When we first moved to Scottsdale from the Chicago area, we knew the summers were going to be hot, but really didn't have a lot of tips on how to keep cooler AND save some money. Over the years, we've learned a few things and I'm going to share some of the things we've learned.
1. When watering your plants outside, whether on a drip system or by hand, water first thing in the AM or after sunset to avoid as much evaporation as possible.
2. Trees are nature's air conditioning with shaded areas being as much as 10 degrees lower than sunny areas. Choose a deciduous tree - one which drops it's leaves in the winter when you want the sun to help warm up your house. Planting your trees on the east and west side of your house will help cool those areas. Ideally, one in the northwest corner of your home will pay off in cooling bills in just one year.
3. Ceiling fans will allow you to turn your thermostats up one or two degrees as it creates the feeling of additional cooling (ours are set at 84). If it's in the main room where the thermostat is located, it will circulate the air so there are fewer hot pockets. If it's not in the main room, turn it OFF when you're not in the room.
4. Install a programmable thermostat. If you're going to be out of your home for work, program it to 3-4 degrees warmer, with a reset about 1/2 hour before you're due home. Because we don't have the humidity like back north/east, our cooling systems will cool an entire home down in less than an hour.
5. Be sure you have some type of window coverings, even on the windows which don't have direct sunlight. Wood blinds will probably keep the heat out the best, but there are other thermal coverings which work well. If nothing else, put up an old sheet.
6. Check the caulking around your windows and doors to make sure there are no leaks. Putting in a bead or two of caulk is so easy and inexpensive and can save you more than three times it's cost.
7. Do your laundry early in the AM or after 5:00 PM at night. Many of our electric plans have peak/off peak usage and charge us for that!!!! When drying those large objects like sheets, towels, blankets, comforters, rugs, etc, let them dry partially in the dryer, then take them outside and drape them over your patio furniture for the final drying. Besides, you know how those large objects get all balled up and the middle is still damp.
8. Use nature's own hair dryer. Every morning after taking a shower, I sit outside in the shade for about 5 minutes to let the warm air and breezes dry my hair most of the way. I use this time as my "meditation" time - thinking only good thoughts, saying thanks for all the blessings I have and saying prayers for friends, family, the world - whatever. No work time here!!! Then, I go in and use the blow dryer just for the finish styling for less than 5 minutes and I have shoulder length hair.
9. Ease off the gas pedal when driving, particularly if you see the light ahead of you is red. There is no reward for being the first person to arrive at a stop light. Plan your trip so you are making the most direct route with no zig zagging. Hold off going to that "one out of the way" stop until you have another stop in that same area. Be sure you have the tire pressure in your vehicle tested frequently - the extreme pavement heat is BRUTAL on our tires.
10. Fill your gas tank first thing in the AM or after sunset if possible. Have you ever 
seen those vapors coming out of your tank when you're filling up in the heat? Well, that's the gas YOU'RE paying for and it's just putting more pollutants into the air.
Bonus tip: lower the temperature on your water heater. In the winter, we all like to warm up in a shower, but who needs HOT, HOT, HOT water when it's already 110 outside? We have one water heater on solar, but the other one is turned to the lowest setting without putting it on vacation setting and it's plenty warm.
I hope these tips help you stay cool in our Scottsdale/Phoenix summer AND save you some money.
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