Guest post by Viking Heating & Air Conditioning – Arizona’s trusted family-owned HVAC experts

As a busy mom, there’s nothing more stressful than watching your kids suffer through sweltering heat while your energy bills skyrocket. If you think your summer cooling costs are high, imagine living in Arizona where temperatures regularly hit 115°F and air conditioning runs for 8-9 months of the year!

I’m sharing insights from the team at Viking Heating & Air Conditioning, a family-owned HVAC company in Chandler, Arizona, who’ve been helping families stay comfortable and save money since 2016. Whether you’re dealing with a New York summer or planning a move to the Southwest, these proven air conditioning strategies will help you keep your family cool without breaking the bank.

The Real Cost of Keeping Kids Cool

When you’re a parent, your child’s comfort isn’t negotiable. But cooling costs can quickly spiral out of control. In Arizona, the average family spends $250-400 monthly on air conditioning during peak summer months. Even in milder climates, cooling can represent 50-70% of your summer energy bills.

The good news? You don’t have to choose between your family’s comfort and your budget. With the right approach, you can keep everyone cool while actually reducing your energy costs.

Smart Thermostat Settings That Work for Families

The 78-Degree Rule (That Actually Works)

Many energy experts recommend setting your thermostat to 78°F, but any parent knows that’s easier said than done when kids are cranky from the heat. Here’s the family-friendly approach:

  • Daytime: Set to 78°F when kids are at school or outdoors
  • Evening/Family Time: 75-76°F for comfort during homework and dinner
  • Bedtime: 72-74°F for better sleep (kids need cooler temperatures to rest well)
  • Away from Home: 82-85°F to save energy without sacrificing comfort upon return

Pro Tip from Viking HVAC: Every degree you raise your thermostat can save 6-8% on cooling costs. Even small adjustments add up to significant savings over the summer.

Creating Cool Zones Without Cranking the AC

Strategic Cooling for Busy Families

Instead of cooling your entire house to arctic temperatures, create comfortable zones where your family spends the most time:

Living Room Cool Zone

  • Use ceiling fans to create a “wind chill” effect (allows you to set thermostat 3-4 degrees higher)
  • Close curtains on sun-facing windows during peak heat hours (10 AM – 6 PM)
  • Rearrange furniture away from heat sources like electronics and sunny windows

Kitchen Comfort (The Real Challenge)

  • Cook during cooler hours (early morning or evening)
  • Use smaller appliances (microwave, air fryer, slow cooker) instead of the oven
  • Install under-cabinet lighting instead of overhead fixtures that generate heat
  • Consider grilling outdoors to keep heat out of the house

Bedroom Sanctuaries

  • Invest in cooling mattress pads or breathable sheets
  • Use blackout curtains to block afternoon sun
  • Position fans to create cross-breezes
  • Keep bedroom doors closed during the day to maintain cooler temperatures

The Arizona Mom’s Energy-Saving Secrets

Morning Routine (6 AM – 10 AM)

  • Open windows and use fans to pull in cool morning air
  • Pre-cool your home by setting the thermostat 2-3 degrees lower than usual
  • Do heat-generating activities like laundry and cooking before 10 AM
  • Close all windows and curtains before the sun hits them

Afternoon Strategy (10 AM – 6 PM)

  • Switch to “fortress mode” – everything sealed up
  • Use the “auto” fan setting to circulate air efficiently
  • Move family activities to the coolest rooms
  • Save outdoor activities for after 6 PM

Evening Wind-Down (6 PM – Bedtime)

  • Gradually open windows as outside temperature drops
  • Use attic fans or whole-house fans to flush out hot air
  • Pre-cool bedrooms 30 minutes before bedtime
  • Take cool showers to lower body temperature naturally

When Your AC Can’t Keep Up (Every Parent’s Nightmare)

Warning Signs That Need Professional AC Repair:

  • AC runs constantly but house stays warm
  • Uneven cooling (kids’ rooms are hot while living room is freezing)
  • Sudden spikes in energy bills
  • Strange noises or smells from your air conditioning system
  • Humidity issues (house feels muggy even with AC running)

Emergency AC Repair Strategies While Waiting for Service:

  • Close off unused rooms to concentrate cooling
  • Use box fans in windows to create cross-ventilation at night
  • Freeze wet towels and place on kids’ necks or wrists
  • Set up “cooling stations” with ice packs and cold drinks
  • Consider portable AC units for bedrooms as temporary solution

“We’ve seen too many families suffer through broken AC during heat waves,” says the team at Viking HVAC’s emergency AC repair service. “Having a relationship with a trusted HVAC contractor before you need emergency service can save you days of discomfort and prevent price gouging during peak demand.”

Smart Investments That Pay Off

High-Impact, Low-Cost Improvements

Programmable Thermostat ($50-200)

  • Saves 10-23% on heating and cooling costs
  • Perfect for busy families with varying schedules
  • Many models can be controlled remotely via smartphone

Ceiling Fans ($75-300 each)

  • Allow you to raise thermostat 3-4 degrees while maintaining comfort
  • Use 90% less energy than air conditioning
  • Help circulate air for more even cooling

Window Treatments ($20-100 per window)

  • Cellular shades can reduce heat gain by up to 40%
  • Reflective window film blocks 99% of UV rays
  • Thermal curtains provide insulation year-round

Bigger Investments with Major Returns

Attic Insulation ($1,500-3,000)

  • Reduces cooling costs by 15-25%
  • Keeps hot air from penetrating your living space
  • Especially important in two-story homes where upstairs stays hot

Ductwork Sealing ($300-1,000)

  • Prevents 20-40% energy loss through leaky ducts
  • Improves air quality by reducing dust and allergens
  • Ensures even cooling throughout your home

High-Efficiency AC Installation ($5,000-12,000)

  • Modern air conditioning systems use 30-50% less energy than units over 10 years old
  • Better humidity control for improved comfort
  • Quieter operation (important for naptime and nighttime!)
  • Professional AC installation ensures proper sizing and optimal performance

Teaching Kids to Be Energy-Smart

Making Conservation Fun for Children:

The Family Energy Challenge

  • Set monthly energy reduction goals and celebrate with special activities
  • Create a “energy detective” game where kids find energy waste around the house
  • Use smart thermostats with apps to show real-time energy use
  • Reward kids for remembering to close doors and turn off lights

Age-Appropriate Energy Lessons

Ages 3-6: Simple actions like closing doors and using fans Ages 7-12: Understanding the thermostat and learning about energy costs Ages 13+: Involving them in energy bill analysis and home improvement decisions

Cool Activities That Don’t Require Extra AC

  • Indoor obstacle courses in the coolest room
  • Ice experiments and frozen treat making
  • Water play activities (even indoors with towels)
  • Reading time in the “cave” (coolest, darkest room)
  • Board games and puzzles in air-conditioned comfort

Red Flags: When to Call a Professional

Don’t Wait Until Emergency Strikes

As parents, we’re used to fixing everything ourselves, but HVAC problems can quickly become dangerous and expensive. Call a professional immediately if you notice:

  • Ice on your AC unit (sign of refrigerant problems)
  • Electrical burning smells (potential fire hazard)
  • Water leaks around your system (can cause mold and structural damage)
  • Carbon monoxide detector alerts (life-threatening emergency)
  • Dramatic increases in energy bills without increased usage

“Prevention is always cheaper than emergency AC repair,” explains the team at Viking HVAC’s maintenance services. “We recommend annual HVAC maintenance before the cooling season starts, just like you’d service your car before a long road trip. It’s especially important for families because you can’t afford to be without air conditioning when kids are depending on you.”

Planning Ahead: The Smart Parent’s Approach

Spring HVAC Preparation Checklist

  • [ ] Schedule professional AC maintenance (before you need it)
  • [ ] Change air conditioning filters (mark calendar for monthly changes)
  • [ ] Test thermostat and replace batteries
  • [ ] Clean vents and registers throughout the house
  • [ ] Inspect and clean ceiling fans
  • [ ] Check weather stripping around doors and windows
  • [ ] Plan summer schedule around energy-saving strategies

Emergency HVAC Preparedness

  • Research and save contact info for reliable HVAC contractors offering 24/7 emergency AC repair
  • Keep portable fans and cooling supplies on hand
  • Identify the coolest room in your house for emergency situations
  • Have a backup plan for extreme heat days (pool, mall, library, friends’ houses)

Arizona-Tested, Mom-Approved Final Tips

Living in Arizona’s extreme heat has taught us that keeping kids comfortable while managing energy costs requires strategy, not just money. Here are the most effective approaches:

The 80/20 Rule: Focus on the 20% of actions that give 80% of the results:

  1. Strategic thermostat management
  2. Proper use of fans and window treatments
  3. Regular professional HVAC maintenance
  4. Creating cool zones instead of cooling the whole house
  5. Teaching kids energy-smart habits

The Parent’s Reality Check: Perfect energy efficiency isn’t realistic with kids. Aim for “good enough” consistently rather than “perfect” occasionally. Small, sustainable changes beat dramatic gestures that you can’t maintain.

The Safety First Principle: Never compromise your family’s health and safety for energy savings. A slightly higher energy bill is always better than heat exhaustion, dehydration, or sleep deprivation.

Your Next Steps

Whether you’re dealing with a New York heat wave or considering a move to the Sun Belt, these air conditioning strategies will help you keep your family comfortable while protecting your budget. Remember:

  1. Start with the basics: thermostat management, fans, and window treatments
  2. Invest in HVAC maintenance: an annual AC tune-up prevents emergency breakdowns
  3. Plan ahead: research reliable HVAC contractors before you need them
  4. Make it a family effort: teach kids to be part of the solution

For Arizona families, Viking Heating & Air Conditioning has been the trusted choice for reliable, honest HVAC service since 2016. Their family-owned approach means they understand the unique challenges of keeping families comfortable in extreme heat. Viking HVAC serves Chandler, Phoenix, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Queen Creek with complete air conditioning services including repair, installation, and maintenance. Call (480) 689-5167 for emergency AC repair service.

For families everywhere: The principles remain the same regardless of your climate. Smart cooling strategies, proper maintenance, and professional relationships ensure your family stays comfortable while keeping energy costs manageable.

About the Author: This guide was developed in collaboration with Viking Heating & Air Conditioning, a family-owned HVAC company serving Phoenix Metro Valley since 2016. With over 40 years of combined experience, their team specializes in helping families stay comfortable while managing energy costs in extreme climates.

Contact Viking HVAC:

  • Phone: (480) 689-5167
  • Website: viking-hvac.com
  • Service Areas: Chandler, Phoenix, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Queen Creek
  • Emergency Service: Available 24/7

Have questions about cooling your home efficiently? Leave them in the comments below, and the Viking HVAC team will provide personalized advice for your family’s situation.