Arizona summers are intense, and when temperatures soar into the triple digits, keeping your home cool isn’t optional—it’s essential.
But for APS customers, the downside often shows up in the form of high summer energy bills. Thanks to elevated APS summer rates and costly APS summer peak hours, running your A/C and home appliances can seriously impact your budget.
This guide isn’t about cutting back or making you feel guilty for using electricity. It’s about practical ways to lower appliance power consumption without sacrificing comfort.
We’ll highlight three high-efficiency appliances that align with APS time-of-use rates and show how using them during off-peak hours can lower your energy bills and boost efficiency.
What Are APS Summer Rates & Why Do They Matter?
APS (Arizona Public Service) uses a seasonal rate structure that adjusts electricity costs based on the time of day and the season. During the summer months, rates spike significantly, especially during APS summer peak hours, which typically occur between 3 PM and 8 PM.
Why does this matter? Because appliance power usage during these hours can cause your electricity costs to double or even triple. For instance, running a dishwasher or doing a load of laundry at 3 PM could cost two to three times more than doing the same activities after 8 PM.
This pricing structure is known as time-of-use (TOU) rates, and it’s designed to encourage customers to shift energy use to non-peak hours when demand on the grid is lower. While this approach helps stabilize the grid during high-demand periods, it also requires consumers to be more mindful about when and how they use their appliances.
The Impact of Air Conditioning on Summer Bills
In Phoenix, where summer temperatures often hit 110°F or more, Phoenix energy usage skyrockets, and air conditioning alone can account for up to 50% of your energy bill. Add in other high-energy appliances, and you can see how quickly costs can spiral out of control.
Understanding APS’s time-of-use pricing structure and making smart decisions about which appliances use the most power and energy habits can help you lower your utility bills without sacrificing comfort.
4 Power-Saving Appliances That Work With APS’s Time-of-Use Rates
The good news? You don’t have to give up convenience or comfort to save money. By investing in high-efficiency appliances, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and take advantage of APS’s off-peak pricing with the consumers energy appliance plan.
Here are four appliances designed to save energy and help you lower your energy costs:
1. Smart Induction Range – Faster, Cleaner Cooking with Less Residual Heat
Induction ranges are changing the game when it comes to energy-efficient cooking. Unlike traditional electric or gas stoves, they use electromagnetic energy to heat cookware directly, reducing both cooking times and wasted heat.
- Efficiency Benefits: Induction ranges use up to 70% less energy compared to traditional electric stoves. They also produce less residual heat, which means your kitchen stays cooler—an essential feature during Arizona summers.
- APS Strategy: Use the range during off-peak hours for meal prep or take advantage of its speed to cook quickly during peak times, minimizing energy use.
Induction ranges also provide better temperature control, helping you cook more efficiently. This means not only reducing appliance power consumption but also improving the quality of your meals.
Recommended Model:
GE Profile 30" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Slide In Induction Range
Shop GE Profile 30" Slide In Induction Range
This GE Profile induction range brings precision cooking to the forefront with rapid heat response, glide touch controls, and a sleek, slide-in design.
The True European Convection ensures even baking, while the induction cooktop boils water fast and keeps surfaces cool, perfect for multitaskers who demand performance and safety.
2. Energy Star Refrigerator – Efficient Compressors, Low Standby Power
Your refrigerator is one of the few appliances that runs 24/7, making it a major contributor to your power consumption of home appliances. Upgrading to an Energy Star-certified fridge can drastically reduce your energy consumption.
- Efficiency Benefits: Energy Star refrigerators feature advanced compressors and better insulation, which help them minimize energy use without sacrificing performance.
- APS Strategy: Keep your fridge well-stocked (but not overfilled) to maintain cooling efficiency. Avoid frequent door openings during peak hours to minimize energy spikes.
Additionally, consider cleaning the coils on your refrigerator regularly. Dust buildup can cause the compressor to work harder and use more energy.
Standout for Performance & Control:
Samsung 36 in. 21.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop Samsung 36 in. Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Samsung’s side-by-side fridge offers a clean, built-in look without sacrificing storage. Its multi-vent cooling system maintains even temperatures, while the modern dispenser and digital controls make it user-friendly. Great for keeping produce fresh and drinks cold, all in a sleek, space-efficient package.
3. Front-Load Washer – Uses Less Water and Electricity Per Cycle
A front-load washer is an excellent choice for those looking to save on water and electricity. These machines are designed to be more efficient than traditional top-load models.
- Efficiency Benefits: Front-load washers use up to 50% less water and 30% less energy per load.
- APS Strategy: Schedule laundry cycles during off-peak hours to maximize your savings and reduce strain on the grid.
Pairing a front-load washer with a high-efficiency dryer can further optimize your energy savings. Look for dryers with sensors that automatically stop the cycle once your clothes are dry.
Top Pick for Laundry Efficiency
Electrolux 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer
Shop Electrolux 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
This Electrolux front load washer is built for deep cleaning with SmartBoost technology that premixes detergent and water for maximum stain removal.
Its 15-minute fast wash cycle is perfect for busy days, and the LuxCare Wash System ensures gentle, thorough cleaning across all fabrics.
4. Smart Dishwasher – Optimized Wash Cycles with Delay/Start to Run Off-Peak
A smart dishwasher can save time, water, and energy by optimizing wash cycles and allowing you to schedule runs during off-peak hours.
- Efficiency Benefits: These dishwashers use less water and energy per cycle compared to older models and can adjust settings based on the load size.
- APS Strategy: Use the delay/start feature to run your dishwasher after 8 PM when Phoenix energy rates drop.
Built-In Luxury Meets Cleaning Power:
Cove 24" Panel Ready Dishwasher
Shop Cove 24" Panel Ready Top Control Built In Dishwasher
The Cove dishwasher delivers whisper-quiet cleaning and adjustable racks that make loading oddly shaped items easy.
With custom wash and dry cycles, it leaves dishes spotless without pre-rinsing. Panel-ready design blends seamlessly into upscale kitchens, while its powerful jets handle even the messiest meals.
Appliances That Drain Your Energy Budget
While high-efficiency appliances can help reduce your energy bills, it’s just as important to know which appliances use the most power. Devices like older air conditioners, outdated water heaters, and inefficient ovens consume more power than you might expect.
Strategies to Reduce Usage
Managing these energy-intensive appliances doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. Here are some practical tips to reduce their impact:
- Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Models: Replace outdated appliances with newer, Energy Star-certified versions to cut down on power use.
- Smart Scheduling: Use programmable or smart plugs to control when appliances run, avoiding peak pricing hours.
- Alternative Energy Sources: Consider supplementing your home’s energy usage with Arizona alternative energy, like solar or wind energy in Arizona, to lower costs further.
The Role of Solar Energy in Reducing Costs
Arizona’s abundant sunshine makes it an ideal location for solar energy. Installing solar panels can help offset the high costs of summer energy bills by reducing your reliance on the grid during APS summer peak hours. Many APS customers also qualify for incentives or rebates when switching to solar, making it a more affordable option.
Smarter Appliances, Smarter Energy Bills
Investing in energy-efficient appliances isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about making smarter choices for your home and lifestyle.
In Arizona’s extreme summer heat, understanding APS summer rates and using smart appliance scheduling can significantly lower your energy bills.
At Spencers, you’ll find high-efficiency appliances that fit your budget, reduce appliance power consumption, and help you stay cool without overspending.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to run appliances under APS peak pricing is during off-peak hours, typically late evening and early morning. APS peak hours generally occur between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays, so running high-energy appliances outside these times can help lower your bills. Check your specific APS rate plan to confirm peak and off-peak windows for maximum savings.
Kitchen appliances vary in energy usage, with larger appliances like refrigerators and ovens consuming the most power. Refrigerators can use up to 150 kWh per month, while dishwashers and microwaves generally use less when run efficiently and sparingly. Choosing ENERGY STAR-certified appliances and unplugging small devices when not in use helps minimize energy consumption.
Yes, switching to an induction range can lower your power bill because they are more energy-efficient than traditional electric or gas ranges. Induction ranges transfer heat directly to cookware, reducing energy waste and cooking times. This efficiency is especially beneficial during APS summer rates when managing energy use is crucial to saving money.
Energy-efficient appliances are typically labeled with ENERGY STAR certification or include energy usage data on their specifications. Look for features like high energy-efficiency ratings (EER) or energy guides that detail estimated annual power usage. These markers help identify appliances that can significantly reduce your energy consumption while maintaining performance.
Smart appliances are an excellent investment for APS time-of-use customers as they allow for precise control over operation times. Features like scheduling, remote management, and energy monitoring help you align appliance use with off-peak hours. Over time, these savings on energy bills can offset the upfront cost of smart appliances, making them a worthwhile addition to your home.
Why Trust Spencers TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencers TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Efficient Appliances at Spencers
At Spencers TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop in-stock refrigerators online today. Your local appliance experts are always here to help you find the most efficient appliances for your home. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!