PG&E Bill Shock 2025: The Smart Appliance Upgrades Citrus Heights Families Are Making to Cut Costs
Summer 2025 brings higher PG&E rates to Citrus Heights, pushing families to seek affordable ways to reduce power bills. The leading solution this year: switching to energy-efficient scratch-and-dent appliances to cut costs while staying comfortable.
Instead of paying full retail for brand-new refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers, Citrus Heights residents are upgrading to professionally tested, Energy Star scratch & dent models that deliver the same performance at 30–60% lower cost. These appliances also use significantly less electricity, helping reduce PG&E bills during peak heat months.
This guide shows how upgrading to scratch-and-dent appliances helps Citrus Heights homeowners lower their electricity bills, highlights why local stores are a better choice than online retailers, and explains what buyers should check before purchasing.
Let’s begin with the biggest question people in Citrus Heights are Googling right now:
“Why are my PG&E bills rising even when I’m using the same appliances?”
How Citrus Heights Homes Can Prepare for Heatwave Season With Smart Appliance Upgrades
Getting ready for summer in Citrus Heights involves more than checking your A/C or sealing windows. Appliances in your kitchen and laundry room also affect electricity use during hot weather. For example, refrigerators run longer in the heat, dishwashers use more hot water, washers may need cooler settings, and older dryers add heat, forcing your A/C to work harder.
Upgrading to Energy Star scratch-and-dent appliances is one of the most effective ways to lower PG&E bills before peak summer. New refrigerators, washers, and dryers use advanced technology to save energy during heatwaves, providing efficient performance and significant savings.
If you wonder, “Is upgrading my refrigerator worth it? Will it help with my summer bills?” For Citrus Heights households that switched to Energy Star appliances, summer bills dropped by 10–25%. When you also consider the 30–60% discounts for scratch-and-dent models, upgrading is a smart choice for families seeking savings in 2025.
Experts advise making upgrades early in the season, when appliance choices and delivery slots are most available. By July, demand rises, energy use peaks, and online retailers may face shipping delays. Local stores allow you to check appliances in person, verify energy ratings, and usually offer faster, same-day installation so you start saving right away.
Why PG&E Bills Are Increasing in 2025 Even for Normal Usage
PG&E rates have increased in 2024–2025 due to several factors, but what’s surprising many Citrus Heights homeowners is that bills are rising even if usage seems unchanged. Here’s why:
1. Early heatwaves = more power usage
This year’s temperatures started increasing as early as April. When indoor temperatures rise:
- refrigerators run longer cycles
- Freezers work harder to maintain cooling.
- washers and dryers overheat faster
- Dishwashers require more water for heating.
Even a slight increase in indoor temperature can push your refrigerator to use 15–25% more electricity.
2. Tiered electricity pricing
Many households unknowingly fall into Tier 2 usage during the summer months. This means:
- The first portion of electricity is billed at a lower rate.
- The next portion is billed at a much higher rate.
A single older refrigerator can push a home into Tier 2 every month.
3. Ageing appliances consume more power
Most Citrus Heights homes still have appliances older than 10 years. That’s a problem, because:
- Older fridges can use 2–3 times as much electricity.
- Older washers use more water AND more power.
- Older dryers produce excessive heat.
- Dishwashers operate with outdated motors.
If you’re asking yourself, “Is my old fridge the reason my bill is so high?” The answer is almost always yes.
4. PG&E infrastructure surcharges
These surcharges apply even if usage is low, and they’ve increased every quarter since 2023.
Energy-efficient scratch-and-dent appliances directly address all four of these issues.
Why Energy-Efficient Scratch & Dent Appliances Are the Smartest 2025 Upgrade in Citrus Heights
Scratch & dent appliances are not “used and broken.” They are typically:
- showroom models
- delivery-return units
- models with tiny cosmetic scratches
- appliances with a dent on the side/back
- overstock units
- packaging-damaged units
Performance is the same as new.
Warranty is still included.
Savings are the biggest in the entire appliance market. For Citrus Heights families aiming to reduce expenses, scratch-and-dent appliances pFor Citrus Heights families looking to reduce expenses, scratch-and-dent appliances offer both upfront price cuts and long-term savings on utility bills, meeting both financial and energy needs. $680–$750 as a scratch-and-dent.
✔ 40% less power usage
Energy Star-certified appliances dramatically reduce electricity consumption, especially during heatwaves.
✔ Lower water usage
High-efficiency washers use 20–30 gallons less per load, cutting both water and gas bills.
✔ Cooler indoor temperatures
Newer appliances emit less heat, lowering the strain on air conditioners.
✔ Warranty-backed and professionally tested
Citrus Heights residents get peace of mind knowing every unit is inspected before purchase.
This is why the search term “scratch & dent appliances near me” is surging in 2025.
Real Savings: Citrus Heights Appliance Cost Comparison
Here’s what local residents typically save when choosing scratch & dent:
| Appliance | Retail Price | Scratch & Dent Price | Instant Savings |
| Energy Star Refrigerator | $1,200 | $720 | $480 |
| High-Efficiency Washer | $950 | $580 | $370 |
| Dryer | $850 | $540 | $310 |
| Dishwasher | $780 | $460 | $320 |
Total upfront savings: $1,200–$1,400
Annual PG&E savings: $150–$250
5-year savings: $1,900–$2,600
For many families, this is the difference between struggling with rising costs or staying comfortably within budget.
Why Citrus Heights Families Prefer Local Appliance Stores Over Online Retailers
When PG&E bills are rising fast, homeowners can’t wait 5–10 days for online delivery. They also don’t want surprise dents or unreliable shipping.
That’s why local appliance stores are seeing a huge boost.
❌ Online Delivery Problems
- high shipping damage rates
- slow delivery times
- expensive return fees
- “no-inspection-before-delivery” risk
- no haul-away
- limited real warranties
- long customer service wait times
A damaged refrigerator delivered in June can become a nightmare during a heatwave.
✅ Local Store Benefits
Citrus Heights homeowners get:
- See the appliance before buying.
- Same-day delivery available
- Free haul-away of old appliances
- In-person warranty support
- Tested, cleaned, certified appliances
- Real savings without fake online “sales”
- Friendly experts who actually live in the area
Local is not only safer, but it’s also smarter, especially during a PG&E bill increase.
How New Appliances Directly Reduce PG&E Bills in Summer
Heatwaves increase indoor temperatures, causing appliances to work harder. New Energy Star appliances counter that by:
✔ Maintaining stable internal temperatures
Energy-efficient compressors operate cooler and faster.
✔ Running shorter cycles
Modern motors complete tasks with less strain.
✔ Using less water
Washers can save up to 3,000–7,000 gallons per year.
✔ Reducing heat output
Less excess heat = lower A/C costs.
✔ Operating with improved insulation
Better insulation means less energy waste.
If your refrigerator is older than 10 years, replacing it alone can reduce summer bills by $20–$40 per month.
💬 What Citrus Heights Residents Are Saying (2025)
“Our PG&E bill dropped from $310 to $258 in one month after upgrading the fridge.”
David & Marissa, Citrus Heights
“We saved almost $500 upfront. The dent was tiny and on the side, completely invisible.”
Ashley M., Fair Oaks
“Online delivery damaged our first appliance. The local store delivered ours the same day.”
George S., Antelope
Heatwave Appliance Upgrade Checklist (Citrus Heights Edition)
Before upgrading, ask:
✔ Is it Energy Star certified?
✔ Does the store test appliances before selling?
✔ Is same-day delivery available?
✔ Is warranty support handled locally?
✔ Is the scratch/dent only cosmetic?
✔ Does the store offer free haul-away?
✔ Am I saving at least 30–60% over retail?
If the answer to all seven is yes, it’s a smart purchase.
City Appliances
📍 8038 Greenback Ln, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
📞 (916) 501-6182
Find us on Google to see our recent Customer Review!
FAQ
1. How can I lower my PG&E bill during the summer in Citrus Heights?
Upgrading to Energy Star appliances, especially refrigerators, washers, and dryers, is one of the fastest ways to reduce electricity usage. These units consume up to 40% less power, helping cut monthly bills during heatwaves.
2. Are scratch & dent appliances reliable?
Yes. Scratch-and-dent units are tested, certified, and fully functional. The imperfections are cosmetic only, usually located on the side or back, where they’re not visible once installed.
3. Why buy appliances locally instead of online?
Local stores offer same-day delivery, in-person inspection, warranty support, and lower damage risk. Online shipping often results in dents, long delays, and complicated returns.
4. Does an energy-efficient refrigerator really save money?
Absolutely. New Energy Star refrigerators use around 30–40% less electricity, which can lower PG&E bills by $15–$35 per month during summer.
5. What is the average lifespan of a scratch & dent appliance?
The same as a new one, typically 10–15 years. Cosmetic flaws don’t affect performance or durability.
6. What should I check before buying a scratch & dent appliance?
- Energy Star certification
- Warranty coverage
- Delivery speed
- Cosmetic issue location
- Full testing documentation
- Return policy
- Whether haul-away is included
7. Which appliances use the most electricity during California heatwaves?
Refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and stand-alone freezers. Upgrading these reduces PG&E costs dramatically.
8. Can scratch & dent appliances help fight inflation?
Yes, saving 30–60% upfront makes them among the most cost-effective home upgrades during inflationary years like 2025.
9. Is same-day appliance delivery available in Citrus Heights?
Yes, local stores like City Appliance offer professional same-day delivery and free haul-away.
10. Do Energy Star appliances work better during heatwaves?
Yes. They run cooler, use less electricity under high strain, and reduce the load on your air conditioner.
