Core Wellness Guide

**Phoenix AC: Is Dry Air Burning B Savings?**

Photograph of Franklin Everett ShawBy Franklin Everett Shaw
December 15, 2025

The sun beats down relentlessly in Phoenix, turning homes into ovens and AC units into overworked heroes. But cranking the thermostat down to a chilly 68 isn’t just bad for the environment; it’s a surefire way to send your SRP bill into the stratosphere. The key to staying cool in the Valley of the Sun without breaking the bank lies in understanding how the desert’s unique dryness impacts your AC’s efficiency and adopting strategies tailored to this specific climate.

Phoenix residents often make the mistake of treating their AC like a simple temperature regulator. They fail to account for the low humidity, which significantly affects how the body perceives temperature and how efficiently the AC unit operates.

Here’s the deal: dry air allows sweat to evaporate more quickly, creating a cooling sensation on your skin. This means you don’t necessarily need to blast the AC to feel comfortable. A slightly higher temperature, combined with increased humidity, can actually feel cooler and save you money.

So, how do you achieve this optimal balance? Let’s break it down, Phoenix-style.

First, embrace the smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat is good, but a smart thermostat is great. Consider a Nest, Ecobee, or Honeywell smart thermostat. These devices learn your habits and adjust the temperature automatically, optimizing for both comfort and energy savings.

  • Pro Tip: Take advantage of features like geofencing. This uses your phone’s location to detect when you’re away from home and automatically adjusts the thermostat to a more energy-efficient setting. Heading to Sedona for the weekend? Your AC won’t be working overtime to cool an empty house.

Next, consider a humidifier. I know, it sounds counterintuitive in the desert, but hear me out. Adding moisture to the air allows you to feel cooler at a higher temperature. A whole-house humidifier is ideal, but even a portable unit in the bedroom can make a difference.

  • Challenge: Many people worry about mold growth with humidifiers. The key is proper maintenance. Clean your humidifier regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup and bacteria growth. Aim for a humidity level between 30-50%.

Now, let’s talk about those charming older homes in Encanto Village and other historic districts. These homes often have character, but they also have drafts. Weather stripping is your friend.

  • DIY Weather Stripping Guide:

    1. Inspect: Walk around your home and identify any gaps around doors and windows. Feel for drafts.
    2. Measure: Measure the length of the gaps you need to seal.
    3. Purchase: Head to your local hardware store (Ace Hardware on McDowell is a good option) and buy weather stripping that matches the size and type of gaps you’re sealing. Foam tape is good for small gaps, while V-seal weather stripping is better for larger gaps.
    4. Clean: Clean the surface where you’ll be applying the weather stripping.
    5. Apply: Carefully peel off the backing and apply the weather stripping to the door or window frame. Make sure it’s firmly attached.
    6. Test: Close the door or window and check for any remaining drafts.

  • Pitfall: Don’t over-seal your home. Homes need some ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and maintain air quality.

SRP (Salt River Project) offers a range of energy efficiency programs specifically designed for Phoenix residents. Take advantage of these!

  • SRP Rebates: SRP offers rebates on energy-efficient appliances, including AC units, smart thermostats, and even pool pumps. Check their website for current offers and eligibility requirements.
  • SRP Home Performance with ENERGY STAR: This program provides a comprehensive home energy audit and helps you identify areas where you can improve energy efficiency. They’ll even connect you with qualified contractors to perform the work.
  • SRP Shade Trees: Plant trees strategically around your home to provide shade and reduce the amount of sunlight that hits your walls and roof. This can significantly lower your cooling costs. SRP even offers free shade trees to eligible customers.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them:

  • Setting the thermostat too low: As mentioned earlier, you don’t need to freeze to feel comfortable. Experiment with slightly higher temperatures and see how you feel. Even a degree or two can make a big difference in your energy bill.
  • Ignoring air leaks: Gaps around doors and windows allow hot air to enter your home, forcing your AC to work harder. Seal those leaks!
  • Neglecting AC maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the air filter and having your AC unit serviced annually, can improve its efficiency and extend its lifespan.
  • Not using ceiling fans: Ceiling fans circulate air and help you feel cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat a few degrees. Make sure your ceiling fans are rotating in the correct direction (counterclockwise in the summer).
  • Running appliances during peak hours: SRP charges higher rates during peak hours (typically afternoons and evenings). Avoid running energy-intensive appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine during these times.

Real-World Scenario:

Let’s say you live in a 1950s bungalow in the Willo Historic District. Your home has single-pane windows and minimal insulation. You’re constantly battling high energy bills.

Here’s a plan of attack:

  1. Start with a home energy audit from SRP. This will identify the biggest energy wasters in your home.
  2. Seal air leaks around windows and doors. This is a relatively inexpensive DIY project that can have a big impact.
  3. Install a smart thermostat and program it to adjust the temperature automatically.
  4. Consider adding a portable humidifier to your bedroom.
  5. Plant shade trees on the west and south sides of your home.
  6. Take advantage of SRP rebates to upgrade to a more energy-efficient AC unit when your current one needs replacing.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and stay comfortable in your Phoenix home without breaking the bank. Remember, it’s not just about blasting the AC; it’s about understanding the desert climate and working with it to create a comfortable and energy-efficient living space.

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