Smart Tips for Yuma Residents

Living in Yuma, Arizona, means enjoying over 300 days of sunshine each year, but it also means facing some of the hottest temperatures in the country. Out here, keeping your home cool comes at a cost. Have you found yourself wondering, “How can I save money on AC in Arizona?”

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to save money on AC in Arizona, including smart thermostat settings, affordable upgrades, and energy-saving habits that can make a big difference for your wallet.

What’s the Average Air Conditioning Bill in Arizona

If you’ve ever looked at your monthly bill and wondered, “Is this normal?”—you’re not alone. The average air conditioning bill in Arizona can range between $200 and $400 per month during the summer, depending on your home's size, insulation, and AC system. In Yuma, where temperatures are routinely above 100°F, it’s not unusual for energy costs to spike even higher. That’s why it’s so important to combine multiple strategies—from fine-tuning your thermostat to running ceiling fans—to get those numbers down.

Some utilities, including APS, offer rewards programs to residents who allow their smart thermostats to be adjusted by the utility company to reduce power demand during periods of high demand. Most electric utilities offer programs to help consumers get the best rates for their energy use patterns, as well as payment plans that spread out the costs of heating and cooling more evenly throughout the year.

6 Ways to Save Money on AC in Yuma, Arizona

1. Know What Temperature to Set Your AC

A common question for Arizona homeowners is: What temperature should I set my AC in Arizona to balance comfort and cost? Consumer Reports recommends you find your ideal thermostat settings by programming your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and raising it to 85°F when you’re away. Make adjustments from there based on your comfort.

While 78°F might seem a bit warm, your body can acclimate, especially if you run ceiling fans to circulate air and help your body with evaporative cooling. Just raising your thermostat by one degree can save up to 3% on cooling costs, so the savings add up quickly.

2. Consider a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

If you’re still using a manual thermostat, upgrading to a programmable or smart model is one of the easiest ways to bring down your AC bill in AZ. These devices let you schedule temperature changes based on when you’re at home, asleep, or away.

Smart thermostats can “learn” your habits and adjust automatically to keep you comfortable while optimizing energy use. Some utility companies offer rebates to help cover the cost of installing a modern thermostat.

3. Seal and Insulate Your Home

One of the most overlooked ways to bring down your AC bill in AZ is by making sure your home isn’t leaking cool air. Yuma homes, especially older ones, may have gaps around doors, windows, and ductwork that let cold air escape and hot air creep in. A tightly sealed home means your AC doesn’t have to work as hard, which translates to lower energy bills.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Install new weatherstripping around doors and windows.
  • Insulate your attic and, if you have one, your attached garage.
  • Have your ductwork inspected for leaks.

4. Consider a Heat Pump

Heat pumps are gaining popularity in Arizona for good reason. But are heat pumps effective in Arizona? Yes, they are an efficient heating and cooling solution in Arizona, especially in the mild winters and hot summers of the Yuma area.

Heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat rather than generate it, making them up to three times more efficient than traditional central HVAC systems. In the summer, they work just like a central air conditioner by removing hot air and humidity from a house. And in winter, they reverse operations to bring warm air into the home. Many residents find that upgrading to a heat pump can significantly reduce both cooling and heating costs year-round.

5. Shade and Solar Strategies

Abundant sunshine is one of the best things about Arizona, but it doesn’t help us keep our homes cool. Making a few changes can lower indoor temperatures and reduce your reliance on air conditioning.

Here are three budget-friendly ways to prevent the sun from heating up your house in the summer:

  • Install window shades or solar screens to block direct sunlight from heating up your living spaces.
  • Use thermal curtains during peak heat hours for maximum heat blocking.
  • Plant desert-friendly trees or shrubs to shade your home and reduce radiant heat’s impact on indoor temperatures.

6. Maintain Your AC System

Even the most efficient air conditioner can become a power hog if it’s not maintained. A well-maintained system performs better, lasts longer, and costs less to run. To keep your AC running smoothly:

  • Change your air filters every month.
  • Clean outdoor condenser coils yearly.
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance with a licensed HVAC technician.

One Hour Heat & Air of Yuma Can Help You Get AC Bills Under Control

Saving money on your AC bill in Arizona doesn’t mean suffering through the heat. With a few smart habits and minor upgrades, Yuma residents can enjoy a cool, comfortable home while keeping energy costs in check.

Need help evaluating your home’s energy efficiency or want a quote for a heat pump system installation? Schedule an appointment online with the Yuma HVAC experts today—your comfort (and wallet) will thank you!