Energy-Efficient Appliance Tips for Phoenix Summers

Beat the Heat, Not Your Budget

Phoenix summers mean high electricity bills, especially when your appliances are working overtime to keep food cold and homes comfortable. Here's how to maximize efficiency without sacrificing performance.

Refrigerator Efficiency

Your refrigerator accounts for about 8-10% of home energy use. In summer, this can increase significantly.

Temperature Settings

• Fresh food: 37°F (not colder)
• Freezer: 0°F (not colder)
• Every degree colder uses 2-3% more energy

Maximize Efficiency:

• Keep the unit 3/4 full (not packed)
• Allow hot food to cool before refrigerating
• Minimize door openings
• Cover liquids and wrap foods
• Defrost manual-defrost units regularly

Maintenance Tasks:

• Clean condenser coils monthly
• Check door seals
• Clear air vents of obstructions
• Keep top of refrigerator clear

Range and Oven Efficiency

Cooking appliances add heat to your home, making AC work harder.

Smart Cooking Strategies:

• Use smaller appliances when possible
• Cook during cooler parts of day
• Use lids to reduce cooking time
• Match pan size to burner size
• Batch cook to reduce oven use

Efficiency Tips:

• Don't preheat longer than necessary
• Use convection when appropriate (reduces temperature and time)
• Keep oven door closed during cooking
• Turn off burners a few minutes early

Dishwasher Efficiency

Load Smartly:

• Run only full loads
• Skip pre-rinsing (scrape only)
• Use appropriate cycle for soil level
• Run during off-peak hours

Energy-Saving Settings:

• Use air dry instead of heated dry
• Select eco or energy-saver mode
• Use shorter cycles for light loads
• Maintain clean spray arms and filters

Ice Maker Considerations

Ice makers work hard in summer:

• Keep ice bin from getting too full
• Use harvested ice regularly
• Ensure proper water supply
• Clean ice maker seasonally

Peak Hour Management

APS and SRP charge more during peak hours:

• Avoid running major appliances 3-8 PM
• Use timers for dishwashers
• Do laundry early morning or evening
• Consider time-of-use rate plans

Appliance Age and Efficiency

Older appliances use more energy:

Signs Your Appliance is Inefficient

Watch for:

• Refrigerator running constantly
• Longer cycle times
• Higher than usual energy bills
• Poor performance despite settings

Professional Efficiency Assessment

Our technicians can evaluate your appliances for:

• Proper operation
• Efficiency improvements
• Maintenance needs
• Replacement recommendations

Investing in maintenance now can save significantly on summer energy bills.