As Arizona’s summer temperatures soar, keeping your home cool becomes both a comfort and a necessity. Fortunately, with a few strategic upgrades—and the support of Salt River Project (SRP)—homeowners can stay comfortable while significantly cutting energy costs.
1. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
Set your thermostat between 78°F and 80°F while at home, and raise it to 85°F when you’re away. For every degree you raise above 80°F, you can save about 2–3% on cooling costs.
2. Embrace Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically, helping you avoid wasted energy. SRP offers instant rebates on many models, and customers can also earn a $75 bill credit per device through SRP’s Bring Your Own Thermostat (BYOT) program.
3. Install Shade Screens or Window Film
About half of the heat entering your home comes through windows. Shade screens or window film can block that heat before it enters your space. SRP offers rebates for professionally installed shade screens and films to make this improvement even more affordable.
4. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
Swapping out old windows for ENERGY STAR® certified models can block up to 70% of solar heat gain. SRP offers rebates to help homeowners make this investment.
5. Improve Attic Insulation
A well-insulated attic is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce heat entering your home. SRP offers rebates covering a large portion of the cost for professionally installed insulation.
6. Switch to a Time-of-Use Price Plan
SRP’s Time-of-Use (TOU) plan rewards customers for using less electricity during peak hours. Shifting activities like laundry or dishwashing to mornings, evenings, or weekends can lead to noticeable savings.
7. Schedule a Home Energy Audit
An energy audit evaluates how efficiently your home uses power and pinpoints where improvements can be made. SRP customers can receive a rebate toward the cost of an in-person audit from a certified contractor.
8. Plant Shade Trees
Properly placed trees can significantly reduce the temperature of your home’s exterior, lowering the indoor load on your A/C. SRP’s Shade Tree Program provides qualifying customers with two free desert-adapted trees to plant in strategic locations.
With just a few upgrades and smart habits, Arizona residents can take back control of their comfort—and their utility bills. Beating the heat doesn’t always mean cranking the air conditioner. With help from SRP and these simple hacks, your home can stay cool and efficient all summer long.
Check out SRP.net for all programs and resources.
