Saving Money on Your Phoenix Energy Bill: Expert Tips for Homeowners

Living in Phoenix, AZ, offers plenty of perks—sunny skies, beautiful desert landscapes, and a vibrant community. But the scorching heat we experience most of the year also leads to higher energy bills. 

As a Phoenix homeowner, you know your air conditioning is a necessity, not a luxury. While cooling costs can add up quickly—over half your energy bill—you need reliable air conditioning to stay comfortable and safe. So, what can you do to reduce energy costs?

Fortunately, several effective strategies can help you save money on your energy bill, including ways to minimize the energy consumed by your air conditioning (AC) system.

Desert Diamond Air explores these strategies to help you improve your home’s energy efficiency and keep your utility bills in check without sacrificing comfort.

Energy Saving Tips for Phoenix

From installing a smart thermostat to scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance, these tips will help you optimize your home’s cooling system and reduce your overall energy consumption.

Install a Smart Thermostat

One of the easiest and most effective ways to save money on your Phoenix energy bill is by upgrading to a smart thermostat. Unlike programmable thermostats, smart thermostats learn your schedule and automatically adjust the temperature to match your preferences. 

Many smart thermostats also have remote control capabilities, allowing you to adjust the temperature from your smartphone when you’re on the go.

You can even add sensors around your home that automatically adjust your thermostat to the away settings when nobody is home. This feature and its ability to learn your temperature preferences keep your air conditioning system from overworking itself.

Pro Tip: Phoenix energy companies, including Arizona Public Service and SRP, are currently offering rebates and incentives for homeowners who install energy-efficient devices, including smart thermostats. Check with your utility provider to see if you qualify for any discounts.

Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system is the heart of your home’s cooling and heating efforts; regular maintenance is crucial to ensuring your system runs efficiently, helping to prevent costly repairs and reduce energy consumption.

Make it a habit to schedule HVAC maintenance at least twice a year—once in the spring and again before you switch your system to heat.

During a maintenance visit, a Desert Diamond Air HVAC technician will clean the system, check for worn parts, and ensure it’s operating at peak efficiency. By keeping your AC unit in top shape, you can reduce the strain on the system and extend its lifespan while lowering your energy bills.

Pro Tip: Changing your HVAC filters every 30 to 90 days can improve airflow and efficiency, helping your system cool your home more effectively without overworking. Shop for filters on our online store—even automate delivery so you always remember to stay on top of this AC maintenance task.

Seal Air Leaks and Insulate Your Home

Keeping the hot Phoenix air out and the cool air in is essential for reducing energy costs. Even the most efficient HVAC system will struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature if your home is leaking air. 

Drafty windows, doors, and poorly insulated walls can allow conditioned air to escape, forcing your system to work harder and increasing your energy bills.

To combat this, schedule an energy audit of your home for air leaks or insulation inefficiencies. If any are discovered, Desert Diamond Air provides insulation and duct sealing services in the Phoenix area.

Pro Tip: Use heavy curtains or blinds to block out the sun during the hottest parts of the day, further reducing the amount of heat entering your home. This also works in winter to keep heat from transferring outside through the window.

Optimize Your Home’s Ventilation

In Phoenix, it’s important to keep air circulating throughout your home to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. When air stagnates, your HVAC system has to work harder to cool the space, leading to higher energy consumption. 

One simple way to improve airflow is by using ceiling fans. Ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler without needing to lower the thermostat.

Properly placed vents and registers can also help distribute conditioned air more evenly throughout your home, reducing the workload on your HVAC system.

Pro Tip: During the cooler months, reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to push warm air down from the ceiling. This will help distribute heat more effectively and reduce the need for extra heating.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficiency Equipment [h3]

If your HVAC system is more than 10 to 15 years old, it may be the cause of higher energy bills than necessary. Newer, energy-efficient HVAC systems are designed to use less energy while providing the same level of comfort and performance. 

When it’s time to replace your air conditioner or furnace, look for units with the ENERGY STAR label. These can be 15 percent more efficient than standard systems. 

In Phoenix, replacing your HVAC system with a more efficient model can result in significant long-term savings, especially during the year’s hottest months.

Pro Tip: An energy-efficient system will lower your energy bills, and you may also be eligible for federal tax credits and local rebates that can help offset the cost of the upgrade. Be sure to check the specials we are offering as well for other savings.

Use Energy-Efficient Landscaping

Did you know that landscaping can play a role in lowering your energy bills? By strategically planting trees, shrubs, and other vegetation around your home, you can create shade and reduce the amount of heat that enters your home during the hottest parts of the day. 

Trees that block the sun from hitting your roof or windows can significantly reduce your home’s cooling needs. In addition to shading your home, landscaping can also create windbreaks that reduce cooling loss in the winter months. 

Look for native plants that thrive in Phoenix’s desert climate and require minimal watering, as this will also help reduce your water usage.

Pro Tip: Consider planting deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the winter. These trees will allow sunlight to warm your home during the cooler months while providing shade in the summer.

Adjust Your Water Heater Settings

While most people think of their HVAC system when trying to save on energy bills, your water heater is another appliance that consumes a significant amount of energy. Routine maintenance and properly adjusting the settings can ensure your water heater remains efficient.

Set your water heater to 120°F to reduce energy consumption without compromising hot water availability. This simple adjustment can lead to noticeable savings on your monthly energy bill.

Pro Tip: Insulate your water heater tank and the first few feet of the hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and keep your water hotter for longer. This simple step can improve efficiency by 7 to 16 percent and lower your energy consumption, especially in a hot climate like Phoenix.

Desert Diamond Air for Phoenix Energy Savings

Phoenix, AZ, homeowners face unique challenges when it comes to managing energy costs; however, by making smart upgrades, maintaining your HVAC system, and implementing energy-efficient practices, you can significantly reduce your energy bills while keeping your home comfortable year-round. 

Every small change can add up to big savings! By staying proactive and taking advantage of energy-saving opportunities, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying lower energy bills and a more efficient home in the Valley of the Sun.

Want to know more about where you can be more energy efficient? Schedule a home energy audit. Want to get started on improving your HVAC or water heater efficiency? Schedule routine maintenance. Whatever you might need, contact the pros at Desert Diamond Air. Call 602-362-4599 or request service online.