Last updated: November 1, 2026
Short answer: When you shop for a home for Arizona heat in Avondale, AZ, look hardest at the cooling system, the roof, the sun exposure and your electric plan. Phoenix averages 111 days a year at 100°F or hotter, so have a qualified heating and cooling inspector check the A/C, and ask what refrigerant it uses.
Key takeaways
- The National Weather Service's Phoenix office lists an average of 111 days a year at 100°F or hotter and 21 days at 110°F or hotter (1991–2020 normals), usually from early May into early October.
- The Arizona Department of Real Estate's Buyer Advisory says to make sure the cooling and heating systems are adequate and, if it matters to you, to hire a qualified heating and cooling inspector.
- The EPA says U.S. production and import of HCFC-22 (R-22) refrigerant ended in 2020, so ask what an older system uses.
- APS and SRP both offer time-of-use plans where weekday on-peak hours cost more, so the plan you pick matters as much as the house.
Want to talk it through? Book a time to chat with me (free, 30 minutes, 9 AM–7 PM Arizona time).
¡Qué tal! I'm Rosie Armenta. If you're moving to Avondale from somewhere with real winters, our summers will be the biggest change. A home here has to do one job really well: stay cool, for months, without draining your wallet. The good news is that you can check a lot of this before you buy. Here's what Mariela and I look at with buyers, so you know what to ask on every tour.
How hot does it really get in Avondale?
Hot, and for a long stretch. The National Weather Service's Phoenix office keeps the official numbers for the Phoenix station, which is the closest long-term record for the West Valley. Based on 1991–2020 normals, Phoenix averages:
- 111 days a year at 100°F or hotter.
- 21 days a year at 110°F or hotter.
- A first 100-degree day around May 2 and a last one around October 5.
The record stretch of 100-degree days was 113 days in a row, from May 27 to September 16, 2024. That's why the cooling system matters so much when you buy here.
What should I check on the A/C before I buy?
The A/C is the heart of an Arizona home. The Arizona Department of Real Estate's Buyer Advisory says to make sure the cooling and heating systems are adequate and, if it's important to you, to hire a qualified heating and cooling inspector. I'd add these questions:
- How old is the unit? Ask the seller and look for the date on the outside unit's label.
- What refrigerant does it use? The EPA says production and import of HCFC-22 (often called R-22) ended in 2020. An older R-22 system can still run, but plan for the day it needs work.
- Is there a service record? Regular maintenance is a good sign.
- Does every room cool evenly? Walk the whole house, upstairs too, on a warm afternoon if you can.
My guide on what happens at an Arizona home inspection explains the inspection period and how buyers ask for repairs.
What home features help with the heat?
| Feature | Why it matters in Avondale | What to ask or check |
|---|---|---|
| A/C system | It may run for months with only short breaks | Age, refrigerant type, service records, a qualified HVAC inspection |
| Roof | Sun and summer storms are hard on roofs | ADRE recommends a roof inspection by a licensed roofer if the roof is 10 years old or older |
| Sun exposure | West-facing windows get the strong afternoon sun | Which way the back of the house faces, shade screens, covered patio |
| Windows and insulation | They keep cool air in | Ask the seller what's been updated; your inspector can comment |
| Garage | Garages get very hot in summer | Insulated door, what you plan to store there |
| Pool equipment | Pumps use power and can run on a timer | Timer settings, equipment age, a separate pool inspection |
| Yard | Desert landscaping uses less water | Drip irrigation, shade trees, artificial turf condition |
Does the electric plan really make a difference?
Yes. Depending on the address, a home in Avondale gets electricity from APS or SRP, so check the service-area maps first. Both offer time-of-use plans:
- APS lists a "Time-of-Use 4pm–7pm Weekdays" plan. Energy costs more from 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and summer rates apply to May–October bills. APS suggests running a pool pump before 4 p.m.
- SRP lists a "Conserve 6–9 p.m. and Save" plan. On-peak hours are 6 to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, and super off-peak is 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day. SRP suggests precooling the house from 3 to 6 p.m.
Plan names and hours change, so look at the utility's current plan page before you choose. My guide on setting up utilities when you move to Avondale walks you through the start-service steps.
Who should fix the A/C or roof if something comes up?
Use a licensed contractor. The ADRE Buyer Advisory explains that a contractor's license is required for work on a property unless the total price, labor and materials included, is under $1,000, the work is minor and no building permit is needed. You can look up a contractor's license with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors before you hire.
What else should I plan for my first summer?
- Monsoon season. The National Weather Service defines it as June 15 to September 30. My guide on pools, desert yards and monsoons in Avondale covers storms and flood checks.
- Insurance. Ask your agent how the roof's age affects your quote. My guide on homeowners insurance in Avondale explains what drives the cost.
- A backup plan. Know your A/C company's number before the first 110-degree day.
Ready to find a home that's built for the heat?
Browse our Avondale home search and save the homes you like. Mariela and I do live video tours for out-of-state buyers, and we can point the camera at the A/C label, the roof line and the backyard sun for you. If you own a home here and want to know its value, get a free home value report. You can also call or text me at 623-295-5770.
Save this checklist for your next tour, or send it to the person you're moving with.
Have questions about homes and the heat? Book a time to chat with me (free, 30 minutes, 9 AM–7 PM Arizona time), or call or text me at 623-295-5770.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 100-degree days does Avondale get?
The National Weather Service's official Phoenix station averages 111 days a year at 100°F or hotter, based on 1991–2020 normals. Avondale is in the same valley, so plan for a similar long, hot season.
What should I ask about the A/C when buying a home in Arizona?
Ask how old the unit is, what refrigerant it uses, whether there are service records and whether every room cools evenly. The ADRE Buyer Advisory suggests a qualified heating and cooling inspector if it matters to you.
Is an R-22 air conditioner a problem?
It can still run, but the EPA says U.S. production and import of HCFC-22 (R-22) ended in 2020. Ask your inspector about the system's condition and plan for future repairs or replacement.
When should I get a roof inspection in Arizona?
The ADRE Buyer Advisory says a roof inspection by a licensed roofing contractor is highly recommended when the roof is 10 years old or older.
Does it matter which way a house faces in Arizona?
It can. Rooms and windows that face west get the strong afternoon sun. Look at shade screens, covered patios and how warm those rooms feel during a tour.
What are on-peak hours for APS and SRP?
APS lists a time-of-use plan with on-peak hours from 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays. SRP lists a plan with on-peak hours from 6 to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday. Check each utility's current plan page, since plans can change.
Is APS or SRP my electric company in Avondale?
It depends on the address. Some parts of Avondale are served by APS and others by SRP, so check the service-area maps or call the utility before you move.
Can I see a home's A/C and roof if I'm buying from out of state?
Yes. Mariela and I do live video tours for out-of-state buyers, and your inspector's written report and photos fill in the details.
This article is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Please talk with a licensed attorney, CPA, or lender about your situation.
About the authors
Rosie Armenta | West USA Realty. She works with Mariela Armenta, a licensed agent on her team. Avondale (85392) is their home base, and they help buyers and sellers across the West Valley in English and Spanish. Book a time to chat with Rosie (free, 30 minutes), or call or text 623-295-5770. Selling? Get a free home value report.
Rosie Armenta | West USA Realty | Equal Housing Opportunity
Information was checked on November 1, 2026, from the National Weather Service Phoenix office's Extreme Temperature Facts (1991–2020 normals), the Arizona Department of Real Estate Buyer Advisory (January 2025), the EPA's HCFC phaseout page, and the APS and SRP residential plan pages. Every home is different, so your inspector and utility confirm what applies to you.