If you’ve lived in Phoenix for any length of time, you know energy bills can feel like a second mortgage, especially during the long, relentless summer months. When temperatures soar into the triple digits and stay there for weeks on end, your air conditioner becomes your most valuable (and often most expensive) appliance.
But here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: up to 30% of a home’s cooling energy can be lost through old or inefficient windows. That means your windows may be a hidden reason your APS bill keeps climbing, even when your AC is running nonstop.
High-performance window systems like Milgard windows, which are designed to improve insulation and reduce heat transfer in extreme climates, can make a meaningful difference in keeping cooled air inside where it belongs.
Greco Roman Construction and Design works with Phoenix homeowners who are looking to upgrade their windows and doors not just for aesthetics, but for comfort, efficiency, and real energy savings. Let’s break down why older windows struggle in Arizona’s heat and how replacing them can significantly lower your monthly utility costs.
Old Windows Can’t Handle the Arizona Sun
Phoenix has one of the most intense solar exposures in the country. The combination of powerful UV rays, long days of sunshine, and extreme temperatures puts constant strain on older window systems.
Over time, the seals break down, frames warp, and glass loses efficiency. This means your windows start absorbing and transferring heat into your home instead of reflecting it. Once that happens, your AC unit must work overtime to compensate.
Common signs your windows are failing:
- Hot spots or rooms that never cool down
- Faded furniture, flooring, or window coverings
- Condensation inside the glass
- Cracked seals or warped frames
- Noticeably higher APS bills in summer
Even if your windows look “fine,” they may no longer be performing well under desert conditions.
Single-Pane Windows Are Energy Wasters
Many older homes throughout Phoenix and surrounding cities like Glendale, Mesa, Chandler, and Tempe still have single-pane windows. These windows offer almost no insulation, which is a major problem when it’s 110°F outside and your home struggles to stay cool.
Single-pane windows allow outdoor heat to move straight into your home, creating a constant temperature battle that your air conditioner is destined to lose. With APS rates rising, that wasted energy becomes more expensive every year.
Upgrading to double-pane or energy-efficient windows makes an immediate difference. Modern insulated glass units use two panes of glass, a sealed insulating gas layer, and low-E coatings that block UV and infrared light.
This combination dramatically reduces heat transfer, which means your AC doesn’t have to work nearly as hard.
Old Frames Warp, Crack, and Leak Air
Arizona’s extreme temperature swings—from freezing winter mornings to scorching summer afternoons—cause materials to expand and contract. Over the years, this movement can warp wooden, vinyl, or aluminum frames.
Warped frames create gaps, cracks, and air leaks that allow cool air to escape and hot air to flow in. You may not even feel the draft, but your AC does.
This air exchange is a major contributor to high utility bills, especially because it forces your cooling system to run longer cycles just to keep up.
Modern window frames, especially fiberglass and high-quality vinyl, are built to withstand Arizona’s harsh conditions. They resist warping, seal tightly, and maintain their structural integrity for decades.
UV and Infrared Rays Heat Up Your Home
Old windows let in large amounts of UV rays, which fade furniture and flooring, and infrared light. Both increase the temperature inside your home, forcing your AC to run constantly.
Energy-efficient windows use Low-E (low emissivity) coatings that reflect a significant portion of UV and infrared rays. This helps keep your home cooler without blocking natural light.
With the right Low-E coating, you can enjoy bright, beautiful rooms without the oppressive heat.
Your Air Conditioner Is Working Too Hard
High APS bills often come down to one thing: your cooling system is doing too much work. When your windows aren’t insulating properly, your home’s temperature fluctuates constantly.
Your air conditioner is forced to run longer cycles, run more frequently, and cool down more heat transfer. This not only increases your monthly bill, but also shortens the lifespan of your AC unit. Considering how expensive AC replacements are in Phoenix, upgrading windows is often the smarter long-term investment.
New Windows Are Designed for Desert Living
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that today’s window technology is dramatically better than what was available 15 or even 10 years ago. Modern energy-efficient windows are engineered specifically to combat heat, UV exposure, and temperature extremes.
Benefits include lower APS bills, more stable indoor temperatures, reduced fading of furniture and flooring, better sound insulation, and increased home value and curb appeal. For many Phoenix homeowners, energy-efficient windows pay for themselves in savings over time.
Lower Your APS Bill With New Windows
If your energy bills keep climbing, your old windows may be the reason. Upgrading to high-quality, energy-efficient windows is one of the fastest ways to reduce cooling costs and protect your home from Arizona’s intense weather.
At Greco Roman Construction and Design, we specialize in windows and doors that are engineered for desert performance. We help homeowners choose the right styles, materials, and energy-efficient options to improve comfort and lower monthly bills.
Ready to stop overpaying on your APS bill? Contact Greco Roman Construction and Design today at 480-504-5400 for a free consultation.
