Preparing for Warmer Temperatures

As Arizona transitions from spring to summer weather, it is important to prepare both yourself and your home for increased temperatures. Listed below are some general tips you can choose from to help keep you and your home cool in environmentally conscious ways as temperatures rise. 

• Close your blinds, especially on windows that receive direct sunlight. Investing in blackout curtains could amplify heat protection, as utilizing shades, curtains similar devices can save you up to 7% on bills and lower indoor temperatures by up to 20º. 
• Increase shade around your home using awnings, large plants, or exterior blinds. If you are able, invest in window tinting and ensure your ceiling is properly insulated. 
• When you must use air conditioning, set the temperature as high as you are comfortable with. Tuscon Electric Power offers a plan that reduces your electricity bill based on Peak Usage. In the summer, from May to September, the on-peak period is 3-7 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding Memorial Day, Independence Day and Memorial Day). All weekends are off-peak. Check with your electricity provider to learn about your options. 
• Adjust your fan’s rotation to optimize seasonal airflow. Fans should spin counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air downward. Click here to watch a video about the importance of changing your ceiling fan’s direction. 
• Take advantage of cool nights, opening windows or doors. 
• Place a shallow pan or bowl of ice in front of a conventional plug-in fan to create a cool breeze in your home.
• Use energy-saving LED lights instead of incandescent or halogen bulbs. Click here to see the results of a full light bulb comparison by Arizona’s Rosie on the House. 
• Consider cooking outdoors, if possible, to avoid generating heat inside. Turn off appliances when not in use and try to avoid using the oven whenever possible. 
• Change your bedding to thinner or even cooling sheets. 

Arizona summers often bring monsoons, which can wreak havoc on power systems. When electricity is unavailable, use these tips to feel your coolest: 

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Store drinks in a cooler with some ice if you can.  
• Hang damp sheets in windows to amplify cool breezes. 
• Close the doors of rooms in the house that get hotter than others. 
• Take cold showers and place damp washcloths on your neck and other pressure points to dissipate heat from your body. You could also place damp bandanas on your hair. 
• Use battery-powered fans and consider keeping some in your emergency kit. 
• Wear loose, breathable fabric at all times. 

Resources

1. Click here to watch a 2-minute video on how to keep your house cool in the summer without air conditioning. 
2. Click here to access a map of cooling centers, hydration stations, and respite centers throughout the state. 
3. Click here to read a previous article on maintaining physical activity during Arizona summers.

The Arizona Department Department of Health Services recently compiled some statewide resources to support heat relief: 

• Arizona 2-1-1 connecting individuals with resources for extreme heat 
• Extreme Weather and Public Health Webpage and a statewide map sharing hydration and cooling center locations and heat relief resources 
• Heat Resource Guide (a directory of partners and resources) 
• Heat Toolkits for school aged children, older adults, and outdoor workers 
• Heat Safety Website 
• ADHS All Hazards Public Health Emergency Response Plan with Heat Annex 
• Heat Related Illness Syndromic Surveillance Dashboard 
• Heat Reports, e.g. surveillance data, vulnerability assessment, and adaptation plan 
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) providing assistance with energy bills, allowing families to stay cool in the summer