With 100-degree temperatures possible this week in parts of the state, Arizona Public Service offers nine ways to ensure your home is running efficiently to help save money on your energy bill.
• In Arizona, home cooling is often the highest energy cost during summer months. A well-maintained HVAC system operates more efficiently, uses less energy and saves money. Schedule an HVAC tune-up with a licensed contractor to keep your system running efficiently.
• The APS Qualified Technology Installers webpage lists contractors who have completed additional training with APS, have been vetted by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and have maintained a rating of B or better rating with the Better Business Bureau.
• With days getting longer and warmer, it’s the perfect time to adjust your smart thermostat to improve energy efficiency. Check your schedule in the settings and update it to match the times you’ll be home or away.
• If you’re on either the time-of-use 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays or time-of-use 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays with demand charge rate plans: Try pre-cooling. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower the hours before 4 p.m. Then, between 4 and 7 p.m. weekdays, set it a few degrees higher. Watch this video for more details.
• APS offers a variety of plans to suit your lifestyle and budget. Most customers can find out which rate plan would have saved them the most money by looking at the monthly plan comparison on their bill, or by visiting our website.
• To discuss plan options, call the APS Customer Care Center anytime at (602) 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas).
• Consider enrolling in the APS Cool Rewards program, which allows your smart thermostat to be called upon on hot summer days to reduce energy demand on the power grid. Customers can earn up to $85 and get a $35 bill credit per thermostat every year they participate. The program runs from June 1 through Sept. 30. Visit aps.com/coolrewards for details.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs to save energy and money. LEDs consume up to 90% less energy, last up to 25 times longer and emit less heat.
• Make sure blades spin counterclockwise in warmer months to help create a downdraft, which creates a more direct cooling breeze.
• How? Check the fan’s motor housing. You’ll likely find a small switch that lets you change the direction of the blades.
• Block out the sun and hot temperatures, especially in rooms that get a lot of sun or if your windows are older and less energy efficient.
• Change or clean air filters monthly. Pro tip: set monthly reminders on your phone.
• APS customers can sign up via aps.com for a free Virtual Energy Checkup. With your smartphone or tablet, you’ll get advice from an energy advisor who tours your home virtually.
APS customers can access tools and programs to suit their needs, including:
• Budget Billing can help take out the seasonal swings of summer billing by leveling payments throughout the year. This makes it easy for customers to know what their APS bill will be every month. Visit aps.com/budgetbilling.
• Bill payment assistance and discount programs for low-income customers who qualify. Visit aps.com/assistance.
• Flexible payment arrangements are also an option for those who need more time to pay their balance, along with customers selecting the date they’d prefer to pay their bill each month, aligning better with their schedule.
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