How to Keep Your AC Running Strong in the Arizona Heat

Arizona summers are notoriously intense, but lately they’ve gotten even hotter. Phoenix saw an unprecedented 113 straight days with temperatures at or above 100°F in 2024, the longest streak in the city’s history. Other cities across Arizona, including Tucson, baked under similar conditions – and 2025 isn’t far behind.

That kind of relentless heat doesn’t just challenge your health; it also puts serious pressure on your air conditioning system. Here are some practical ways to keep your home efficient, comfortable, and ready to handle Arizona’s blistering temperatures.

Keeping Your AC Efficient During Arizona’s Inferno

When the desert sun relentlessly bakes everything, your air conditioner is your lifeline. But that extreme heat also stresses AC systems. Here’s how to keep your system running efficiently and prevent unexpected breakdowns:

Don’t Skip Maintenance

Just like your car requires regular oil changes to keep the engine running smoothly, your AC needs periodic maintenance to stay efficient and battle the heat.

• Annual professional checkup: Before summer, have an HVAC technician perform a cooling tune-up. They can inspect refrigerant levels, electrical components, and clean the coils. This ensures your system can handle soaring temperatures.
• Replace or clean filters monthly: A clogged filter limits airflow and forces your unit to work harder. Clean filters improve efficiency and extend the life of your system.

However, if the cooling season is already in full swing, schedule an appointment anyway – service during the season is still better than skipping it altogether.

Set Your Thermostat Appropriately

Those 100-plus-degree days are unavoidable, but your indoor temperature plays a big role:

• Set your thermostat to the high 70s. Consider setting your thermostat to 78°F; it strikes a balance between comfort and efficiency. Lower settings (especially below 70) won’t cool your home much faster, and it’ll lead to extra strain, wear and tear, and repairs.
• Use a programmable or smart thermostat. Program it to raise the temperature slightly when you’re away and return to the high 70s before you get home. That avoids overworking the system.

Consistent and moderate indoor temps help your AC run steadily rather than cycling on and off and working overtime.

Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear of Debris

Your AC’s outside unit (condenser) needs breathing room to function efficiently and prevent overheating:

• Keep it clean: Dust, leaves, and debris reduce airflow. Gently clean the fins and surrounding area to help the unit release heat efficiently.
• Trim back vegetation: Keep at least 2 feet of clearance all around.
• Shade, but not too much: Some indirect shade helps it run cooler; avoid dense shade that can trap humidity and heat against the unit.

A properly maintained condenser means fewer breakdowns when you need cooling most.

Detecting Early Warning Signs Before the Breakdown

Your AC often gives you clues before it fails completely. Keep an eye (and ear) out for these red flags:

• Rising Energy Bills. If your energy bill is climbing even though your habits haven’t changed, your system may be losing efficiency. This could be from dirty coils, clogged filters, or a struggling compressor.
• Weak Airflow. If the air coming from your vents feels faint or uneven, it usually means airflow is restricted. The cause might be a blocked filter, duct issues, or a failing blower motor.
• Warm Air Instead of Cold. When the AC blows warm air, it could signal low refrigerant levels, a frozen coil, or compressor problems. Either way, it won’t improve without professional service.
• Frequent Short Cycling. If your unit is turning on and off every few minutes, it’s working harder than it should. This can lead to faster wear on components and higher energy costs.
• Strange Noises or Odors. Banging or hissing often points to mechanical trouble, while musty smells suggest mold in the ducts or drainage issues. These shouldn’t be ignored, since they can quickly escalate.

At the first sign of trouble, call a qualified technician. Catching small issues early almost always costs less than dealing with a major repair – or worse, a complete system replacement – in the middle of an Arizona heat wave.