How to Lower Your AC Costs During Phoenix Heatwaves
Phoenix, Arizona is no stranger to triple-digit temperatures. With heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense, homeowners are under pressure to keep their homes cool without skyrocketing energy bills. Fortunately, there are proven and cost-effective strategies to maintain comfort while reducing your AC expenses.
Whether you’re dealing with a historic heat dome or a typical Phoenix July, these expert-backed tips will help you take control of your cooling costs—without sacrificing comfort.
1. Set Your Thermostat Strategically
According to APS (Arizona Public Service), setting your thermostat at 78°F when you’re home and up to 85°F when you’re away can lead to major energy savings.
To automate this and avoid constant adjustments, consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices can:
- Adjust temperatures based on your schedule
- Reduce cooling when you’re away
- Alert you to system inefficiencies
📌 Need help installing a smart thermostat? Einstein Pros Phoenix HVAC services offer professional, fast installation with upfront pricing.
2. Seal Leaky Ductwork and Insulation Gaps
In older homes across Phoenix, inefficient ductwork and poor insulation are common culprits of energy loss. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 30% of cooled air can be lost through duct leaks.
Look for:
- Hot spots in rooms
- High energy bills with no increase in usage
- Unusual dust buildup
Schedule an HVAC inspection with Einstein Pros Phoenix to identify air leaks and insulation issues.
3. Use Ceiling Fans (Correctly!)
Ceiling fans don’t lower room temperatures, but they create a wind-chill effect, making you feel up to 4°F cooler. This means you can raise your thermostat a few degrees and still feel comfortable.
Make sure your ceiling fans are:
- Spinning counterclockwise in summer
- Turned off when you leave the room
Energy.gov recommends combining ceiling fans with AC to reduce cooling costs without compromising comfort.
4. Avoid Heat Buildup from Appliances
During heatwaves, every degree counts. Appliances like ovens, dryers, and dishwashers generate indoor heat, causing your AC to work harder.
Smart strategies include:
- Cooking meals outdoors or with a microwave
- Running heat-generating appliances after sunset
- Upgrading to Energy Star® appliances
💡 Bonus Tip: Switch to LED lighting, which emits far less heat than incandescent bulbs.
5. Close Curtains and Block the Sun
Phoenix gets over 300 days of sun per year, which means solar heat gain can easily overwhelm your AC system. Blocking sunlight with thermal curtains, blinds, or solar screens can reduce indoor temperatures significantly.
According to APS, sun-blocking treatments can reduce cooling costs by 10–15%.
Invest in:
- Reflective window film
- Blackout curtains on west- and south-facing windows
- Landscaping (like shade trees) to reduce heat absorption
6. Schedule Regular AC Maintenance
Just like a car, your AC unit needs regular maintenance to perform efficiently. Dirty filters, clogged coils, and worn parts can lead to higher energy usage and poor cooling.
We recommend:
- Changing filters every 30–60 days
- Scheduling annual tune-ups before summer hits
- Cleaning condenser coils and checking refrigerant levels
📌 Schedule a professional AC tune-up with Einstein Pros HVAC Services in Phoenix to ensure your system is operating at peak performance before the next heatwave.
7. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency HVAC System
If your HVAC system is over 10–15 years old, you could be wasting hundreds of dollars annually. New systems with higher SEER ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) use significantly less electricity.
APS and the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) offer rebates and tax credits for homeowners who upgrade to energy-efficient HVAC systems.
Need help choosing a system? Einstein Pros Phoenix offers expert consultations and installation of energy-efficient units tailored to Arizona’s desert climate.
8. Use APS Time-of-Use Plans Wisely
Many Phoenix homeowners are on Time-of-Use (TOU) plans from APS. Under these plans, electricity rates vary depending on the time of day.
To lower costs:
- Run appliances and charge devices during off-peak hours
- Pre-cool your home in the early morning
- Use smart thermostats to reduce AC use during high-cost hours
Learn more about APS energy-saving programs and make sure you’re on the right rate plan for your cooling needs.
Final Thoughts: Beat the Heat Without Breaking the Bank
Cooling a home in Phoenix during a heatwave doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By making smart adjustments to your habits, home, and HVAC system, you can slash your AC costs without sacrificing comfort.
If you’re looking for expert guidance, affordable HVAC tune-ups, or full system replacements, trust the professionals at Einstein Pros Phoenix HVAC. We’ve been helping Arizona homeowners stay cool for over 25 years—with reliable service, transparent pricing, and guaranteed satisfaction.