Keep Your Phoenix Rental Home Cool & Comfortable All Summer
Living in Phoenix means endless sunshine, beautiful desert views and intense summer heat. When temperatures rise above 100 degrees from May to September, it is important to keep your home cool for comfort.
Whether you have lived in the Valley for years or are new to the Sonoran Desert, these tips can help. They will help you stay cool and enjoy summer in Phoenix. Block Out the Blazing Sun
The Arizona sun can quickly turn your home into a sauna if you’re not careful. Close blinds and curtains during the day to keep the heat out. For extra protection, use blackout curtains or reflective window film to reduce the amount of heat coming in.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows, and in the summer months, around 76% of sunlight that hits standard windows turns into heat indoors. Window attachments like blackout curtains and temporary reflective film help regulate indoor temperatures, improve comfort, and can lead to significant savings on your energy bill.
Seal Leaks and Replace Air Filters
Don’t let the cool air escape. Check doors and windows for drafts and seal any gaps with weather stripping. Replace your A/C filter every month—Phoenix dust can clog filters quickly, forcing your air conditioner to work harder than it should.
Get Smart with Your Thermostat
The Phoenix summers can push your A/C to the limit. Use it wisely. Set it to 78°F when you’re home for a good balance of comfort and efficiency and bump it up a few degrees if you’re planning on being out of the house for a while. Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule. Close vents in unused rooms to direct cool air where you need it most.
Did you know 99% of Progress-managed homes come equipped with smart technology, including smart thermostats? Make staying comfortable easier and more energy-efficient this summer!
Keep Air Circulating
Good airflow makes a huge difference. Ceiling fans should be set to spin counterclockwise to push cool air down. In summer, ceiling fans should run counterclockwise to create a cooling down draft effect, pushing cool air down toward the floor. This helps to circulate the air and make the room feel cooler by creating a “wind chill” effect on your skin, allowing you to potentially reduce your reliance on air conditioning.
Box or oscillating fans can be strategically placed near windows at night to bring in cooler desert air but be sure to shut the windows in the morning once the heat returns.
Rethink Your Cooking Routine
Using the oven or stove in the summer can heat your kitchen fast, so try cooking in ways that keep your space cooler. Firing up the grill outside, is an excellent way to avoid adding heat to your kitchen. It’s also a great excuse to spend more time outdoors. Use small appliances like an air fryer, toaster oven, or microwave to cook meals without heating your whole space. You can also meal prep at night when it’s cooler, so your appliances aren’t competing with the A/C.
Make Small Changes That Add Up
Often, the little things make the biggest difference. Replace air filters regularly, ideally once a month during summer. Switch to LED light bulbs that produce less heat and use less energy. Keep interior doors open to promote better airflow unless you’re closing off unused rooms to cool others more efficiently.
The weather is scorching, but that doesn’t mean your home must be. By making some simple changes, you can have a cool and comfortable home all season.
Looking for fun things to do in the Phoenix area? Check out this blog post for some of the best things to do in the valley and be sure to follow our blog for seasonal tips, home hacks, and rental-friendly advice.
