As Phoenix heads into another spell of dangerous heat, many residents are likely to keep their air conditioners running for hours on end. That kind of cooling helps people stay safe and comfortable, but it can also send electricity costs soaring.
Before the next bill shows up, a few basic maintenance moves may bring those cooling expenses down.
What's happening?
With an extreme heat warning in place for metro Phoenix through Friday, many households have little choice but to run their AC around the clock.
Swap air filters out monthly during summer, experts told AZFamily. Accumulated dirt can make the cooling system work harder than necessary.
The type of filter matters too. Higher-MERV filters trap more particles but make an AC unit work harder, while a cheaper filter with a midrange MERV rating can still catch dust and pollen without adding that strain.
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Why does it matter?
In Phoenix, air conditioning doesn't simply make people more comfortable during peak summer heat. It's a health and safety requirement.
A clogged filter or neglected AC system can push electricity use higher and raise the risk of a breakdown during the hottest stretch of the season, when repairs are especially disruptive.
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Arizona State University professor Pat Phelan said AC maintenance pays off, even midseason, and pointed to installing an Energy Star-rated roof as another option for cutting costs long-term.
Arizona Public Service is among the companies offering budget billing, which uses past bills to create a steadier monthly amount and can make seasonal spikes easier to handle.
What can I do?
Start with the basics: replace filters monthly during heavy-use months, avoid buying an overly restrictive filter if a moderate option will do, and schedule AC service before a small issue turns into a major repair.
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Phelan said it's "never too late" to get AC serviced. "Have somebody come out and pay whatever it takes to have somebody take a look at it," he said. "You definitely want to head off any problems up front."
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