First page Previous page 23 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

⁄ 23

DTPR MAGAZINE #15-4: July - August 2025

Leverage Smart Landscaping

Strategic landscaping can lower your home’s temperature by 10–15°F. Plant native, deciduous trees like desert willows

or mesquites on west and south sides to block summer sun while allowing winter light, as recommended by the

Arizona Nursery Association. These low-water species reduce irrigation costs, a financial win in arid Phoenix. Use

reflective mulch or gravel to minimize ground heat absorption. For immediate shade, install awnings or trellises over

windows through a provider like Arizona Awnings (https://www.azawning.com, 602-252-3430; 4.7 stars with 20+

reviews). These upgrades can cut cooling costs by 10% and boost curb appeal, potentially increasing home value by

3–7%.

Adopt Cool Lifestyle Habits

Simple habits amplify efficiency. Close blinds during the day to block heat, and run appliances like dishwashers at

night to avoid adding indoor warmth. Switch to LED bulbs, which emit 80% less heat than incandescents, saving $50–

$75 yearly. Use outdoor grills or microwaves instead of ovens to keep kitchens cool. Encourage lightweight clothing

and hydration to reduce the urge to lower the thermostat. For renters, portable AC units or evaporative coolers from

Home Depot provide affordable cooling for smaller spaces.

Financial and Environmental Benefits

These strategies—AC maintenance, sealing, window treatments, fans, landscaping, and lifestyle tweaks—can save

$300–$500 annually on utility bills, per APS estimates. SRP’s Cool Cash program offers rebates (not tax credits) for

qualifying upgrades like smart thermostats or insulation, reducing upfront costs—visit https://www.srpnet.com for

details. Federal tax credits may apply for high-efficiency AC units; check https://www.energystar.gov for eligibility. Efficient

cooling enhances your home’s marketability in Phoenix’s competitive real estate market, as well as supporting

Arizona’s sustainability goals.

Stay Cool, Save Smart

Phoenix’s summer heat is relentless, but with these cost-effective tips and trusted vendors, you can keep your home

cool, cut energy costs, and protect your property’s value. Verify vendor ratings and contact details before hiring, and

explore APS and SRP rebates to maximize savings. Stay comfortable, save money, and make your Phoenix home a

cool retreat all summer long.

Photography by: Rudy Matchinga