat to automatically optimize your A/C settings
- Have your air ducts tested and sealed to minimize leaks
- Plant shade trees or add awnings to block direct sun
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day when you’re home and use ceiling fans to help you feel cooler. When you’re away or asleep, let it rise a few degrees higher to save energy.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Anaheim
Some Anaheim utility providers like Anaheim Public Utilities offer optional Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing plans. Under TOU billing, you pay different rates for electricity depending on the time of day and day of the week. Rates are highest during weekday afternoons and early evenings when demand peaks. Overnight and weekend rates are substantially lower.
If you can shift energy-intensive activities like running your dishwasher or charging an electric vehicle to off-peak hours, a TOU plan can help shave down your summer energy bills. Talk to your utility provider to see if they offer TOU options and whether your home’s usage patterns are a good fit.
Summer Cooling FAQs
Q: How much more are summer electric bills compared to spring?
A: In Anaheim, summer bills from June to August are often 30-100% higher than typical spring bills, primarily due to increased A/C use. An average July bill is around $325, while a May bill is closer to $175.
Q: Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
A: Yes, a appropriately-sized solar panel system can substantially offset summer energy costs. With Anaheim’s abundant sunshine, solar panels produce a lot of electricity during long summer days. This production helps cancel out the power you draw from the grid to run your A/C.
Q: What temperature should I keep my house at in the summer to save energy?
A: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home in the summer. When you’re sleeping or away, letting it rise to 82°F or higher will save even more. Using ceiling fans allows you to set the thermostat about 4° higher without sacrificing comfort.
Smart Cooling Prep for Anaheim Summers
While it’s impossible to completely avoid higher electric bills during Anaheim’s scorching summers, knowing what to expect can help you prepare. Plan for cooling costs to drive your July and August bills into the $250-400 range. Adopting energy-saving habits like setting your thermostat higher and taking advantage of off-peak rates can help keep expenses in check.
Making smart efficiency upgrades to your home, such as improving insulation, sealing ducts, and installing a smart thermostat, can also pay off in summer energy savings year after year. For a full breakdown of where your Anaheim energy dollars go, read our Anaheim Utility Costs Explained article.