Arizona’s warmer temperatures bring higher energy use and higher electric bills. But the 10 simple tips below can help you stay cool while saving money – and they cost little or nothing to implement.

1. Call APS, or visit aps.com to make sure you are on the most economical electric service rate for your lifestyle.
   
   
2. Set your thermostat a few degrees higher.
   For every degree you raise your thermostat, you can save two to three percent on the air conditioning portion of your energy bill.
   
   
3. If you have a pool, set your pool pump to run at night when electricity rates are lower.
   
   
4. Use fans with the air conditioner. They can help reduce energy costs by circulating the cool air. Ceiling fans also can allow for air conditioners to be set three to four degrees higher with minimal change in comfort.
   
   
5. Repair any broken windows or gaps that can allow cool air to escape. Seal gaps in your home’s doors and windows.
   
   
6. Cover windows with awnings, sunscreens or reflective film and keep drapes, blinds or shades closed during the day to keep out unwanted heat.
   
   
7. Plant vegetation adjacent to windows – particularly on the west side of the home. This will help reduce heat by blocking the sun’s rays.
   
   
8. Do heat-producing chores such as laundry, cooking and dishwashing during the cooler times of the day. These tasks produce heat, which requires the air conditioner to work harder.
   
   
9. Avoid using the oven as much as possible during warmer months.
   
   
10. Turn off electronic equipment such as computers and televisions when not in use.

Your home is working hard to keep you cool, comfortable and entertained. However, using that air conditioning and those other electronic gadgets adds up on your monthly electric bill.

Fortunately, you can lower your electric bills, save some money and learn more about your home’s energy usage by taking the APS Energy Survey.

This quick and easy online survey analyzes how much electricity your home uses, and then adjusts its findings depending on the climate of your zip code. In as little as 10 minutes, you can log on to aps.com, complete the survey, and learn simple ways to lower your energy consumption and reduce your monthly electric bill.

Powering your home with renewable resources helps the environment by reducing the need for fossil fuels. And now, when you switch to APS’ Green Choice rate plans you can put even more renewable resources to good use. Both Green Choice plans provide you with ways to help reduce your carbon footprint and protect energy resources for Arizona’s future. Here are the two Green Choice options:

Green Choice Block Option
Purchase electricity from renewable resources in fixed blocks of 100 kilowatt-hours. Just choose the number of blocks you wish to purchase and your
premium will remain the same each month.  

Green Choice Percentage Option
Choose a percentage of your energy usage each month — 35 percent, 50 percent or 100 percent — to come from renewable resources.