Phoenix Homeowners: Here’s How to Keep Your House Cool

Living in Phoenix, you know the battle against scorching summer heat is a constant one. But what if your home itself could be your ally in this fight? This Sweeten blog post dives into strategic renovations that can keep your house cool and comfortable, even during the hottest months. From optimizing your HVAC system to strategically planting shade trees, you’ll find actionable tips and expert advice to turn your Phoenix home into a summer oasis.

(Above) Design by Phoenix-based designer Ernesto Garcia

Phoenix is a favorite place to live because of the area’s favorable weather. Precipitation is low, the sun is strong, and temperatures are high. But sometimes, the temperatures run a bit too high for comfort.

Each year, on average, Phoenix’s temperature exceeds 100 degrees on 92 days. Knowing this, Sweeten wrote a homeowner’s guide on how to keep your house cool in those blazing months!

At Sweeten, we’re experts at all things general contractors — we pre-screen them for our network, carefully select the best ones for your remodeling project, and work closely with hundreds of general contractors every day. So, we’ve tapped our internal expertise to bring you this guide.

Choose the best HVAC system

Air-conditioning is a fact of life in Phoenix and the entire Valley of the Sun metro area. Passive cooling methods are crucial for maintaining a cooler home in Phoenix. But it is an inescapable fact that your home needs A/C. Choose the best possible A/C within your budget:

• Check the SEER ratings. SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating is listed on a yellow sticker on every central air conditioning unit. Look for high SEER numbers of at least 13. Maximize your cooling efficiency with SEER ratings of 15 to 17.
• Properly size your A/C unit. Units incapable of handling your home’s heat will become taxed. Plus, your home will never cool down enough. Units that are larger than needed are an unnecessary expense.
• Central A/C units are popular. But they are no longer the only game in town. Ductless mini-split units, one per room, are less expensive. Also, they do not require ductwork.
• Look at heat pumps. Despite their name, heat pumps cool homes just like air-conditioners. The difference is that they can be reversed to heat up the home.
• Your general contractor can discuss with you the many factors that play into the choice. These factors: building materials, type and extent of insulation, and number of windows.

Install Insulated Ductwork

Imagine your HVAC ductwork in the attic as a leaky water pipe. Uninsulated ducts allow cool air to escape into your attic, defeating the purpose of your air conditioner. This wasted energy leads to higher utility bills and less comfortable living spaces.

To prevent heat gain, invest in insulated ductwork. Options include sheet metal ducts with fibrous glass insulation liners or wraps, or fibrous glass insulation boards added to ducts and plenums. This ensures that the cool air from your air conditioner reaches your rooms at the desired temperature.

Buy “Cooler” Lighting and Appliances

Traditional lighting and appliances can significantly contribute to heat gain in your home. Halogen recessed lights, for example, can increase the temperature of a small space by 15 degrees Fahrenheit in just one hour.

Opt for energy-efficient LED or fluorescent lights, especially in laundry rooms and work areas. Additionally, choose appliances with high energy efficiency ratings, as they produce less heat. Refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers can all contribute to the overall temperature of your home.

Choose a “Cool” Roof

A dark roof can absorb a significant amount of solar radiation, leading to increased heat gain in your attic and ultimately your home. While attic insulation can help mitigate this issue, a “cool roof” can provide even more effective protection.

A cool roof is designed to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. While light-colored roofs can help, specially coated shingles with glass and aluminum particles offer superior performance. Even traditional terra cotta roof tiles are considered cool roofing materials.

Consult the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) for detailed ratings and information on cool roofing options.

Install High Vents or a Whole-House Fan

Take advantage of Phoenix’s cooler night-time temperatures by implementing night-flushing techniques. Open your windows and doors to allow built-up heat to escape. High vents and whole-house fans can further enhance this process, pulling air through open windows and expelling it through the roof. This also helps ventilate your attic.

Discuss with a contractor the possibility of modifying your existing HVAC ductwork to accommodate a whole-house fan, eliminating the need for new ductwork installation.

Landscaping for a cooler home

The City of Phoenix has an ongoing effort to cool the city—and you can do it at home, too. Phoenix’s Tree and Shade Master Plan aims to shade at least 25-percent of the city. Speak to your contractor about adding large shade trees like eucalyptus, elm, pine, ash, or pecan. Even trees with less foliage like olives, palms, and citrus can keep a home cooler.

Paint the home in light colors

There is a reason for all of those different shades of beige on homes around Phoenix: it’s cooler. Upwards of 90-percent of the sun’s radiant energy can be absorbed by dark paint colors. Conversely, lighter colors do an excellent job of repelling radiant energy.

If beige isn’t your thing, you’ll find a wide range of other light colors that block the heat. Light-gray, cream, blue, ivory, and of course, white, are perfect for holding back the heat.

Take these steps to help keep your house cool while being more efficient for the planet and your wallet. Happy (green) renovating!

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