What Summer Power Costs Look Like in San Tan Valley
Brace yourself for summer energy bills in San Tan Valley that are significantly higher than the rest of the year. While spring and fall electric bills in the area average around $120 per month, costs soar in the scorching summer months. Expect to pay an average of $220 per month for electricity in June, July, and August. The average July electric bill in San Tan Valley is about $280, the peak for the year.
These high summer energy costs are the norm for most households in San Tan Valley and surrounding areas like Queen Creek and Florence. The combination of intense heat, high cooling demand, and long daylight hours sends electric bills through the roof. Many homes see their energy costs double or even triple during the hottest months compared to milder seasons.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in San Tan Valley During the Summer?
The main culprit behind astronomical summer electric bills in San Tan Valley is air conditioning. With average July highs reaching a blistering 106°F, A/C units work overtime to keep homes livable. Cooling often accounts for more than half of the total energy usage during summer months. Older or inefficient A/C systems, inadequate insulation, and heat gain through windows can make the strain on air conditioners even worse.
Other factors contribute to high summer energy bills as well. Longer daylight hours mean lights and appliances are used more. Landscape and pool maintenance increase the workload on pumps and irrigation systems. In homes with electric water heaters, the constant cycle of reheating tank water adds up. And as electric vehicles gain popularity, EV charging can take a bigger chunk out of the energy budget.
The cumulative impact of all these summer-specific energy demands is dramatically higher electric bills for most San Tan Valley residents. It’s not uncommon for households to see July and August energy statements that are $150 or more above their typical off-season costs.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To illustrate where your summer energy dollars go, here’s a sample monthly cost breakdown for a typical 1,800 square foot home in San Tan Valley with average A/C use:
| Component | Cost | % of Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | $168 | 60% |
| Appliances | $39 | 14% |
| Water Heating | $28 | 10% |
| Lighting | $22 | 8% |
| Other | $23 | 8% |
| Total | $280 | 100% |
As this example shows, expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in San Tan Valley. Air conditioning is far and away the biggest piece of the summer energy pie.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some increase in summer energy costs is inevitable in the Arizona desert, there are ways to keep bills under control. Consider these tips:
- Sign up for a time-of-use billing plan to access lower off-peak energy rates
- Install a smart or programmable thermostat to automate energy-efficient temperature settings
- Have your A/C professionally tuned up and seal any leaky ducts before summer begins
- Use shade trees, awnings, blinds or solar screens to block heat gain through windows
- Upgrade to a high-efficiency air conditioner, especially if your current unit is over 10 years old
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day when you’re home and use ceiling fans to feel cooler. Raise the temperature 7-10°F when you’re away to reduce A/C runtime.
Time-of-Use Pricing in San Tan Valley
Both major electric utility providers in the area, SRP and APS, offer time-of-use (TOU) pricing plans for San Tan Valley residents. Under these plans, energy rates vary based on the time of day and day of the week. Electricity costs significantly more during on-peak hours and less during off-peak times.
Typical summer on-peak hours are weekdays from 1pm to 8pm, when energy demand is highest. All other times, including weekends and holidays, are considered off-peak. By shifting energy-intensive activities like running appliances, charging EVs, or using major electronics to off-peak hours, you can leverage lower rates and reduce your overall energy costs.
Summer Cooling FAQs
How much more are summer electric bills compared to spring in San Tan Valley?
Summer energy bills in San Tan Valley are often 50-100% higher than in spring months. A typical household might pay $120 for electricity in April but $240 or more in July.
Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
Yes, solar panels can significantly offset high summer electric bills. With abundant sunshine, a well-designed solar system in San Tan Valley can potentially cover most or all of a home’s cooling energy needs. Learn more about San Tan Valley utility costs.
What temperature should I keep my house at in the summer to save energy?
Energy.gov recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home in the summer. Set it 7-10°F higher when away from home for maximum savings.
Smart Cooling Prep for San Tan Valley Summers
Living in San Tan Valley, it’s impossible to avoid higher summer electric bills. With average July costs reaching $280 per month and A/C accounting for over half of that, cooling puts a major dent in the budget. But by understanding your energy usage, leveraging tools like smart thermostats and time-of-use plans, and making your home as efficient as possible, you can keep costs in check.
A little preparation goes a long way. Schedule your A/C tune-up, plug leaks, and automate your thermostat now. When those triple-digit temperatures hit, you’ll be ready to keep your cool without breaking the bank.