8 Tips for Managing Your Air Conditioning in Tucson During the Summer

Tucson summers demand a lot from your air conditioning system. With temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F, smart AC management keeps you comfortable while controlling energy costs. Here are eight proven strategies.

1. Set Your Thermostat Wisely

The right temperature settings balance comfort and efficiency.

Recommended Settings:

• When home: 78°F
• When away: 85°F
• When sleeping: 78-80°F

Why 78°F Works:

• Comfortable for most people with ceiling fans
• Significant energy savings vs. lower settings
• Your AC can maintain this without strain
• Each degree lower costs approximately 3% more

Pro Tip:

Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automate these adjustments and maximize savings.

2. Use Ceiling Fans Strategically

Fans make higher thermostat settings comfortable.

The Impact:

• Ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect
• 78°F with a fan feels like 74°F
• Fans use only 10-50 watts (vs. 3,000+ for AC)

Best Practices:

• Set fans to run counterclockwise in summer
• Turn fans off when leaving a room (they cool people, not rooms)
• Ensure proper fan-to-room size ratio

3. Block Solar Heat Gain

Preventing heat from entering is easier than removing it.

Window Treatments:

• Close blinds on sun-facing windows
• Use reflective window film
• Install cellular shades for insulation
• Consider exterior shading

Timing Matters:

• East windows: Close blinds in morning
• West windows: Close blinds in afternoon
• South windows: Benefit from overhangs or awnings

Potential Savings:

Up to 30% of unwanted heat comes through windows. Proper shading significantly reduces cooling load.

4. Maintain Your AC System

A well-maintained system runs more efficiently.

Monthly Tasks:

• Check and change air filters
• Ensure vents are unobstructed
• Clear debris from outdoor unit

Annual Tasks:

• Professional tune-up (ideally in spring)
• Duct inspection
• System efficiency check

Why It Matters:

Dirty filters alone can reduce efficiency by 15% or more. Dirty coils are even worse.

5. Time Your Heat-Generating Activities

Avoid adding heat during the hottest hours.

Schedule Wisely:

• Run dishwasher after dark
• Do laundry in morning or evening
• Grill outside instead of using oven
• Avoid using oven from 2-6 PM

Small Changes Add Up:

Every appliance generating heat inside makes your AC work harder. Shifting activities to cooler hours reduces this load.

6. Seal Air Leaks

Conditioned air escaping is money wasted.

Common Leak Locations:

• Around windows and doors
• Where pipes and wires enter walls
• Recessed lights in ceilings
• Attic access panels

Simple Fixes:

• Weatherstrip doors
• Caulk around window frames
• Use foam sealant around penetrations
• Install door sweeps

Professional Help:

For comprehensive air sealing, consider a professional energy audit that includes blower door testing.

7. Utilize Your Home's Thermal Mass

Work with your home's natural temperature regulation.

Pre-Cooling Strategy:

• Cool your home more in the morning
• Allow slight temperature rise in afternoon
• Your home's mass holds the cool

Nighttime Cooling:

• Open windows when overnight lows drop below indoor temperature
• Use whole-house fan if available
• Close up before morning heat builds

Arizona Reality:

This works best during dry periods. During monsoons, outdoor humidity limits natural cooling opportunities.

8. Consider Zoning or Partial Cooling

Cool only the spaces you're using.

Strategies:

• Close vents in unused rooms (carefully—don't close more than 20%)
• Use portable or window units for specific rooms
• Consider ductless mini-splits for problem areas

When to Zone:

• Large homes with unused areas
• Home offices or bonus rooms
• Guest rooms occupied only occasionally

Professional Zoning:

For optimal results, consider a professional zoning system that directs cooling where it's needed.

Bonus: Know Your System's Limits

Realistic Expectations:

In extreme heat (110°F+), your AC can typically maintain 20-25°F below outdoor temperature. On a 115°F day, 78-80°F inside is a reasonable target.

When to Worry:

If your system can't maintain a 20°F differential, it may need service or be undersized for your home.

Get Professional Help

For optimal summer comfort and efficiency, Intelligent Design offers:

• Pre-summer tune-ups
• Efficiency evaluations
• System upgrades
• Maintenance plans

Call (520) 333-2665 to prepare for summer. We've been keeping Tucson comfortable since 1979.