How to lower your TEP cooling bill

Thermostat

The Department of Energy's Energy Saver guide says to set the thermostat as high as is comfortable when you're home and awake, and to raise it when you're asleep or away. It says a ceiling fan lets you raise the thermostat about 4°F without losing comfort. A smart or programmable thermostat makes that automatic; TEP lists a rebate for smart thermostats on its rebates page.

In Tucson the payoff is large because the system runs so many hours. The airport averaged 78.9 days at 100°F or more a year over 2016-2025.

Filter and coil

ENERGY STAR says to inspect, clean or change the air filter once a month in a central air conditioner or heat pump. A dirty filter makes the system run longer for the same cooling and can freeze the coil. Keep the outdoor unit clear of plants and debris, and have it checked once a year. Tune-ups and the TEP tune-up rebate.

TEP plans and help

• Time of use. TEP's summer on-peak hours are 3 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, May through September. Weekends and major holidays are off-peak. Running the dishwasher, dryer and pool pump outside that window costs less on this plan.
• Budget billing. TEP totals your last 12 months of bills and divides by 12, so the summer bills stop spiking. It needs 12 months of history.
• Lifeline. TEP lists a $20 monthly discount for qualifying customers at up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, plus other payment assistance programs.

Plan details from tep.com, accessed October 27, 2026. Rates and eligibility change; check tep.com before switching plans.

When the bill is a sign of a problem

A bill that jumps without a heat wave to explain it can mean a failing part, low refrigerant or leaking ducts in the attic. TEP's Efficient Home Program lists up to $300 for duct sealing and up to $160 for a tune-up through participating contractors. On an old system, a new high-efficiency unit may qualify for up to $600 (AC) or $720 (heat pump). Repair or replace.