What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Mesa
Residents of Mesa, Arizona can expect to see a significant increase in their summer energy bills compared to the rest of the year. With triple-digit temperatures lasting for months, air conditioning becomes a necessity, driving up electricity usage and costs. The average July electric bill in Mesa is about $220, which is nearly double the cost of more temperate months like April and October.
Over the June to August period, the typical household in Mesa will spend around $550 on electricity alone, making up a substantial portion of their utility costs for the year. These high summer energy bills in Mesa can strain budgets, especially for those in larger homes or with older, less efficient cooling systems.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Mesa During the Summer?
The main culprit behind expensive summer electric bills in Mesa is the scorching heat. As temperatures routinely soar above 100°F, air conditioners and heat pumps have to work overtime to keep homes livable. Older or poorly insulated houses allow more heat transfer, forcing cooling systems to run even longer. With upwards of 14 hours of daylight in the peak of summer, the sun beats down on rooftops, driving up indoor temperatures.
Secondary factors can also contribute to high energy usage. Pool pumps often run longer to keep water refreshing. Landscape irrigation systems work harder to maintain grass and plants. In homes with electric vehicle charging, owners may consume more power to fuel summer road trips. All of these demands add up to substantial electric bills.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To understand where your money goes, it helps to see how much electricity different home systems and appliances typically use. Based on an 1,800 sq ft home with average A/C use, here’s a sample breakdown:
| Component | Percent of Bill |
|---|---|
| Cooling | 54% |
| Water Heating | 14% |
| Appliances | 12% |
| Lighting | 10% |
| Other | 10% |
Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Mesa. Water heating is the next biggest piece, followed by appliances, lighting, and miscellaneous items like electronics. Your exact percentages may vary based on home size, efficiency, and usage patterns.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some summer bill shock is almost inevitable in Mesa, there are ways to keep costs under control:
- Sign up for off-peak or time-of-use billing to access lower rates during less busy times
- Install a smart thermostat to automatically optimize your cooling schedule
- Have your ducts inspected and sealed to prevent cooled air from escaping
- Plant shade trees or add awnings to block direct sun from hitting your house
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day and use ceiling fans to feel cooler. Every degree above 72°F can save 3% on cooling costs.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Mesa
Both SRP and APS, the major electric utility providers in Mesa, offer optional time-of-use (TOU) rate plans. Under these programs, customers pay different prices based on when they use power. Electricity costs more during “peak hours” on weekday afternoons and evenings when demand is highest. In exchange, rates are lower at night, on weekends, and in the early morning.
By shifting flexible tasks like laundry and dishwashing to off-peak times, Mesa residents can often save money compared to standard flat-rate billing. However, TOU plans work best for those with predictable schedules who can consistently avoid peak hours. Customers should compare their interval usage data against different rate options to find the most economical choice.
Summer Cooling FAQs
How much more are summer bills compared to spring?
In Mesa, electric bills often double from April to July as cooling needs intensify. The average customer may go from spending $110 in the spring to $220 or more in peak summer.
Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
Yes, generating your own electricity with rooftop solar panels can significantly offset high summer bills. With abundant sunshine, Mesa is an ideal location for cost-effective solar installations.
What temp should I keep my house to save energy?
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F while you’re home in the summer. Raising the temperature to 85°F while you’re away can lead to substantial savings.
Smart Cooling Prep for Mesa Summers
With some planning, Mesa residents can keep their summer electric bills in check. Expect to pay $200 to $300 per month to cool an average home in June, July, and August. Costs can vary based on your thermostat settings, insulation quality, and A/C efficiency.
Making strategic changes like optimizing your utility rate plan, using ceiling fans, and keeping up with cooling system maintenance can help you manage expenses. By understanding how you use energy and taking proactive steps, you can stay comfortable without breaking the bank.
What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Mesa
Residents of Mesa, Arizona can expect to see a significant increase in their summer energy bills compared to the rest of the year. With triple-digit temperatures lasting for months, air conditioning becomes a necessity, driving up electricity usage and costs. The average July electric bill in Mesa is about $220, which is nearly double the cost of more temperate months like April and October.
Over the June to August period, the typical household in Mesa will spend around $550 on electricity alone, making up a substantial portion of their utility costs for the year. These high summer energy bills in Mesa can strain budgets, especially for those in larger homes or with older, less efficient cooling systems.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Mesa During the Summer?
The main culprit behind expensive summer electric bills in Mesa is the scorching heat. As temperatures routinely soar above 100°F, air conditioners and heat pumps have to work overtime to keep homes livable. Older or poorly insulated houses allow more heat transfer, forcing cooling systems to run even longer. With upwards of 14 hours of daylight in the peak of summer, the sun beats down on rooftops, driving up indoor temperatures.
Secondary factors can also contribute to high energy usage. Pool pumps often run longer to keep water refreshing. Landscape irrigation systems work harder to maintain grass and plants. In homes with electric vehicle charging, owners may consume more power to fuel summer road trips. All of these demands add up to substantial electric bills.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To understand where your money goes, it helps to see how much electricity different home systems and appliances typically use. Based on an 1,800 sq ft home with average A/C use, here’s a sample breakdown:
| Component | Percent of Bill |
|---|---|
| Cooling | 54% |
| Water Heating | 14% |
| Appliances | 12% |
| Lighting | 10% |
| Other | 10% |
Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Mesa. Water heating is the next biggest piece, followed by appliances, lighting, and miscellaneous items like electronics. Your exact percentages may vary based on home size, efficiency, and usage patterns.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some summer bill shock is almost inevitable in Mesa, there are ways to keep costs under control:
- Sign up for off-peak or time-of-use billing to access lower rates during less busy times
- Install a smart thermostat to automatically optimize your cooling schedule
- Have your ducts inspected and sealed to prevent cooled air from escaping
- Plant shade trees or add awnings to block direct sun from hitting your house
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day and use ceiling fans to feel cooler. Every degree above 72°F can save 3% on cooling costs.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Mesa
Both SRP and APS, the major electric utility providers in Mesa, offer optional time-of-use (TOU) rate plans. Under these programs, customers pay different prices based on when they use power. Electricity costs more during “peak hours” on weekday afternoons and evenings when demand is highest. In exchange, rates are lower at night, on weekends, and in the early morning.
By shifting flexible tasks like laundry and dishwashing to off-peak times, Mesa residents can often save money compared to standard flat-rate billing. However, TOU plans work best for those with predictable schedules who can consistently avoid peak hours. Customers should compare their interval usage data against different rate options to find the most economical choice.
Summer Cooling FAQs
How much more are summer bills compared to spring?
In Mesa, electric bills often double from April to July as cooling needs intensify. The average customer may go from spending $110 in the spring to $220 or more in peak summer.
Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
Yes, generating your own electricity with rooftop solar panels can significantly offset high summer bills. With abundant sunshine, Mesa is an ideal location for cost-effective solar installations.
What temp should I keep my house to save energy?
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F while you’re home in the summer. Raising the temperature to 85°F while you’re away can lead to substantial savings.
Smart Cooling Prep for Mesa Summers
With some planning, Mesa residents can keep their summer electric bills in check. Expect to pay $200 to $300 per month to cool an average home in June, July, and August. Costs can vary based on your thermostat settings, insulation quality, and A/C efficiency.
Making strategic changes like optimizing your utility rate plan, using ceiling fans, and keeping up with cooling system maintenance can help you manage expenses. By understanding how you use energy and taking proactive steps, you can stay comfortable without breaking the bank.