May 2012

Need a new AC unit… save now with an APS rebate and save later by having a Quality Installation
Do you need a new air conditioning unit? APS offers a rebate of $270 on new AC units installed by an APS Participating Contractor. An analysis of 75,000 field tests revealed that more than 75% of installed cooling equipment failed to meet manufacturer specifications for airflow and refrigerant charge. Having your AC equipment installed by an APS Participating Contractor, helps ensure the correct sizing for your home, the proper airflow and refrigeration charge, which saves you money.

A recent APS study shows that new units installed to our Quality Installation requirements by a Participating Contractor reduced energy usage by 20%, which translates to additional savings of about $180 annually. So when you are ready for a new AC unit, be sure to go with a Participating Contractor. Visit aps.com/ac for more information or, for a free referral to a Participating Contractor, call the APS Energy Answer Line at (602) 371-3636 or (888) 890-9730.

Have a working AC unit, save with an Advanced AC Tune-up
A recent study showed that 55% of existing air conditioning units wasted electricity. The new APS Advanced AC Tune-up is designed to detect and remedy the issues that waste electricity. The Advanced Tune-up improves performance by as much as 10% and extends the life of your AC equipment so your AC system runs efficiently, saving you money year around. And APS will pay a $100 rebate per system when you have an APS approved contractor perform an Advanced Diagnostic AC Tune-up.

So how is the Advanced AC Tune-up different from your traditional AC equipment check-up? Basic check-ups consist more of visual checks rather than comprehensive work. But in addition to inspecting your AC unit, an Advanced AC Tune-up technician also will use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to tune up your AC units. This specialized equipment verifies the refrigerant charge and airflow of the unit is correct. It is a more precise and reliable way to get your AC equipment back in top shape.

The Advanced Tune-up is best performed when the outdoor temperature is above 75 degrees. This new program currently is available in the Phoenix Metro, Yuma and Chino Valley areas. For more information on the new APS Advanced AC Tune-up, and a list of Participating Contractors, visit aps.com/tuneup or call the APS Energy Answer Line at (602) 371-3636 or (888) 890-9730.

Save on your pool costs with a new properly calibrated pool pump
If you’re a pool owner, your pool pump could be your home’s second highest energy user. Installing a variable-speed pool pump is a simple way to reduce energy costs. Variable-speed pumps allow you to adjust the speed at which the water in your pool circulates, saving you energy costs and keeping your pool cleaner. These pumps are up to 80% more efficient than a single-speed pump, but the key to maximizing their energy savings is the calibration process.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, simply replacing a single-speed pump with a variable-speed pump can reduce pool energy use by 40%. Calibrating the pump and setting an optimal run schedule increases the pump’s efficiency up to 80%. For Arizona pool owners, that could mean savings of up to $400 each year.

All new variable-speed pumps must be calibrated to qualify for APS rebates. APS has partnered with pool technicians and pool retailers to provide training on proper calibration procedures. This calibration will be scheduled after the pump installation. During the calibration, your pool technician will adjust the pump’s flow rates, run times, vacuum and pressure readings to their optimal settings, ensuring that your pool stays clean, clear and healthy while using less energy. Talk to your pool professional about the benefits of variable-speed pumps and how you can qualify for a $200 rebate from APS, or visit aps.com/pools to locate a participating retailer.

Choosing a solar installer? Take advice from the experts
So, you’ve sealed leaky ducts, installed CFLs, and replaced old appliances with energy efficient ones. Take your energy savings to the next level with a solar electric system or solar water heating. To shop for the best solar installer for your job, first check the APS Qualified Solar Installer (QSI) list.

In addition to successfully completing an annual certification program, QSIs are in good standing with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (azroc.gov) and have a Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) rating of “B” or higher. And when comparing solar installers, take advice directly from some of the professionals: “Choose an installer with a thorough understanding of federal, state, and utility incentive programs,” says Harmon Solar’s Josh Held. “This will maximize the return on your solar investment by verifying the installer’s knowledge of these critical components.”

Lane Garrett of Dependable Solar Products believes the most important aspect of choosing an installer is relevant experience. Lane also says, “Look for firms that offer professional engineering and place major importance on the production of the design -- not just the cost or nameplate rating.”

“The best installers,” says Jim Combs of Conservative Energy Systems, “will help you crunch numbers for a thorough cost analysis regarding energy cost avoidance, tax credits and utility incentives, as well as tax advantages from equipment depreciation.”

For must-ask questions, American Solar’s Joy Seitz recommends three: “Is the installer a licensed roofer or are they experienced dealing with roofs in Arizona to ensure your warranty will be maintained? Does the installer subcontract the design and/or install? Are the personnel working on your project certified with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and the APS Qualified Solar Installer Program?”

Go to aps.com/findsolar to view other important solar installer questions and to find the APS Qualified Solar Installer list. Or, call the APS Energy Answerline at 602 371 3636 in metro Phoenix or 800 966 9730 outside Phoenix.

Get the convenience of more off-peak hours
APS offers Time-of-Use (TOU) Service Plans to fit our customers’ energy needs and provide them the opportunity to achieve savings. TOU Service Plans offer less expensive prices when you use electricity during the designated, off-peak timeframes.

For instance, if you are on one of our 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Service Plans, you are already benefiting from our lower off-peak prices during evenings to early morning hours and all day on weekends, but you can include five additional off-peak hours by simply changing to one of our 7 p.m. to Noon Service Plans. With five additional off-peak hours (Monday through Friday) you can make it simpler and cheaper to complete your household tasks as early as 7 p.m. and before Noon the next business day.

For further savings, you might consider a change to the Time Advantage 7 p.m. to Noon Super Peak Service Plan. To attain the most savings on this service plan, you must have the ability to lower your electric usage considerably between 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday during the months of June through August.

Go to aps.com/compare and we’ll analyze your energy usage to determine which rate plan will save you the most money.

Programs funded by APS customers and approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission.

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