Welcome to another episode of Smart Living! Today, I’m thrilled to have KerryiCarnes from APS with us. Kerri is here to share some fantastic ways to save on your air conditioning bills, especially during these scorching summer months. If you’re like me and dreading the upcoming 114-degree days, this episode is a must-listen!

APS’s Cool Rewards Program

Kerri introduced us to APS’s Cool Rewards program, which is part of their virtual power plant initiative. This program helps residential and small to medium business customers manage their energy usage more efficiently. Here’s how it works:

  • Smart Thermostat: By connecting a smart thermostat to the program, you can receive an annual bill credit of $35.
  • Temperature Adjustment: The program slightly adjusts your thermostat by a couple of degrees on the hottest days, helping to reduce strain on the grid.
  • Community Impact: Last summer, the combined effort of all participating thermostats provided 138 megawatts of support to the grid, equivalent to several small power plants.

If you’re thinking about getting a smart thermostat, APS offers significant discounts through their marketplace. You can get up to $85 off the purchase price, making it a great deal!

Super Cooling Your Home

Another excellent technique Kerri discussed is super cooling, also known as pre-cooling. This method involves lowering your thermostat during the middle of the day and raising it during peak hours (4-7 PM, Monday through Friday). Here’s why it works:

  • Energy Efficiency: Cooling your home during the day when energy is abundant helps reduce usage during peak periods, translating to significant savings.
  • Personal Experience: Kerry shared her own experience, saving $100 on her July bill by super cooling her home.

Super cooling is beneficial even if you have solar panels. By utilizing energy during the day, you maximize the efficiency of your solar system and reduce reliance on the grid in the evening.

Additional Tips and Programs

APS offers several other programs and tips to help you save energy and money:

  • Qualified Technology Installers: Ensure your HVAC unit is serviced by a qualified contractor.
  • Change Air Filters: Regularly changing your air filters can improve efficiency.
  • Virtual Energy Checkup: APS offers virtual energy checkups to identify energy-saving opportunities in your home without needing an in-person visit.
  • Insulation and Weather Stripping: Properly insulating your home and sealing gaps around doors and windows can make a big difference in maintaining a cool home.

Conclusion

I’m incredibly grateful to Kerri Carnes for joining us and sharing these valuable insights. Remember, you can find all the information and links discussed today on my blog at SmartShopperDaphne.com. Don’t miss out on the Cool Rewards program and start super cooling your home for significant savings!