Optima McDowell Mountain Village Condos
July 2, 2026
The Most Expensive Condos in Scottsdale
July 2, 2026How to Summer-ize Your Scottsdale Condo
The price we pay for the best winter weather in the country is some heat in the summer and the occasional monsoon storm. A few simple steps will protect your Scottsdale condo or townhome through the season — and luckily, the list is short. Since the HOA handles landscaping, pools, and shared amenities, your prep work is minimal compared to what single-family homeowners deal with.
Service Your Air Conditioner
This one’s non-negotiable. Arizona summers are tough on A/C systems — dust from storms and windy days accumulates on filters and coils, forcing the system to work harder and less efficiently. Left unchecked, that means higher energy bills, degraded air quality, and the very real risk of a breakdown on the hottest day of the year. A seasonal tune-up will cover filter cleaning, coil inspection, refrigerant levels, and electrical checks. Schedule it before the heat arrives, not after.
Watch What You're Storing in the Garage
West-facing garages especially can reach extreme temperatures in summer. Candles, batteries, old chemicals, and propane tanks should be cleared out or relocated — propane is better stored outside with airflow. If you’re leaving a car in the garage all summer, be aware that heat accelerates battery degradation, so don’t be surprised if you need a replacement when you return. Adding insulation to a west-facing garage door can make a meaningful difference in temperature.
Prep for Monsoon Season
Monsoon season runs July through September, and the winds often arrive before the rain — sometimes hitting 30–40 mph or more. Before a storm rolls in or before leaving for an extended stretch, secure or bring in patio and balcony furniture, stow cushions, and tie down or collapse umbrellas. It only takes one good gust to send things over a railing.
If You're Leaving for the Summer
For snowbirds heading out, a few extra steps go a long way:
- Service your A/C before you leave and set the thermostat to 80–82°F. Higher temperatures can warp cabinetry, melt candles, and overwork your refrigerator.
- Place buckets of water in the shower to add a little humidity to the air.
- Check your EV manufacturer’s guidelines for storing an electric vehicle in the heat.
Condos and townhomes are ideal lock-and-leave properties — and this short checklist is proof. Contact us for expert help finding the perfect Scottsdale condo for your lifestyle.
Information in this article has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed.
