What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Phoenix
As temperatures soar over 100°F for months, summer energy bills in Phoenix can be a shock for newcomers and longtime residents alike. With air conditioning running nonstop to keep homes livable, electric bills often double or even triple compared to milder months. The average July electric bill in Phoenix is about $220, but can easily exceed $350 for larger homes with older cooling systems.
While winter heating costs in Phoenix are relatively low thanks to mild temperatures and natural gas furnaces, cooling dominates energy expenses from May through September. Expect to see a steady climb in electric bills as spring gives way to summer, peaking in July or August. A typical summer might look like:
- May: $120
- June: $180
- July: $220
- August: $210
- September: $160
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Phoenix During the Summer?
The main culprit behind high summer electric bills is the scorching heat that envelops Phoenix for nearly half the year. With daily highs routinely topping 105°F from June through August, air conditioners and heat pumps have to run constantly to maintain livable indoor temperatures. This intense cooling load is compounded by several factors:
- Older homes and apartments often have poor insulation, allowing heat to seep indoors and making cooling systems work harder.
- Long daylight hours in summer mean the sun beats down on roofs and windows for up to 14 hours per day, driving up indoor temperatures.
- Swimming pool pumps and filters can add $50-100 per month for homes with pools.
- Landscape irrigation systems use electric pumps and timers, increasing usage.
- Electric vehicle charging at home can add to power bills, especially with longer summer road trips.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To see how cooling affects electricity costs, here’s a sample breakdown for a typical 1,800 square foot Phoenix home in July:
| Component | Cost | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Central A/C | $128 | 58% |
| Water Heating | $18 | 8% |
| Appliances | $31 | 14% |
| Lighting | $13 | 6% |
| Other | $30 | 14% |
| Total | $220 | 100% |
Based on 1,800 sq ft home with average A/C use.
As you can see, cooling accounts for nearly 60% of this home’s July electric bill. Expect a similar breakdown for your Phoenix summer energy costs, with A/C making up 50-70% of the total.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While triple-digit temperatures make high cooling costs somewhat inevitable in Phoenix, there are ways to keep bills under control:
- Take advantage of off-peak hours if your utility plan offers lower rates, usually at night and on weekends.
- Install a smart or programmable thermostat to avoid wasting energy cooling an empty house.
- Seal air leaks around doors and windows and add insulation to keep heat out.
- Plant shade trees or add awnings to block direct sun on the hottest sides of your home.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs to reduce overall usage.
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day and use ceiling fans to feel cooler while saving energy.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Phoenix
Both major electric utilities in Phoenix, Arizona Public Service (APS) and Salt River Project (SRP), offer optional time-of-use plans. Under these rate structures, customers pay different prices per kilowatt hour depending on when they use energy:
- On-peak (highest rates): weekday afternoons and evenings
- Off-peak (lowest rates): overnight hours and weekends
- Super off-peak (SRP only): late night and early morning hours
By shifting flexible energy use like laundry, dishwashing, and EV charging to off-peak hours, customers can save money without having to reduce their overall consumption. The wider the gap between on-peak and off-peak rates, the more you stand to save.
Summer Cooling FAQs
Q: How much more are summer electric bills compared to spring in Phoenix?
A: Phoenix-area electric bills often double from April to July as air conditioning use ramps up. A home that pays $110 in April can expect bills of $200 or more by mid-summer.
Q: Does solar power reduce summer energy costs?
A: Yes, generating some of your own electricity with rooftop solar panels can significantly offset high summer bills. Just be aware that Phoenix homes still use a lot of energy after the sun goes down.
Q: What’s the best thermostat setting for summer energy savings in Phoenix?
A: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your central air conditioner to 78°F when you’re home and a few degrees higher when you’re away. You can save 3-5% on cooling costs for each degree you raise the thermostat.
Smart Cooling Prep for Phoenix Summers
While triple-digit temperatures make summer energy bills an unavoidable fact of life in Phoenix, a little preparation can keep costs in check. Remember:
- Expect to pay $150 to $350 per month for electricity from June through September, depending on your home’s size and cooling efficiency.
- Cooling will likely account for 50% to 70% of your summer power bills, so focus energy-saving efforts there.
- Small changes like raising the thermostat a few degrees, sealing air leaks, and using fans can add up to major savings.
For a deeper dive into where your utility payments go, check out our guide to Phoenix Utility Costs Explained.
What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Phoenix
As temperatures soar over 100°F for months, summer energy bills in Phoenix can be a shock for newcomers and longtime residents alike. With air conditioning running nonstop to keep homes livable, electric bills often double or even triple compared to milder months. The average July electric bill in Phoenix is about $220, but can easily exceed $350 for larger homes with older cooling systems.
While winter heating costs in Phoenix are relatively low thanks to mild temperatures and natural gas furnaces, cooling dominates energy expenses from May through September. Expect to see a steady climb in electric bills as spring gives way to summer, peaking in July or August. A typical summer might look like:
- May: $120
- June: $180
- July: $220
- August: $210
- September: $160
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Phoenix During the Summer?
The main culprit behind high summer electric bills is the scorching heat that envelops Phoenix for nearly half the year. With daily highs routinely topping 105°F from June through August, air conditioners and heat pumps have to run constantly to maintain livable indoor temperatures. This intense cooling load is compounded by several factors:
- Older homes and apartments often have poor insulation, allowing heat to seep indoors and making cooling systems work harder.
- Long daylight hours in summer mean the sun beats down on roofs and windows for up to 14 hours per day, driving up indoor temperatures.
- Swimming pool pumps and filters can add $50-100 per month for homes with pools.
- Landscape irrigation systems use electric pumps and timers, increasing usage.
- Electric vehicle charging at home can add to power bills, especially with longer summer road trips.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To see how cooling affects electricity costs, here’s a sample breakdown for a typical 1,800 square foot Phoenix home in July:
| Component | Cost | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Central A/C | $128 | 58% |
| Water Heating | $18 | 8% |
| Appliances | $31 | 14% |
| Lighting | $13 | 6% |
| Other | $30 | 14% |
| Total | $220 | 100% |
Based on 1,800 sq ft home with average A/C use.
As you can see, cooling accounts for nearly 60% of this home’s July electric bill. Expect a similar breakdown for your Phoenix summer energy costs, with A/C making up 50-70% of the total.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While triple-digit temperatures make high cooling costs somewhat inevitable in Phoenix, there are ways to keep bills under control:
- Take advantage of off-peak hours if your utility plan offers lower rates, usually at night and on weekends.
- Install a smart or programmable thermostat to avoid wasting energy cooling an empty house.
- Seal air leaks around doors and windows and add insulation to keep heat out.
- Plant shade trees or add awnings to block direct sun on the hottest sides of your home.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs to reduce overall usage.
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day and use ceiling fans to feel cooler while saving energy.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Phoenix
Both major electric utilities in Phoenix, Arizona Public Service (APS) and Salt River Project (SRP), offer optional time-of-use plans. Under these rate structures, customers pay different prices per kilowatt hour depending on when they use energy:
- On-peak (highest rates): weekday afternoons and evenings
- Off-peak (lowest rates): overnight hours and weekends
- Super off-peak (SRP only): late night and early morning hours
By shifting flexible energy use like laundry, dishwashing, and EV charging to off-peak hours, customers can save money without having to reduce their overall consumption. The wider the gap between on-peak and off-peak rates, the more you stand to save.
Summer Cooling FAQs
Q: How much more are summer electric bills compared to spring in Phoenix?
A: Phoenix-area electric bills often double from April to July as air conditioning use ramps up. A home that pays $110 in April can expect bills of $200 or more by mid-summer.
Q: Does solar power reduce summer energy costs?
A: Yes, generating some of your own electricity with rooftop solar panels can significantly offset high summer bills. Just be aware that Phoenix homes still use a lot of energy after the sun goes down.
Q: What’s the best thermostat setting for summer energy savings in Phoenix?
A: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your central air conditioner to 78°F when you’re home and a few degrees higher when you’re away. You can save 3-5% on cooling costs for each degree you raise the thermostat.
Smart Cooling Prep for Phoenix Summers
While triple-digit temperatures make summer energy bills an unavoidable fact of life in Phoenix, a little preparation can keep costs in check. Remember:
- Expect to pay $150 to $350 per month for electricity from June through September, depending on your home’s size and cooling efficiency.
- Cooling will likely account for 50% to 70% of your summer power bills, so focus energy-saving efforts there.
- Small changes like raising the thermostat a few degrees, sealing air leaks, and using fans can add up to major savings.
For a deeper dive into where your utility payments go, check out our guide to Phoenix Utility Costs Explained.