What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Avondale
When the Garcias opened their July electric bill, they were shocked. “How is it possible we used this much power?” Carla asked her husband Miguel, staring in disbelief at the $325 total for their 1,800 square foot home in Avondale. Like many families, they were unprepared for just how high summer energy bills in Avondale can climb.
During the scorching months of June through August, the average monthly electric bill in Avondale hovers around $280. But that figure can vary widely based on home size, cooling habits, and energy efficiency. The average July electric bill in Avondale is about $325, with some homes topping $400 if they have pools or older cooling systems.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Avondale During the Summer?
Several factors converge to drive up power costs in Avondale from June to September. The main culprit is near-constant air conditioning. When outdoor temperatures soar above 100°F for weeks on end, heat pumps and A/C units strain to keep indoor temps comfortable. Older or poorly insulated homes allow that cooled air to escape, forcing cooling systems to work even harder.
The sheer length of summer days also plays a role. With the sun beating down for 14 hours, homes heat up more, and the evening cooldown period shrinks. Pools, irrigation systems, and EV charging can further inflate summer energy use in some Avondale homes.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To see where those summer energy dollars go, consider this sample breakdown for an 1,800 square foot Avondale home with average A/C use:
| Component | Cost | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | $175 | 55% |
| Appliances | $60 | 18% |
| Water Heating | $40 | 12% |
| Lighting | $25 | 8% |
| Other | $25 | 8% |
Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Avondale. Air conditioning is by far the biggest slice of the summer energy pie.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some summer bill shock may be inevitable, Avondale residents can take steps to manage cooling costs:
- Sign up for off-peak billing and shift heavy use to mornings or evenings
- Install a smart thermostat to automate energy-saving temperature changes
- Have ducts professionally sealed to minimize cooled air loss
- Plant shade trees or add window films to block solar heat gain
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day and use ceiling fans to feel cooler. Every degree above 72°F saves 3-5% on cooling costs.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Avondale
Both SRP and APS, the main electric utility providers in Avondale, offer optional Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing plans. Under TOU rates, customers pay more for on-peak energy use (typically weekday afternoons) and less for off-peak use (mornings, evenings, overnight, and weekends).
Shifting energy-intensive activities like laundry, dishwashing, and EV charging to off-peak hours can help Avondale residents save under TOU plans. However, with cooling accounting for such a large share of summer bills, TOU savings may be limited unless you can also adjust A/C use to off-peak times.
Summer Cooling FAQs
How much more are summer bills compared to spring?
In Avondale, July electric bills are often double April costs. A home that uses $150 of power in spring may see $300+ bills by mid-summer.
Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
Yes, solar panels can significantly offset cooling costs. An appropriately sized system may cover 50-90% of summer bills. However, savings depend on system output, home efficiency, and utility plans.
What temp should I keep my house to save energy?
The US Dept. of Energy recommends setting thermostats to 78°F when you’re home and awake, and 7-10° higher when away or asleep. Using fans and light clothing for comfort at 78°F can cut cooling costs 10% or more.
Smart Cooling Prep for Avondale Summers
With July temps averaging a scorching 106°F, Avondale residents have to accept somewhat higher summer electric bills as a fact of life in the Valley of the Sun. Expect to pay $250-400 per month to cool an average home. But by understanding your Avondale utility costs, using efficient cooling strategies, and taking advantage of off-peak rates, you can keep bills manageable until those eagerly awaited October lows arrive.