Do you ever stop to think about how you can save money on your energy bill?
Arizona Public Service is offering tips and information to help identify ways to reduce your energy costs.
Here are seven easy and effective ways to start saving on your energy costs:
1. Make sure you are on the right rate plan: Each month, APS customers’ bills include whether being on a different rate plan would have saved them money, based on their energy usage over the past three to 12 months. Take a moment to see if simply changing your rate plan could save you money. Check out the APS rate comparison tool at aps.com/compare (login required) for more details.
2. Inspect your windows: On average, heating and cooling accounts for almost half of a home’s energy use. Windows can be a source of lost heat from inside your home, especially those that are not insulated for cold weather. Caulk windows and seal leaks anywhere air might enter or leave your house. Also consider installing weatherstripping and adding door sweeps to help seal the space between the bottom of your door and door frame.
3. Open drapes in the winter and close them in the summer: In the winter, let the sunshine come in through your windows during the day to help heat up a room. At night, close them to prevent drafts and slow heat loss. In the summer, keep the drapes closed during the day to keep the sunlight, and some of the heat, out of your home that your air conditioning is working to cool.
4. Switch to LED light bulbs: LED light bulbs use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. LEDs are one of the fastest, easiest and most cost-effective ways to save.
5. Check your air filters: Dirty air filters trap lint, pollen, dust and more than can reduce air flow to your heating and cooling unit. This makes your system work harder, taking longer to heat and cool your home, while driving up costs. Make sure to check your filter monthly and change it if it’s dirty.
6. Get and optimize a smart thermostat: Smart thermostats are designed to optimize the heating and cooling of your home based on your daily routines and preferences, and also allow customers to pre-set heating and cooling preferences based on your rate plan to optimize energy use. APS customers may save even more with a rebate when they buy a smart thermostat through the APS Marketplace. (For a limited time, APS is offering FREE professional in-home thermostat installations. Learn more at marketplace.aps.com. Once installed, join the APS Cool Rewards program to receive an annual bill credit. Visit aps.com/CoolRewards for details.
7. Find other hidden home savings: APS offers a free Virtual Home Energy Checkup for customers. The checkup will help identify areas where your home is losing energy, such as through air leaks or poor insulation. Pinpointing specific problems and suggesting solutions can lead to significant savings on electric bills and improve your home's overall energy efficiency. After your virtual checkup, your advisor will make recommendations for saving energy based on your unique needs. Learn more and sign up at aps.com/checkup.
APS customers can find more ways to save energy and money at aps.com/save. Customers can also call 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405 to speak to an APS advisor 24/7 in English or Spanish.
APS can connect customers to a wide range of assistance programs, including:
• Budget Billing: Budget Billing is a free program designed to help with the fluctuation of your monthly electric bills. Instead of paying your total energy used each month, you would pay an average amount spread out through the year until your bills are paid in full.
• Payment Arrangement: If you need a little more time to pay your energy bill, we’re here to help you get back on track. Eligible customers can participate in a payment arrangement program to equally distribute outstanding balances due over a set period of time.
• Energy Support Program: Based on household income and family size, the Energy Support program gives qualified customers a 25% discount (up to $95 off per month) or a 60% discount (up to $165 off per month).
• Crisis Bill Assistance: It can be challenging to stay current on bills when the unexpected happens. Customers in a financial bind may qualify for up to $1,000 per year in energy bill payment assistance.
• Project SHARE: Customers in a financial crisis who need temporary energy bill assistance can receive up to $500 through APS’s partnership with The Salvation Army’s Service to Help Arizonans with Relief on Energy (SHARE) program.
Visit aps.com/support for additional assistance programs, payment options and ways to save energy and money.
