What Summer Power Costs Look Like in El Mirage
Residents of El Mirage, Arizona can expect their summer energy bills to rise significantly compared to milder months. With triple-digit temperatures stretching from June through August, air conditioning becomes a necessity that drives up electricity usage and costs. The average July electric bill in El Mirage is about $220, nearly double the $115 average seen in April.
Over the core summer months, El Mirage households typically see the following monthly electric bills:
- June: $180
- July: $220
- August: $210
These figures reflect the surge in energy consumption required to keep homes cool during the scorching Arizona summer. Compared to temperate regions, summer energy bills in El Mirage often run 50-80% higher due to extreme cooling demands.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in El Mirage During the Summer?
Several factors contribute to sky-high summer electric bills in desert cities like El Mirage. The primary driver is near-constant air conditioning needed to maintain livable indoor temperatures. With highs frequently topping 110°F, A/C units and heat pumps work overtime, consuming substantial electricity to cool air and extract humidity.
Older homes with less efficient HVAC systems and insulation are hit especially hard. Aged ductwork may leak cool air before it reaches living spaces, forcing A/C units to run longer cycles. Insufficient attic insulation allows more outdoor heat to seep inside. Single-pane windows provide little buffer against the intense sunlight and heat.
Secondary summer energy demands add to the burden. Landscape irrigation systems and pool pumps require extra electricity during peak season. The popularity of electric vehicles in El Mirage means higher home charging costs. And with school out, families use more electronics and appliances throughout the long daylight hours.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To illustrate how cooling dominates summer energy bills in El Mirage, here’s a typical cost breakdown for a 1,800 sq ft home with average A/C use:
| Component | Cost | % of Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | $154 | 55% |
| Appliances | $56 | 20% |
| Water Heating | $39 | 14% |
| Lighting | $22 | 8% |
| Other | $9 | 3% |
Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in El Mirage. This proportion can be even higher in larger homes or those with older, less efficient A/C units. Conscientious cooling is key to reining in summer utility costs.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some summer bill shock is inevitable in El Mirage, strategic practices can help you control costs:
- Take advantage of off-peak hours for laundry, dishwashing, and EV charging.
- Install a smart thermostat to automate A/C cycles and avoid over-cooling.
- Have your ducts professionally sealed to minimize cool air leaks.
- Use shades, blinds, and window films to block solar heat gain.
- Upgrade attic insulation to keep indoor temperatures stable.
- Plant shade trees near your home’s sunny exposures.
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day and use ceiling fans to feel 3-4°F cooler.
Time-of-Use Pricing in El Mirage
Some El Mirage utility providers like SRP and APS offer time-of-use (TOU) pricing plans. Under TOU rates, customers pay less for electricity used during off-peak hours.
On weekdays, peak hours typically run from 3-8pm, while off-peak stretches from 8pm-3pm. Weekends are entirely off-peak. By shifting flexible energy usage like laundry, pool pumps, and EV charging to off-peak windows, El Mirage residents can reduce their summer bills.
Summer Cooling FAQs
How much more are summer bills compared to spring?
In El Mirage, expect your July electric bill to be 80-100% higher than April. A $115 April bill often rises to $220 or more in peak summer.
Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
Yes, a properly sized solar PV system in El Mirage can offset a large portion of summer A/C costs. Excess production is credited to future bills.
What temp should I keep my house to save energy?
Energy Star recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and 85°F when away. Every degree above 72°F saves 3-5% on cooling costs.
Smart Cooling Prep for El Mirage Summers
With proper planning, El Mirage residents can keep their summer electric bills in check. Expect to pay $180-250 per month to cool an average home. Conscientious A/C use, off-peak scheduling, and weatherization upgrades can help you stay on the lower end of that range.
For a full breakdown of utility costs in your area, check out our El Mirage Utility Costs Explained guide. With smart strategies and modern efficiency tools, you can keep your cool without breaking the bank this summer.