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The Labor Day three-day weekend is when we celebrate the traditional end of summer. Arizona homeowners begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel for the last vestiges of monsoon season and blazing hot temperatures. Yet, we all know that we\u2019re going to experience many more weeks of having to crank the air conditioning to keep cool and comfortable.<\/p>\n
And we also understand that with high temperatures come high utility bills. And who doesn\u2019t want relief from those skyrocketing summer energy bills? Fortunately, while the temperatures are still hot, there are some strategies you can take to lower expenses by reducing the load on your air conditioning unit.<\/p>\n
Help keep your house cool by closing blinds, curtains, shades, and shutters during the peak sunny hours of the day. This will block the sun\u2019s rays from heating up your home\u2019s interior spaces.<\/p>\n
You probably have at least a couple of ceiling fans. Nearly every Arizona home does. Make it a habit of turning them on when you\u2019re in a room. While they don\u2019t actually lower the temperature, they can circulate air and help your body to feel cooler by up to four degrees lower than what the thermostat is set at.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s easy to forget to change those air filters, but they really can make a difference when it comes to the efficiency of your air conditioner. If you haven\u2019t recently, replace that dirty filter. Especially during monsoon thunderstorm season, you\u2019ll want to inspect and possibly change out filters every month. You\u2019ll not only save on air conditioning costs, but you\u2019ll be breathing in cleaner, healthier air.<\/p>\n
Labor Day weekend is the time for barbecues, swimming, and salads. By not using the stove and oven, you\u2019ll help keep your home cooler. Even better, minimize the use of other heat-producing appliances, like dryers and dishwashers.<\/p>\n
Is your thermostat past its prime? It may be costing you hard earned money. A smart thermostat enables you to gain better control of your home\u2019s temperature by reducing wasted energy and lowering your monthly electricity expenses. You\u2019ll probably be surprised by the inexpensive price of these cost-cutting devices and often APS and SRP offer discounts or rebates to buy smart thermostats.<\/p>\n