Arizona is a wonderful place. Beautiful vistas, incredible landscapes for hiking and exploring, and here in the Valley, access to just about everything a person could want. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows – though there is a lot of sunshine. Arizona’s heat can be extreme in the summer, especially in the Phoenix metropolitan area. This time, on the Budget Blinds of Scottsdale and Fountain Hills blog, we are going to talk about adapting to Arizona’s climate.

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

Hydration is important no matter where you are, but it’s absolutely crucial in Arizona. Eight glasses of water will not do the trick in the Arizona summer. Make sure you’re drinking enough water so that any sweating you do doesn’t immediately deplete you entirely. Nothing is less fun than hitting the point of dehydration and feeling crummy for the next day and a half while you return to normal.

This is especially important if you plan on running errands, working out, hiking, or engaging in any other outdoor activity. Sweating is how our bodies regulate their temperature, and without adequate hydration, your body will struggle to cool you, and you’ll suffer the effects of dehydration.

A/C is Critical

If you are moving to Arizona from elsewhere in the country, you might not realize just how necessary a good, efficient A/C is. Some places get by with just a heater and ceiling fans, but not here in the Grand Canyon state!

Okay, sure. In this instance, this is more about how to acclimate your home to you. It's not so much that you are acclimating to Arizona, but you get it. Air conditioning is hugely important for comfort and well-being in Arizona, so wherever you’re moving, ensure your A/C is ready for use.

If this is your first time having to worry about an A/C, here are a few quick tips to keep your A/C running:

Stay On Top of Maintenance—Get a regular tune-up or check every year to make sure there are no leaks in your system, shorts in the circuits, or other issues. We recommend getting a checkup in the spring before summer hits—with summer, the need for A/C repair goes up, and so will prices.
Keep Your A/C Area Clear—Wherever your A/C unit is, make sure it’s free and clear of debris and overgrowth. This includes indoor units, too! ACs need clear air to breathe and work efficiently.
Change Your Filter Often – Another thing about Arizona? It can sure be dusty! Make sure you’re changing your A/C filter regularly, especially if you have pets. Dirty filters are one of the big causes of A/C troubles, causing the system to overwork and underperform.

Wear Loose-Fitting & Light Clothing

Dressing for the weather is important no matter where you are! Here in Arizona, that means wearing light, loose-fitting clothes. This helps allow air to circulate freely, promoting sweat evaporation, which is essential for that natural cooling we mentioned earlier. Light-colored fabrics reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, reducing heat retention. Additionally, lightweight and breathable materials like cotton or linen wick moisture away from the skin, enhancing airflow and preventing overheating.

Recognize and Understand Heat Stroke

Living in a warm, sun-rich environment means it is especially important to recognize the signs of heat sickness and heatstroke. Your body can overheat quickly, so knowing the symptoms can help you stay safe.

When it comes to heat exhaustion, be on the lookout for nausea, muscle cramps, dizziness, heavy sweating, and fatigue. Heatstroke looks slightly different, with symptoms including confusion, high body temperature (above 103°F), flushed skin, a rapid pulse, and confusion.

If you or someone else experiences these, move to a cool, shaded area, hydrate, and seek medical help for heatstroke. Staying alert to these signs can make all the difference in keeping you and yours safe in the new climate.

Say Hello to Sunscreen, Your New Best Friend

Here in Scottsdale and Fountain Hills, we get over 330 sunny days a year! It’s one of the great things about this part of Arizona and why so many people want to move here. But that comes with some complications of its own. Enter sunscreen—it’s your skin’s best defense against harmful UV rays! Sunscreen helps protect against sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Look for a broad-spectrum formula with at least SPF 30 and apply it generously 15 minutes before heading outside. Don’t skimp on spots like your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet. Remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. Pair it with shade and protective clothing for maximum protection. Taking these steps ensures your skin stays healthy and safe while you enjoy all that Arizona sunshine!

Get the Right Window Coverings

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention one last thing! When you find your new nest here in Arizona, make sure your window coverings – your blinds, shades, curtains, whatever – are up to snuff! Properly covering your windows is the most cost-effective way to protect your home from excess UV rays. Some coverings, such as solar shades, can block up to 99% of UV while still letting in light. That helps keep your furniture, your home, and you comfortable! Here’s another blog on just that subject!

Alright, we’ll leave it there for now. Whether you’re moving here to escape the cold, looking for new sunny opportunities, or just want to see what desert living has to offer – we’re happy to have you here! And while we can’t help you with your AC, if you need the right window coverings to keep your rooms cool, your utility bill low, and your home stylish – Budget Blinds of Scottsdale and Fountain Hills has you covered!

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!