When the Ramirez family opened their July electric bill, they were shocked to see a total of $387 staring back at them. “I knew summer energy bills in Glendale would be higher,” said Maria Ramirez, “but I wasn’t expecting it to be almost double our spring bills.” The Ramirez’s experience is common for Glendale residents trying to keep their homes cool during the scorching summer months.
What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Glendale
Electricity usage and costs soar during the summer in Glendale as air conditioners work overtime to combat triple-digit temperatures. The average July electric bill in Glendale is about $325, according to recent data from local utilities. This is a sharp increase from the $150-$200 range typical in the more temperate months of April and May.
June through August are the peak months for energy consumption in Glendale. While July tends to deliver the highest bills, June and August are not far behind, with average bills around $275-$300. Residents can expect their summer energy bills in Glendale to be 50-100% higher than in the spring and fall.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Glendale During the Summer?
The primary driver of high summer electric bills in Glendale is air conditioning. With daily highs regularly exceeding 105°F, A/C units have to run frequently to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. This constant cooling demand places a heavy load on HVAC systems and home energy usage.
Other factors can compound summer energy costs. Many Glendale homes have pools, which require regular pump cycling to maintain water quality. The abundant sunlight and high temperatures also mean more energy is expended on refrigeration and fans. Older homes with less efficient insulation and cooling equipment may see even steeper utility costs.
The long daylight hours in the summer can actually contribute to higher energy usage as well. With the sun rising before 6 AM and setting after 8 PM, people tend to be awake and active for more of the day, using appliances, lighting, and electronics for extended periods compared to the shorter days of winter.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To illustrate how cooling dominates summer energy bills in Glendale, here is a sample breakdown for a typical 1,800 square foot home with average A/C use in July:
| Component | Cost | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | $195 | 60% |
| Appliances | $52 | 16% |
| Water Heating | $39 | 12% |
| Lighting | $26 | 8% |
| Other | $13 | 4% |
As this example illustrates, cooling is by far the largest piece of the summer energy pie in Glendale. Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in a typical Glendale home. Appliances like refrigerators and pool pumps are the next largest contributors.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some increase in summer energy costs is inevitable in Glendale’s desert climate, there are steps residents can take to keep bills under control:
- Sign up for an off-peak or time-of-use billing plan with your utility to get discounts for shifting usage to lower-demand hours
- Install a smart thermostat to automatically optimize your cooling schedule and avoid wasting energy
- Have your air ducts inspected and sealed to prevent cooled air from leaking out before it reaches living spaces
- Plant shade trees or install awnings on the sunny sides of your home to block solar heat gain
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day when you’re home and a few degrees higher at night or when away. Use ceiling fans to help air movement feel cooler without overtaxing your A/C.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Glendale
Both major electric utilities in Glendale, APS and SRP, offer time-of-use (TOU) pricing plans. Under these plans, customers pay different rates for energy depending on when it is used. Electricity is more expensive during “peak hours” on weekday afternoons and evenings when overall demand is highest. Usage during “off-peak” hours, like overnight or on weekends, costs significantly less per kilowatt-hour.
TOU plans incentivize customers to shift flexible energy usage, like running pool pumps or doing laundry, to off-peak hours. This can be an effective way to lower your bills without having to reduce your total energy consumption. The more you are able to concentrate your usage in off-peak windows, the more you can save compared to a standard flat-rate plan.
Summer Cooling FAQs
How much more are summer bills compared to spring?
In Glendale, expect your summer electric bills to be about 50-100% higher than in spring months. A home that pays $150 for electricity in April can expect to pay $225-$300 in July.
Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
Yes, installing solar panels can significantly reduce your summer energy bills by generating electricity to offset the power you use for cooling. However, solar is a substantial upfront investment and not suitable for every home.
What temp should I keep my house to save energy?
Aim to set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and a few degrees warmer when you’re sleeping or away. Every degree above 78°F saves about 3-5% on cooling costs.
Smart Cooling Prep for Glendale Summers
With average summer electric bills in Glendale ranging from $275 to $350 per month, it pays to be proactive about managing your cooling costs. Have your A/C tuned up in the spring, consider a smart thermostat, and look into off-peak savings plans.
By understanding your summer energy patterns and taking advantage of tools to optimize usage, you can keep your Glendale home comfortable without breaking the bank. For more tips on budgeting for Glendale’s cost of living, check out our guide on utility costs in Glendale.