When the Johnsons moved into their 1,800 square foot home in Queen Creek last spring, they were excited to enjoy the spacious layout and quiet neighborhood. But their first summer energy bill in Queen Creek came as quite a shock. “I couldn’t believe cooling alone cost us over $300 in July,” said Sarah Johnson. “We knew summers would be hot, but these bills are crazy!”
The Johnsons aren’t alone. With triple-digit temperatures stretching from May through September, staying cool in Queen Creek comes at a steep cost. Here’s a closer look at what summer power costs look like in Queen Creek and how to keep expenses under control.
What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Queen Creek
During the peak of summer, the average monthly electric bill in Queen Creek is around $220. But that’s just the midpoint. Depending on the size and age of your home, your cooling habits, and the efficiency of your air conditioner, your July electric bill in Queen Creek could easily top $350.
Why so high? Several factors drive up energy use during Queen Creek summers. First, air conditioning is a must, often running nonstop to keep indoor temps tolerable. Many homes also have pools, which require pumps to filter and circulate water. Add in fans, extra loads of laundry, and kids home using electronics, and monthly usage can double compared to spring.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Queen Creek During the Summer?
The main culprit behind high summer bills is the scorching heat. Queen Creek averages 106°F in July, and overnight lows barely dip below 80°F. That means air conditioners have to work overtime, using a ton of electricity to keep homes cool. Even energy-efficient units can struggle to keep up.
Older homes with minimal insulation, leaky ductwork, or single-pane windows make the problem worse. Cool air escapes while hot air seeps in, forcing A/C systems to run longer. Swimming pool pumps, which often operate 8+ hours per day, are another major energy drain. And with the sun up before 6 AM and setting after 8 PM, there are simply more hours in the day to use power.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To put summer energy costs in perspective, here’s a sample bill breakdown for a typical 1,800 square foot home in Queen Creek during July:
| Component | Cost | % of Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | $180 | 55% |
| Appliances | $65 | 20% |
| Electronics | $49 | 15% |
| Lighting | $20 | 6% |
| Water Heating | $13 | 4% |
| Total | $327 | 100% |
As you can see, cooling accounts for over half the total bill during a typical Queen Creek summer. Expect A/C to drive 50–60% of your costs in June, July, and August. So any steps you can take to ease the cooling burden will have an outsized impact on your bottom line.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While triple-digit bills are the norm in Queen Creek, there are ways to keep costs in check. Some top tips:
- Upgrade to a smart thermostat to optimize your cooling schedule
- Have your A/C serviced before each cooling season to maximize efficiency
- Seal leaky ducts and add insulation to keep conditioned air inside
- Use ceiling fans to help air circulate so you can set the thermostat a few degrees higher
- Close blinds and curtains during the day to block solar heat gain
- Plant shade trees near windows to reduce the cooling load on your home
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day when you’re home and a few degrees higher at night or when you’re away. Every degree above 72°F saves 3–5% on cooling costs.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Queen Creek
Both SRP and APS, the main electricity providers in Queen Creek, offer optional time-of-use (TOU) pricing plans. Under these programs, you pay different rates depending on when you use power. Electricity costs significantly more during “peak hours”—typically weekday afternoons and evenings. But in exchange, you get discounted pricing the rest of the time, including all weekend.
TOU plans can be a great way to save if you’re able to shift your heaviest energy use to off-peak hours. For example, you might do laundry and dishes early in the morning or late at night. You could also dial back your A/C during weekday peak times and cool down by hitting the community pool instead.
Summer Cooling FAQs
How much more are summer electric bills in Queen Creek compared to spring?
Summer bills are often double what you’d pay in March or April. A home that uses $150 of electricity in a typical spring month could easily see $300+ bills in July and August.
Does solar help reduce summer energy costs in Queen Creek?
Yes! While a solar array won’t cover 100% of your electricity needs, it can significantly offset your cooling costs. Systems are most productive in the summer when sun is abundant. Many Queen Creek solar homes have July bills under $100.
What’s the best A/C temperature for summer savings in Queen Creek?
Aim to set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and 82-85°F at night or when you’re away. You can make 78°F feel cooler by running ceiling fans and closing curtains to keep sun and heat out. Avoid setting your thermostat below 72°F, as costs rise quickly at cooler temps.
Smart Cooling Prep for Queen Creek Summers
With average summer highs of 104°F+ and scant cloud cover, Queen Creek residents have to be smart about managing cooling costs. Expect to pay $250-$350 per month to keep your home comfortable in July and August. But by understanding your utility costs, using fans and shade to supplement your A/C, and shifting flexible power use to off-peak times, you can avoid sky-high bills.
The key is planning ahead. Schedule your annual A/C tune-up in April or May before the worst heat hits. Stock up on LED bulbs and replace old fixtures to cut lighting costs. And consider investing in shade screens, solar film, or thermal curtains for sun-facing windows. With a bit of preparation, you can chill out this summer without breaking a sweat over your power bills.