First page Previous page 20 Next page Last page

Discover The Phoenix Region Magazine #15-4 (July 2025 - August 2025)

Mid Summer Issue (Current Issue July-August) Subscribe Free at https://discovertheregion.com/subscribe/ to Gain Access to the Entire Book Now! On The Cover: Kevin Costner 108 Pages Dear Readers, As summer peaks in the Valley, the city hums with monsoon storms, laughter on shaded patios, and the quiet beauty of museum halls. On our cover, we celebrate Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, where Kevin Costner was honored with the Western Spirit Award—highlighting a decade of preserving Western heritage. This season isn’t just about staying cool, but living smartly. “Cool Home, Hot Savings” shares tips to keep homes comfortable and energy bills down, while “Splash Safely” and “Prevent Drowning” offer must-know pool safety advice. And for pet owners, “Fur-ever Friends” helps cats and dogs live together peacefully during lively summer days. Food lovers will find plenty to savor. “Sweet Escapes with a View” reveals Phoenix’s coolest indoor dessert spots, and “Summer Happy Hours” lists the best dining deals in Old Town Scottsdale. Adventurous readers can explore “Exotic Culinary Delights,” featuring goat stew with cassava and vegan lavender ice cream. Beyond dining, we spotlight movement and conservation: “Workout Cool” showcases the inclusive Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center, while “Saving Every Drop of Water!” highlights SRP’s innovative efforts to protect our desert’s most vital resource. When the city heat lingers, “High Country Treks” invites you to cooler trails in Northern Arizona. And indoors, our “Book Reviews” recommend titles like “The Wide Wide Sea,” “Original Sin,” “Never Flinch,” and “Nightshade”—perfect reads for summer afternoons. What truly makes Phoenix summers special isn’t just how we cool off, but how we come together as neighbors, families, and explorers. We hope this issue inspires you to discover, taste, and celebrate the best of our region. Warmly, Marie Taylor Editorial Director Discover The Phoenix Region Magazine

DTPR JULY THROUGH AUGUST 2025 / FINANCE & REAL ESTATE

⁄ 20

Beat The Heat,

Save The Wallet:

Smart Ways to Keep Your Phoenix Home Cool

By Diana Russell

Phoenix’s July and August heat, often soaring past 105°F and at

times reaching 110°F or higher, makes home cooling both a comfort

necessity and a financial challenge. The National Weather Service

ranks Phoenix among the hottest U.S. cities, with air conditioning

costs consuming 50–60% of a household’s energy bill, per the U.S.

Department of Energy. For Valley homeowners, efficient cooling

strategies are essential to maintaining livable indoor spaces while

keeping utility bills in check. This article offers practical, cost-effective

tips to cool your home, protect your real estate investment, and embrace

sustainable living in the Valley of the Sun.

Optimize Your Air Conditioning System

Your AC unit is your first defense against Phoenix’s scorching summers,

but inefficiencies can inflate bills. Replace or clean air filters monthly to

maintain airflow, as clogged filters increase energy use by up to 15%, per

Energy Star. Schedule annual maintenance with a trusted Phoenix

HVAC provider, such as George Brazil Air Conditioning & Heating

(https://www.georgebrazilhvac.com, 602-842-0009; Google Reviews

rating is 4.8 stars with 4000+ reviews) or Island Breeze Air Conditioning

& Heating (https://islandbreeze-ac.com, 623-295-7536; Google Reviews

rating is 5 stars with 500+ reviews). Technicians can inspect refrigerant

levels and clean coils, boosting efficiency. Set your thermostat to 78°F

when home and 85°F when away—each degree cooler raises costs by

3–4%. A smart thermostat, eligible for rebates through Arizona Public

Service (APS) or Salt River Project (SRP), can save up to $180 annually

by automating settings. For long-term savings, consider upgrading to a

high-efficiency AC unit with a SEER rating of 16 or higher, which can cut

cooling costs by 20–50% compared to older systems.

Photography by: Allison