Arizona's heat is world-famous, and the Grand Canyon state has harsh summers where you can't imagine a day without air conditioning. It's the reason electricity consumption increases during the summers which gives rise to electric rates in the state. Most Arizonians struggle with managing their budget with high electric bills and want an efficient solution to lower electricity expenses. Are you one of them? If yes, you're at the right place to find ways to reduce your electric bill.
When the thermostat goes up in Arizona, your energy consumption increases with it. But if you make some smart moves, you can at least lower your energy consumption. We took aboard energy experts to share insights about limiting household power usage. On their recommendation, we came up with five techniques. You can use them to minimize energy consumption and reduce your electric bill. Other ways can help you eliminate electric expenses, read through to find more!
Electricity Costs in Arizona
Electricity costs are higher in Arizona than the national average. According to a report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average monthly bill in Arizona is 131 dollars. When compared to the national average of 111 dollars, Arizonians are paying 15% higher energy bills. The electricity rates tend to be higher in Arizona during summer due to increased energy consumption. The high electric rates contribute to the high electric expenses of residents.
The major reason for high energy consumption is the use of air conditioning during summer. Almost every house and business in Arizona has air conditioning units that run throughout the day. The scorching heat forces the units to run at full capacity and consume more power. As a result, electricity consumption peaks in summer, and the power providers raise electricity rates.
Most families in Arizona have to re-plan their budget after paying hefty electric bills. Many have to face extreme temperatures trying to save electricity. You need to make smart decisions to save electricity expenses. In the past few years, the adoption of solar energy as a primary power source has increased rapidly. Arizona ranks fifth on the Energy Information Administration (EIA) highest solar-powered electricity generation states index in the US. But for those who can't afford solar, the problem remains.
5 Ways to Lower Electric Bill in Arizona
You will receive a lower electric bill if you consume less energy. But most often saving electricity doesn’t look practical, you need the power to live comfortably. For example, you can’t turn the air conditioning off on a hot summer day. Still, there are some smart ways to reduce power consumption. Let’s explore!
Optimize Air Conditioning System
The most power-hungry equipment in your house is the cooling system. You can optimize its functioning to minimize energy consumption. First, operate the system above 80 degrees, your house temperature will be ambient and enough to beat the heat. Doing so will reduce the energy consumption by 2-4% for sure. Next, set the fan settings to auto, the system will use the fan when needed and save energy.
Checking vents and ensuring proper maintenance before the summer season can help optimize the air conditioning system. When vents are clear, the air flows freely allowing temperature to drop very quickly. Also, try to prevent heat transfer with proper insulation. Ensure that windows, doors, and chimney flue are properly closed. It will help maintain temperature and keep the air conditioning from operating continuously.
Shift to Off-Peak Hours for Energy-intensive Tasks
The electric rates vary throughout the day. During peak hours (4 pm-7 pm) the electric rates are higher. If you consume more energy during this time bracket, your electricity expenses will shoot up. Similarly, during off-peak hours (rest of the day) the electric rates are lower. You can shift to off-peak hours to perform energy-intensive tasks like laundry, cooking, etc.
Additionally, you can also turn off unnecessary appliances like televisions, ceiling fans, and excess lighting during peak hours to lower your electric bill. Although most people don't care about changing their energy usage behavior it can have a significant impact on electric ills.
Optimize Heating System
Arizona is known for its summers, but winters can sometimes be very cold. Most homes in Arizona use heating systems when the weather gets extremely cold. Resultantly, the electric bills go up and it becomes hard to manage the budget. You can save money by optimizing the heating system. The first step is proper maintenance of the system to run it optimally.
Avoid using heating throughout the day, like during the noon time the temperature is bearable. When you shut down the heating, turn off the exhausts to trap the heat. Make sure that your house is properly insulated. All these simple steps can help you reduce energy consumption during winter.
Install Energy Saving Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances can be a game-changer when it comes to saving electricity. You must check the rated power of appliances in your house to see if they're energy efficient. For instance, a traditional fan would consume about 50-70 watts of power whereas a modern energy star-certified fan consumes only 20-25 watts. It's better to find energy-efficient alternatives for your appliances to reduce electric costs.
It's also recommended to opt for small split air conditioning units to save electricity. With these, you can maintain the temperature of the rooms in use and not the entire house. Although it may sound absurd, it lowers electric expenses significantly. You can further search for Energy star certified appliances and install them to save electricity.
Ensure Proper Insulation
People often disregard insulation as if it's unnecessary. However, proper insulation reduces electricity expenses. When you turn on a heating or cooling system, it runs until the set temperature is achieved and maintained. For example, if you set the temperature to 80 degrees, the cooling system will run at full capacity to reach it, then go into standby mode and restart to maintain the temperature.
If your house is not properly insulated, the outer heat will not allow the system to maintain the set temperature. The system will keep on running without going to standby mode and consumes excess energy. If the house is properly insulated, it will be easy to maintain the temperature using less energy.
Use Solar Energy to Eliminate Electric Bill in Arizona
The ultimate solution to high electric bills is solar power. It's a good time to invest in an efficient solar system to eliminate electricity expenses. Arizona has adequate sunlight hours to produce enough energy to power your entire house. Most households in the state have already shifted to solar energy to fulfill their energy needs. It’s reliable, accessible, and cheaper than grid supply.
The government is also promoting the use of solar energy and offering tax incentives to buyers. There are multiple benefits for solar users in Arizona like net billing, time-of-use programs, etc. These can help you bring down electric expenses and enjoy energy independence. So, what are you waiting for? Here's more about solar generator kits that you can buy right now!
Hi-tech BLUETTI Solar Generator Kits
BLUETTI is changing the solar landscape of the US with its advanced solar technology. It offers solar generator kits to run entire homes without needing to connect to a grid supply. BLUETTI is a synonym for quality and durability. Let's browse some top-selling solar generator kits that can take away all your worries about electric expenses.
BLUETTI AC500 + B300/B300S Home Battery Backup
The BLUETTI AC500 + B300/B300S Home Battery Backup is the best option for users adopting solar energy. You can design a solar generator kit with 3,072Wh to 18,432Wh capacity using a BLUETTI AC500 power station. It is compatible with BLUETTI B300 advanced LiFePO4 battery packs that are high-performance and durable. The power station supports multi-recharge via solar, grid supply, generator, etc for added convenience. It has an EPS feature to provide an uninterruptible power supply without a glitch.
Moreover, the power station has seamless connectivity features with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options. You can control and monitor it using the smart BLUETTI mobile application. The overall design is compact with 16 universal outlets for plug-and-play operation. You can connect appliances directly to the power station whether indoors or outdoors. With an 18,432Wh capacity, the system can provide 6 days of backup without needing a recharge. It can be your safest investment in solar technology!
BLUETTI AC200MAX + 3*PV200 Solar Generator Kit
The BLUETTI AC200MAX + 3*PV200 Solar Generator Kit can be used with grid supply to help reduce energy consumption during peak hours. It has a 2,048Wh capacity that can be expanded up to 8,192Wh to power all your appliances and equipment. The power station has advanced LiFePO4 battery technology with a high depth of discharge and superior performance. It supports fast recharge with a dual-charging option (AC+Solar) to save time and make solar power more accessible.
You can control and monitor the power station using the smart BLUETTI app. It has a user-interactive interface and shares real-time data. There's also a colored display on the power station for convenience. The solar kit is complete with three BLUETTI PV200 solar panels that are highly efficient and long-lasting. The panels are made using A+ grade monocrystalline cells with ETFE coating. Moreover, the panels have a portable and foldable design for easy storage and placement.
Final Thoughts
All these smart moves are proven to be effective in minimizing energy costs. You can now make some effort to save electricity and reduce your bill. Although the difference may not be very high, you can still save about 30-40% more than your current electric bill. It's recommended to opt for solar energy for a significant difference in your bills. You can invest in a small system and grow it with time. Hope our suggestions will be helpful—that's all folks!
