Surviving Summer in the Valley of the Sun
There’s a good reason they call Phoenix and the surrounding area “The Valley of the Sun.” We experience some of the hottest temperatures and most constant sun exposure in the country. The climate can be tough to handle, especially in the summer.
The Plumbing & A/C Medic team has put together this guide to help you survive summer in the valley.
Get Your AC System Ready
The best preparation for the summer heat starts at home. Getting your AC system tuned up and ready to go will make it that much easier (and cost-effective) to stay cool.
AC tune-ups are important for getting the most out of your system during summer. While there may be days you turn on the air conditioner during the spring and fall, you’ll likely have it running 100% of the time during the summer months.
A tuned-up system will run more efficiently throughout the season. A more efficient system means you’ll be using less energy to keep your home cool, and therefore spending less on your energy bills each month. Typically, the energy savings over the season more than make up for the cost of the tune-up.
Similarly, tune-ups allow a trained HVAC technician to identify any potential problems with your unit. Fixing these small issues before they get worse will reduce the chances of major problems in the future. Home air conditioning systems most often fail when the temperature rises and everyone kicks up the AC at once. You do NOT want to have a busted HVAC system in the middle of a heat wave, when all the best technicians are slammed. A pre-season tune-up saves you both worry and money.
Having annual maintenance performed on your AC also extends the life of your unit, and keeps your warranty valid.
Similarly, if you’ve been putting off a new air conditioning system, it’s best to install one before summer hits hard. Think February – early May or October – early November. This way you can get to know your new system – learn how it operates and responds to temperature changes before the mercury soars. Contact our expert HVAC team for more information on newer high-efficiency AC systems, zoning technology, and smart thermostats
Be Strategic at Home
There are non-AC-related things that you can do at home to reduce the temperature. This not only helps keep you comfortable but can reduce the burden on your AC unit.
For starters, keep the blinds closed for as long as possible, especially in the morning. Reducing the sun’s reach into your home will prevent it from warming up as quickly. You can also get blackout curtains to really block out the sun and keep your room cooler.
Try cooking outside when you can, since your oven and stove are significant heat contributors. Anything you can do to reduce heat in your home will help you stay cool and give your AC a break. Plus, these tactics can be helpful if you ever find yourself without AC.
Find Some Cool Zones
Away from your home, look for any spot you can that has air conditioning. It may be community places like a library, community center, or theatre. You can also enjoy a meal in an air-conditioned restaurant or shop. This not only gives you access to powerful air conditioning systems to keep you cool, but you’ll be supporting local businesses.
There are also plenty of outdoor activities in the valley that are perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Head to a local pool, river, or lake to engage in some outdoor recreation. Parks with lots of shady trees are also perfect summer destinations where you can enjoy a hike or a picnic without being too exposed to the sun.
Your Trusted AC Team for The Valley of the Sun
When the sun’s rays are too much to handle this summer, rely on the team at Plumbing & A/C Medic to keep you cool. We are professional tradesmen taking care of the community one home at a time. From repairs to replacements to maintenance, our team handles it all. Call us today at 602-878-9314 for more information and to make an appointment.
