One of the simplest things to do is to change your lights to Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. Not only will they use about 25% of the energy that a typical bulb does, but they also won’t put out the heat that incandescent bulbs do. What’s more, CFLs will last you about 10 times longer meaning lower replacement costs. In fact, with each bulb you replace you’ll be saving well over $30 in energy and replacement costs over the life of the bulb.

It’s no surprise that the largest source of energy usage for a typical customer in the Arizona deserts is keeping your home cool. And the key to lowering your energy cost is simply keeping the heat out. The largest source of heat gain is through your windows. You can replace them with high efficiency models, but that can be expensive. Some less expensive options that will help are installing shade screens, window tinting or awnings. Even landscaping that provides shade can make a big difference.

If you do decide to replace your windows, look for ones that have a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of .35 or lower. And make sure they have an ENERGY STAR® designation which shows they have been tested for efficiency.

One of the most important things you can do is to have your duct work tested and repaired. It’s not uncommon for 15% of your cooling energy to be wasted due to duct leakage. APS offers its customers up to $250 in rebates to help cover the cost (you can call the APS Energy Line at (602) 371-3636 for a referral to an APS qualified contractor).

If it is time for a new air conditioner keep in mind that new electric heat pumps and AC units are about 40% to 50% more efficient than units installed just 15 years ago. It may seem like a big investment, but you’ll notice lower bills right away. APS also offers rebates of up to $525 to help defray some of the cost.

Once you’ve made those efficiency changes, consider installing solar energy. A solar water heater can save up to 15% on your utility bill, and with APS rebates and federal and state tax credits, you can save up to 80% of the cost. A system that costs $5,000 may end up costing around $1,000 after incentives and pay for itself in just a few short years.

You can also take advantage of our 300 days of sunshine by installing solar panels to create a portion of your own energy. For residential customers, APS offers a rebate of up to $3 per installed watt. And, when you combine that with federal and state tax credits, well over 50% of the cost can be covered for you.

So even though the summer heat is here, high utility bills don’t have to be. You can find information on all of the APS incentives as well as other energy saving tips at www.aps.com/greenchoice.

Rex Stepp is the Program Rep for the APS Renewable Energy Incentive Program working with customers to help promote the use of renewable resources.