☀️ Living in the Desert? Stay Cool with These 5 Smart Tips
Summers in the Coachella Valley can bring triple-digit heat for weeks on end—but with a few smart strategies, you can stay cool, comfortable, and even cut down on your utility bills. Whether you're a longtime resident or planning to relocate, here are five essential tips for beating the heat in style.
🧊 1. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Using a smart thermostat like Nest or Ecobee allows you to automate your A/C schedule, optimize your cooling cycles, and even control your home remotely.
- Set temps higher while you're away (85°F+)
- Pre-cool your home before peak demand hours (like IID’s new 4–9 PM window)
- Use scheduling and geofencing to save 10–20% on energy bills
🌿 2. Use Desert Landscaping to Your Advantage
Strategic landscaping isn’t just for curb appeal—it helps with heat control:
- Plant desert-adapted shade trees like palo verde or mesquite on the south and west sides
- Use rock mulch and reflective surfaces to reduce heat absorption
- Install alumawood patio covers or awnings to block the sun without trapping heat
Proper shade can lower the temperature around your home by up to 15°F.
🏊 3. Invest in a Pool (or Cool Deck)
A backyard pool is more than a luxury—it’s a climate strategy.
- Swimming early morning or late evening helps regulate body temperature naturally
- Install light-colored or textured cool decking to avoid burning feet
- Use solar covers at night to reduce water evaporation
If a pool isn’t in your future, a misting system and shaded lounge area can offer a surprisingly effective (and stylish) alternative.
🪟 4. Tint Your Windows and Upgrade Insulation
A huge amount of indoor heat gain happens through your windows and attic.
- Apply low-E window films to reduce solar heat by up to 70%
- Replace worn weatherstripping and use thermal curtains
- Consider blown-in attic insulation or a radiant barrier to block heat from your roof
These improvements keep your A/C running less—especially crucial in older homes.
⏱️ 5. Time Your Day Like a Local
Smart scheduling is everything in the desert:
- Plan errands and outdoor workouts before 10 AM or after sunset
- Set sprinklers or irrigation systems to run at night
- Avoid cooking with the oven during peak hours—opt for grilling outside or using an air fryer
Bonus Tip:
If you drive a newer vehicle, many allow you to start the engine and A/C remotely from your phone or key fob. This is a game-changer in the Coachella heat. One of the most uncomfortable moments of the day is getting into a car that’s hotter than the air outside—so pre-cooling your car before you leave can make a massive difference in your comfort (and your mood).
And yes—many locals embrace the midday siesta. That’s desert wisdom at work.
🏡 Ready to Find a Home Built to Beat the Heat?
Whether you're relocating, upsizing, or investing, choosing the right desert home can make all the difference when it comes to staying cool—and saving money.
Fill out the contact form below to start your home search with a local expert who knows how to match you with the right property and energy-saving features.