Every year, Tucson's summer catches some homeowners off guard. Temperatures soar past 100 degrees by June and stay there well into September. Being prepared means the difference between a comfortable summer and a stressful, expensive one. Here is your complete checklist for getting your home ready.
Schedule Your AC Tune-Up Now
The most important step you can take is having your AC professionally serviced before summer. Waiting until June, when every HVAC company in Tucson is slammed with emergency calls, means longer wait times and less flexibility. Our technicians check refrigerant levels, clean coils, test electrical components, and ensure everything is running at peak efficiency. Schedule your tune-up in March, April, or May for the best availability.
Replace Your Air Filter
Start the season with a fresh filter and plan to change it monthly through October. In Tucson's dusty conditions, a clean filter is critical for both system performance and indoor air quality. Stock up on several filters at once so you always have one ready.
Inspect and Seal Your Ductwork
Up to 30 percent of cooled air can be lost through leaky ductwork, especially in the attic where temperatures soar past 150 degrees. If some rooms in your home are noticeably warmer than others, leaky ducts are a likely cause. Have your ducts professionally inspected and sealed to keep that expensive cooled air where it belongs.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you still have an old manual thermostat, upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat. The energy savings during Tucson's six-month cooling season more than offset the cost. Set it to 85 degrees while you are away and 78 degrees when you are home. Smart thermostats like the Ecobee or Google Nest learn your patterns and optimize automatically.
Seal Windows and Doors
Inspect weather stripping around all exterior doors and windows. Even small gaps let hot air in and cool air out. Adding blackout curtains or reflective window film on south-facing and west-facing windows can reduce solar heat gain by 50 to 70 percent. These are low-cost improvements with significant impact.
Check Your Insulation
Attic insulation is your first line of defense against the Tucson sun. Many older Tucson homes have insufficient attic insulation. If you can see the tops of the ceiling joists when you look into your attic, you likely need more insulation. Upgrading to R-38 or higher can make a dramatic difference in your comfort and energy bills.
Prepare for Monsoon Season
Monsoon storms bring sudden, heavy rain, lightning, and power outages. Clear your gutters and downspouts. Verify that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation. Make sure your outdoor AC unit is secured and protected from flying debris. And have a plan for staying cool if power goes out — portable fans, plenty of water, and knowledge of the nearest cooling center.
Check Your Plumbing
Hot weather increases water usage and stresses plumbing systems. Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets. Ensure your water heater is working properly. Inspect outdoor hose bibs for drips. Water conservation is critical during Tucson's hot, dry pre-monsoon months.
Have an Emergency Plan
Save ABC Water & Air's number in your phone: (520) 812-1597. If your AC fails during a heat wave, fast response matters. We prioritize emergency calls during extreme heat events to get you and your family cool as quickly as possible.