Lower Your Energy Bills

Why Energy Efficiency Matters in Arizona

Arizona summers push cooling systems to their limits. With temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F, your AC can account for 50% or more of your monthly energy bill. Small changes in how you use and maintain your system can lead to significant savings over time.

At Grizzly Comforts, we help Vail homeowners understand how their HVAC system impacts energy consumption and what steps they can take to reduce costs without sacrificing comfort.

Set Your Thermostat Wisely

Your thermostat setting has the biggest impact on your energy bill.

Recommended Settings for Arizona

• 78°F when home during the day
• 82-85°F when away for extended periods
• Avoid setting below 72°F during extreme heat

Every degree you lower your thermostat can increase energy usage by 3-5%. Setting your AC to 72°F when it's 110°F outside forces the system to work much harder than necessary.

Avoid Constant Adjustments

Frequently changing the thermostat up and down throughout the day makes your system work harder. Pick a comfortable temperature and leave it. Your AC operates most efficiently when maintaining a consistent temperature.

Use Ceiling Fans Strategically

Ceiling fans don't cool the air, but they create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler.

• Run fans counterclockwise in summer for a downdraft
• Turn fans off when leaving the room
• Use fans to raise your thermostat setting by 2-4°F comfortably

A ceiling fan costs only pennies per hour to operate, compared to dollars per hour for AC.

Block the Heat

Preventing heat from entering your home reduces the workload on your AC.

Simple Steps

• Close blinds and curtains on south and west-facing windows
• Use blackout curtains in bedrooms
• Install window film to reduce solar heat gain
• Keep doors and windows closed when AC is running

Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat gain. Blocking direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours can make a noticeable difference.

Maintain Your System

A poorly maintained AC system uses more energy to produce the same cooling.

Key Maintenance Tasks

• Replace air filters every 30-60 days in summer
• Keep outdoor condenser coils clean
• Clear debris from around the outdoor unit
• Schedule annual professional tune-ups

A dirty filter alone can increase energy consumption by 5-15%. Clogged condenser coils can raise operating costs even more.

Seal Air Leaks

Conditioned air escaping through gaps and cracks wastes energy and money.

Common Problem Areas

• Door and window frames
• Electrical outlets on exterior walls
• Attic access doors
• Gaps around pipes and wires
• Ductwork connections

Weatherstripping and caulking are inexpensive fixes that can improve comfort and reduce energy waste.

Reduce Heat-Generating Activities

Appliances and activities that produce heat make your AC work harder.

• Cook outdoors or use a microwave instead of the oven
• Run dishwashers and laundry in the evening
• Switch to LED bulbs, which produce less heat
• Avoid running multiple heat-producing appliances at once

Consider a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule. This prevents wasting energy cooling an empty home while ensuring comfort when you return.

Many smart thermostats learn your habits and optimize settings automatically, potentially saving 10-15% on cooling costs.