home air conditioning system

Is Your Home Air Conditioning System Ready for Arizona’s Summer Heat Wave?

Last summer, Phoenix, Arizona, broke summer temperature records.

If you were a resident of Arizona last year, you might remember it first-hand.

The city faced a staggering 113 days in a row of temperatures hitting over 100°F.

On days like that, your air conditioning is your best friend.

But a broken air conditioner can just as easily become your nemesis.

Get ready for the summer early by reading on as we share our top advice on maintaining your home air conditioning system before those high temperatures appear.

Arizona: Soaring Summer Temperatures

Unless you are new to Arizona, you’ll already be familiar with the stifling summer temperatures at this time of year.

In a major city like Phoenix, the thermometer can reach over 100°F on some days.

This impacts your air conditioning.

Hot days put the most strain on your HVAC, and that’s one reason why preparing before those temperatures hit is crucial.

Hot days mean higher energy bills for your home and conditions like dry air inside as the moisture levels evaporate.

When you get home from work on a hot summer’s afternoon, you want to ensure you have an HVAC unit equipped to handle any condition.

Summer Air Conditioning Maintenance for Your AC Unit

Before the summer begins, complete any essential maintenance on your air conditioning unit.

Add this routine maintenance as a regular task in your schedule.

It means you’ll capture issues early before they become more problematic, so get a maintenance engineer booked for inspection and tune-ups.

Unexpected breakdowns in any HVAC unit can often happen because small tasks like filter replacements have become neglected, meaning issues snowball.

In the scorching summer months, that neglect can have a profound effect: more costly repair bills and the risk of a house without the comfort of a working air conditioning unit.

Speak to our trusted team at Mark Daniels to find out about our air conditioning maintenance program.

Home Cooling Systems: Changing Your Air Filters

One of the most effective maintenance tasks you can complete on your air conditioning is to replace your air filters.

It’s simple, quick, and has a significant impact on the performance of your unit.

Filters catch dirt, dust, and debris; over time, these can become clogged.

They need cleaning or replacing to keep them working optimally.

Clogged filters restrict the airflow, which causes your air conditioning to work harder, adding to your household bills and giving you a less efficient system.

In the worst-case scenario, that can cause a complete system failure, leaving you facing an expensive repair bill.

Cleaning and replacing filters is typically part of essential maintenance.

Always check with your HVAC engineering team, like our specialists at Mark Daniels.

Your HVAC and Air Ducts

Another crucial check you should carry out now is on your home’s air ducts.

These ducts play an essential role in distributing cool air, and once they get clogged with dust or debris, they will start to impact your unit’s performance.

This can be even more of a risk in Arizona as the hot, dry, dusty air can get into those ducts sooner.

You should also check air ducts for leaks.

Leaks mean your air conditioning unit is forced to work harder (costing you more money) without you benefiting from a pleasantly cool home.

You may be able to spot the warning signs of air duct problems if you find some rooms in your home cool better than others.

Checking Your Thermostat Settings

Poorly set thermostats can be troublesome when the warmer summer weather hits.

It can cause excessive cooling, leaving your home chilly, and high energy bills, too.

Or it can put more strain on your air conditioning units than is necessary.

Here are some pointers to ensure your thermostat is in the correct setting.

  • Follow the US Department of Energy’s guideline of 78°F when you are home
  • Set the thermostat higher for when you are out of the house
  • Invest in a smart or programmable thermostat to better control your temperature schedule
  • Check your batteries
  • Keep your thermostat away from direct sunlight
  • Keep your thermostat away from heat sources, which can lead to inaccurate readings

If in doubt, always consult with a professional HVAC engineer, like our team.

We will be able to inspect your thermostat and ensure the rest of your air conditioning unit is working correctly.

Handling Air Leaks

Air leaks within your home will force your air conditioning to work harder to keep your indoor space cool.

So, if you want a more efficient system, carry out an inspection of your house to spot any potential issues.

Look at areas where there are drafts or possible problems with seals, such as around doors and windows, and don’t forget to check spaces you don’t usually use, such as attics.

You may need to invest in some insulation improvements to address more serious problems.

Upgrading Your System

Don’t rule out an HVAC upgrade if you regularly have to pay for expensive repairs on an old one.

Most air conditioners have a lifespan of around 10-20 years. After that point, you’ll find a system that isn’t working as efficiently as it should, adding unnecessary costs to your energy bills.

It would be better for you to put that money towards a new unit instead.

Effective Home Cooling: Backup Options

If you are concerned about how your air conditioning will cope with the summer heat, you could invest in a backup solution for emergencies.

High-quality portable fans and evaporative coolers are popular options for homeowners wanting to keep cool in hot weather.

You could also consider a backup generator if you face the risk of power outages.

Getting Your Home Air Conditioning System Ready for Arizona’s Summer

With Arizona temperatures expected to soar once again in 2025, make sure you invest in proper maintenance for your home air conditioning system.

It’ll keep your energy bills as low as your indoor temperatures.

Mark Daniels Air Conditioning and Heating provides a fast, friendly, and fair-priced service to residents in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, and Phoenix.

Let’s help you get your air conditioning ready for the summer: book our maintenance program today.


Looking for Apache Junction Air Conditioning and Heating?
Choose Mark Daniels Air Conditioning & Heating for expert HVAC installations and maintenance. We’re dedicated to providing top-notch service for all your heating and cooling needs in Apache Junction.
Call (480) 571-7219 or request service online now!