What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Goodyear
Residents of Goodyear, Arizona can expect their electric bills to soar during the hot summer months from June through August. The average July electric bill in Goodyear is about $220, nearly double the cost of more temperate months like April and October. With air conditioning accounting for over half of energy usage, summer energy bills in Goodyear routinely exceed $200 per month for an average-sized home.
According to data from local utilities like SRP and APS, the typical household in Goodyear consumes 2,100 kWh of electricity in July, compared to just 1,100 kWh in March. This increased energy demand, driven primarily by cooling needs, causes monthly bills to spike by $100 or more. Larger homes or those with older, less-efficient AC systems may see even higher costs, with some bills reaching $300-$400 during the peak of summer.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Goodyear During the Summer?
Several factors contribute to high summer energy bills in Goodyear. The primary driver is the extreme heat, with daily highs often exceeding 110°F (43°C) in July and August. This leads to a dramatic increase in air conditioning use as residents try to keep their homes comfortable. Even well-insulated houses with newer AC units will see a significant uptick in cooling costs during the hottest months.
Other appliances and home features can compound summer energy expenses. Pool pumps, which often run for several hours per day, can add $50-$100 to a monthly electric bill. Older homes with inadequate insulation and air sealing may have higher cooling demands. Additionally, the long daylight hours in Goodyear mean that lights and electronics are used more frequently, further increasing energy consumption.
In some cases, additional factors like electric vehicle charging, landscape irrigation systems, and heat pump water heaters can also contribute to higher-than-average summer bills. However, cooling remains the dominant expense for most Goodyear households during the summer season.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To better understand where energy costs come from, let’s look at a sample breakdown for a typical 1,800 square foot home in Goodyear with average air conditioning use:
| Component | Percent of Bill | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | 55% | $121 |
| Appliances | 20% | $44 |
| Water Heating | 12% | $26 |
| Lighting | 8% | $18 |
| Other | 5% | $11 |
Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Goodyear. Appliances, water heating, and lighting make up the bulk of the remaining expenses. Actual costs will vary based on home size, AC efficiency, thermostat settings, and other usage factors, but this gives a general idea of how summer bills are allocated.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While summer electric bills in Goodyear will always be higher than in milder months, there are several ways residents can reduce their energy expenses:
- Sign up for an SRP or APS time-of-use plan to get discounted electricity rates during off-peak hours
- Install a smart or programmable thermostat to automate temperature settings and save energy while away
- Seal air leaks around doors and windows and add insulation to keep conditioned air inside
- Plant shade trees or install awnings to block direct sunlight and reduce heat gain
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs to minimize wasted electricity
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F (25°C) during the day when at home and a few degrees higher at night or when away. Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air and improve comfort at warmer temperatures.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Goodyear
Both SRP and APS offer optional time-of-use (TOU) pricing plans for customers in Goodyear. Under these rate structures, the price of electricity varies based on the time of day and day of the week. Customers are charged higher rates during “on-peak” hours (typically weekday afternoons and evenings) and lower rates during “off-peak” periods (overnight and on weekends).
By shifting energy-intensive activities like running the dishwasher or doing laundry to off-peak times, Goodyear residents can take advantage of reduced electricity prices. Over the course of the summer, these savings can add up to a noticeable difference in monthly bills. Contact your utility provider to see if a TOU plan makes sense for your home and usage patterns.
Summer Cooling FAQs
Q: How much more are summer electric bills compared to spring?
A: In Goodyear, summer bills are often 50-100% higher than in the spring months due to increased air conditioning use. A household that pays $110 for electricity in April can expect to see bills closer to $220 in July.
Q: Does solar help reduce summer energy costs?
A: Yes, installing solar panels can significantly offset summer energy expenses in Goodyear. With abundant sunshine, a well-designed solar system can generate enough electricity to cover most or all of a home’s daytime usage. This reduces the amount of power pulled from the grid during expensive peak hours.
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 (25°C) when you are home and awake in the summer. You can raise the temperature a few degrees higher when away or asleep to further reduce cooling costs. Use fans and light, breathable clothing to stay comfortable at warmer indoor temperatures.
Smart Cooling Prep for Goodyear Summers
With average July electric bills in Goodyear ranging from $200 to $300 or more, it pays to be proactive about summer energy efficiency. By following tips like adjusting thermostat settings, using fans, and minimizing direct sun exposure, residents can keep their homes comfortable without breaking the bank.
Making cost-effective improvements like sealing air leaks, adding insulation, or installing a smart thermostat can also help manage cooling expenses over the long run. For personalized advice on efficiency upgrades and utility costs in Goodyear, consider contacting a local energy auditor or HVAC professional to assess your home’s performance.
With a little planning and smart energy habits, you can beat the heat without dreading your summer electric bills. Stay cool, Goodyear!