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DTPR JULY THROUGH AUGUST 2025 / FINANCE & REAL ESTATE
Seal and Insulate to Block Heat
Air leaks and poor insulation allow heat to infiltrate, overworking
your AC. Check windows, doors, and ductwork for gaps, sealing
them with weatherstripping or caulk—DIY kits from Home Depot
cost under $20 and reduce energy loss by 10%. Install foam gaskets
behind electrical outlets on exterior walls to block drafts. Insulate
your attic to an R-38 value, ideal for Phoenix’s climate, to minimize
heat transfer. Contact a local provider like Green Faith Solutions
(https://greenfaithsolutions.com 602-497-2764; 5 stars with 300+
reviews) for a consultation. These upgrades, often eligible for APS
or SRP rebates, can save $100–$200 yearly and increase home
value by up to 5%, per the National Association of Realtors. Check
https://www.aps.com or https://www.srpnet.com for current rebate
details to offset installation costs.
Use Window Treatments to Deflect Sunlight
Phoenix’s intense sunlight can raise indoor temperatures by 10–
20°F. Install energy-efficient window treatments, such as cellular
shades or thermal curtains, which block up to 95% of heat gain,
according to the Department of Energy. Low-emissivity (low-E)
window films, professionally applied by a provider like American
Window Film (https://www.americanwindowfilm.com, 602-589-5385;
4.7 stars with 50+ reviews), reflect solar heat while preserving
natural light, cutting cooling costs by 20%. For budget-conscious
homeowners, reflective sunshades on west- and south-facing
windows during peak afternoon hours offer a low-cost alternative.
These solutions protect furnishings from UV damage, enhancing
your home’s interior appeal and longevity, a key factor in Phoenix’s
real estate market.
Boost Airflow with Fans
Ceiling as well as portable fans are affordable tools to enhance
cooling, making rooms feel 4–6°F cooler. Run ceiling fans counter-
clockwise at medium speed to circulate cool air, and use portable
fans in occupied rooms to reduce AC reliance. Energy Star-rated
fans, available at Lowe’s, use 60% less energy than standard
models. Pair fans with a “fan-only” setting at night when temperatures
drop below 90°F, cutting AC use by 10–15%. For whole-house
cooling, consider an attic fan to vent hot air, installed by a vendor
like Cool Blew, Inc. (https://www.coolblew.com, 623-872-2900;
4.7 stars with 800+ reviews). Fans are a low-cost way to maintain
comfort and save on energy bills.
Photography by: Anatoliy Gleb