Cooling
During the summer, air conditioning can account for 50% or more of your total electric bill.
Follow the tips below to increase energy efficiency and save money.
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Maintain the effectiveness of your cooling system by having it serviced by a qualified
contractor at least once a year.
- Replace your disposable or clean your permanent air filters at least once a month.
- Clean debris and obstructions from around outdoor air conditioning components.
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Leave at least 90% of the air vents open in your home. Closing air vents in more than
10% of your total conditioned space creates a pressure imbalance. This reduces the
effectiveness of your cooling system.
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During the summer, set your thermostat between 78-80 degrees when you are home,
and 85 degrees or higher when you are away. For every degree you set your thermostat
above 80 degrees, you can save approximately 2-3% on cooling costs.
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Install a programmable thermostat. Set it to allow the temperature in your home to
increase by 5-10 degrees while you're away and to return to a comfortable level an
hour before you return. If you are on SRP's optional
Time-of-Use price plan, set your thermostat
to return to a comfortable level during off-peak hours.
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Set your air conditioning fan to "Auto." Closing internal doors and setting your air
conditioning fan to the "On" position can create a constant air pressure imbalance. This
imbalance causes cool air to be forced out and warm air to be drawn into your home
through cracks and leaks. Using the "Auto" setting reduces the negative impact of improper
air balances and turns the fan motor off when the unit is not cooling. Using "Auto," rather
than "On," can save you $15-25 each month on your energy costs.
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Set your ceiling fans to blow downward during the summer to circulate air, rather than
lowering your thermostat.
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Monitor temperature differences between the air returning to your cooling system
(through the filter) and the air being supplied to your house (through the room vents) to
identify potential problems. Differences of 18-22 degrees are normal; however,
variations in outside temperature and humidity can affect these numbers. If you
experience temperature differences outside of this range, consider having your
cooling system serviced by a licensed air conditioning contractor.
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The heat pump is one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool your home in the Phoenix
area. Find out more about heat pumps.
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The efficiency of heat pumps and air conditioners is indicated by the Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the number, the more cooling you will get for your
dollar. SRP recommends a minimum rating of 13 SEER. However, it's good to ask a
qualified air conditioning contractor what level of efficiency is right for your home.
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A heat pump or air conditioner that is too large for your house will cause frequent cycling,
inefficient operation and higher operating costs. Replacing a 10- to 15-year-old unit with a
properly sized new 13 SEER system can save you as much as 40-45% on your air
conditioning bill.
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Help your air conditioner by doing moisture-producing chores, such as washing clothes,
dishes, or mopping floors, in the early morning or at night when it is cooler. If you are on
SRP's optional Time-of-Use price plan, doing laundry
during the off-peak hours will help you save.
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If you have an evaporative cooler, make sure you install the baffle plate (cookie sheet damper)
in the unit before you switch over to air conditioning.
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Do not run your evaporative cooler and air conditioner at the same time or within the same day.
The evaporative cooler increases humidity in your home, while the air conditioner works to remove
humidity.
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Before each summer, change the pads on your evaporative cooler. Make sure the pads are
evenly installed in the frames, with no gaps around the edges. Also, don't throw the pads
off the roof onto your lawn; the salt and mineral content in the pads can be tough on your grass.
Learn about summer heat gain and more
ways to save on cooling costs.
