News > How to Summer-ize your Scottsdale Condo

2025-05-16

The price we pay for the best winter weather in the country is a little heat in the summer and some monsoon storms, so a few steps to protect your Scottsdale condo or townhome for the summer are in order. Luckily, much of the tasks that need to be done are minor compared to the tasks home owners have, since the HOA monitors and maintains the landscaping, hot tubs and pool. Here's the short list:

Service your air conditioner

Air conditioners can take a beating in Arizona summers, with the dust that accumulates during our dust storms or just a windy day. Dirty filters and coils can cause your air conditioning system to run less efficiently. That could cause a degradation or breakdown in the system, worsening of the air quality in your home, and can also cause the system to work harder on hot days, which increases your energy usage. Your A/C technician will also check for electrical problems, clogged filters and refrigerant leaks, which could also cause a very unwanted disruption in A/C operation in the summer. One thing we need in Scottsdale is our air conditioner!

Bring in items that don't do well in the heat.

If you have a garage or storage room, be mindful of what you are storing there. Especially if your storage room or garage door has west facing sun, the temperatures there can soar in the summer. Things that catch on fire, degrade or go boom should be removed, like candles, batteries, old flammable chemicals (always a good idea to remove from the garage anyway), and propane tanks which are better stored outside with air flow). Cars can be stored in garages during the summer, but be mindful that car batteries degrade quickly and you may have to replace it more often than in cooler climates.

If you have a west facing garage door, consider insulating it, which could lower the garage temperatures significantly.

Get Ready For Monsoons

We love the rain that the July-September monsoon season produces, but the monsoon winds often come first before the rain. Winds can reach up to 30-40 miles per hour, and sometimes more in rare cases. So, be ready to tie down or remove patio or balcony furniture before a storm hits or before leaving for an extended period. Patio cushions can be brought in to keep them from flying away and getting dusty. Umbrellas should be tied down or brought in.

Other Suggestions if you are Leaving for the Summer

For snowbirds leaving for the summer, here are additional suggestions:

• Service your A/C before you leave.
• Set your air conditioner thermostat to 80-82 degrees. Higher temperatures can dry out your cabinets, melt candles and make your refrigerator work harder, among other things.
• Put out some buckets in the shower with water to add a little humidity to the air.
• Check your manufacturer's instructions for Electric Vehicles you are leaving for the summer.

Condos and townhomes make ideal candidates for those looking for a lock-and-leave residence or for those who prefer not to have a list of outside things to do. Contact us for expert assistance in finding the perfect place in Scottsdale!

 

Though not guaranteed, information and statistics in this article have been acquired from sources believed to be reliable.