Malcolm Rivera
Arizona is one of the hottest places on Earth from May to September, and heat-related illnesses are common during the summer, with approximately 4,298 people visiting Arizona emergency rooms every year. In 2017, Arizona saw 155 heat-related deaths, and from 2012 to 2023, more than 4,320 people died from exposure to excessive heat. Given these extreme temperatures, it is important to understand what constitutes an emergency temperature for HVAC systems in Arizona. While comfort is a key factor, the heat can be dangerous, especially for the elderly and chronically ill, and blackouts can occur, impacting those who require refrigerated medication. Arizona law requires that rental units are safe, fit, and habitable, and each city sets its own codes regarding the maximum level the interior of a unit can be. For example, in Phoenix, rental units with air conditioning cannot exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit, while evaporative coolers are allowed a maximum of 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum indoor temperature in Phoenix, Arizona | 82°F with air conditioning, 86°F with evaporative cooling |
| Maximum indoor temperature in Tempe, Arizona | 82°F with air conditioning, 86°F with evaporative cooling |
| Maximum indoor temperature in Tucson, Arizona | Not specified |
| Time limit for landlords to fix broken AC | 10 days |
| Average summer temperature in Phoenix and Tucson | Above 100°F |
| Number of heat-related deaths in Arizona in 2017 | 155 |
| Number of people who visit Arizona emergency rooms due to heat-related illnesses | 4,298 per year |
| Number of heat-related deaths in Arizona from 2012 to 2023 | 4,320 |
| Recommended thermostat settings in Arizona | 72-75°F |
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What You'll Learn
Arizona's extreme heat
Arizona is one of the hottest places on Earth from May to September. The state sees soaring temperatures, with summer averages in Phoenix and Tucson, the state's two largest cities, reaching well above 100°F. The extreme heat is not just uncomfortable, but also dangerous. From 2012 to 2023, more than 4,320 people died from exposure to excessive heat in Arizona. Heat-related illnesses are common during the summer, with approximately 4,298 people visiting Arizona emergency rooms each year due to these illnesses.
Dust storms are also common in Arizona, occurring three to four times a year, usually during the hottest months. When dust and summer heat roll through the state, open windows are not an option. As a result, it is crucial to understand your rights as a tenant regarding air conditioning, both for comfort and safety. Arizona law requires that rental units be safe, fit, and habitable. Landlords must provide a rental unit that has fully operating appliances and is safe to occupy.
Each city in Arizona sets its own codes regarding the maximum temperature a rental unit can be. For example, in Phoenix, rental units with air conditioning cannot exceed 82°F, while those with evaporative coolers are allowed a slightly higher maximum temperature of 86°F. These temperatures may seem excessive, but when the temperature soars to 100°F or more, indoor temperatures can climb quickly to much higher levels.
If your rental unit has a broken air conditioner, it is important to take steps to ensure your safety. Arizona law allows you to notify your landlord in writing of the repairs that are needed, and they have ten days to fix the problem. If they fail to do so within the allotted time, you may be able to use the self-help repair statute, which allows you to notify your landlord that you will be fixing the issue yourself and deducting the cost from your rent.
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Landlord responsibilities
In Arizona, landlords have specific responsibilities and legal obligations to ensure the safety and comfort of their tenants. Here are the key landlord responsibilities regarding emergency temperatures and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems:
Maintenance and Repairs
Landlords are responsible for maintaining and repairing HVAC systems to ensure they remain functional. Arizona law requires landlords to keep any existing air conditioning and cooling units in working order. Landlords must address issues promptly upon notification by the tenant. Repairs must be completed within ten days of receiving written notice from the tenant, as per Arizona law (Title 33-1363).
Providing Safe and Habitable Conditions
Landlords are legally required to provide rental units that are safe, fit, and habitable. This includes maintaining indoor temperatures within legally acceptable limits. In Arizona, extreme heat can be dangerous, and landlords must ensure their properties are adequately cooled to mitigate health risks.
Compliance with Local Regulations
Each city in Arizona sets its own codes regarding maximum indoor temperatures. Landlords must comply with these local regulations, which are often based on the type of cooling unit and the outdoor temperature. For example, in Phoenix, if the outdoor temperature is 115 degrees, and the landlord provides a swamp cooler, the indoor temperature must be cooled to at least 95 degrees (20 degrees less than the outside temperature).
Utility Services
Landlords are responsible for supplying essential utility services, including electricity, running water, and gas. They cannot transfer the responsibility for payment of these utility services to the tenant without the tenant's written consent. Additionally, landlords are prohibited from cutting off utilities as a form of punishment for tenants who are behind on rent payments.
Tenant Rights and Remedies
If a landlord fails to provide adequate cooling or fails to address issues within the specified timeframe, tenants have certain rights and remedies. Tenants can utilize the self-help repair statute (A.R.S. §33-1363), which allows them to notify the landlord of their intention to fix the issue and deduct the cost from their rent. In some cases, tenants may also have the option to terminate their lease or pursue legal action for damages.
It is important for landlords to be proactive in maintaining their HVAC systems and addressing any issues promptly to ensure the comfort and safety of their tenants and to comply with Arizona's landlord-tenant laws.
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Tenant rights
In Arizona, extreme heat, soaring temperatures, and dust storms are common. When temperatures exceed 100 degrees, indoor temperatures can climb to dangerous levels. As such, tenants have certain rights to ensure their safety.
Firstly, Arizona law requires that rental units be safe, fit, and habitable. Landlords must provide a rental unit with fully operating appliances and essential services. This includes air conditioning, which is considered an essential service. If a landlord fails to provide these, it is considered a wrongful failure to supply essential services.
If an air conditioning unit breaks, tenants must notify their landlord, starting with a phone call and then following up with an email or written notice. From the day the landlord is notified in writing, they have ten days to fix the problem. This may involve providing a new air conditioning unit, calling in a repair team, or otherwise bringing the indoor temperature down to legally acceptable limits.
If the landlord fails to repair the air conditioning within ten days, tenants may be able to use the self-help repair statute. This allows tenants to notify the landlord that they will fix the issue themselves and deduct the cost from their rent, provided certain conditions are met. For example, the repair must be completed by a licensed contractor, cost less than $300 or less than half the monthly rent, and the tenant must not have caused the problem.
If the landlord continues to refuse or delay repairs, tenants may have other options. They may be able to terminate their lease or sue for damages, including medical bills or paid rent. Additionally, tenants may purchase fans or portable cooling units and deduct the reasonable cost from their rent.
It is important to note that tenants should not withhold rent if the air conditioner is broken, as this would likely be a breach of the lease or rental agreement. Instead, tenants should follow the proper procedures outlined above to ensure their rights are protected.
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Heat-related illnesses
Arizona is one of the hottest places on Earth from May to September. Heat-related illnesses (HRIs) are common during the summer, with approximately 4,298 people visiting Arizona emergency rooms every year. Between 2012 and 2023, more than 4,320 people died from exposure to excessive heat in Arizona.
Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency among heat-related illnesses. If someone is experiencing symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 immediately and cool the person with ice or cold water until help arrives. Do not try to diagnose the illness yourself as symptoms of multiple heat-related illnesses can occur together. Delaying proper medical treatment can be fatal.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, it is important to stay cool, hydrated, and informed about the weather conditions. In extremely hot weather, public cooling centers are available in some areas.
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HVAC maintenance
Arizona is one of the hottest places on Earth from May to September, with summer temperatures soaring well above 100°F. Heat-related illnesses are common, with approximately 4,298 people visiting Arizona emergency rooms each year due to these illnesses. In 2017, there were 155 heat-related deaths, and between 2012 and 2023, more than 4,320 people died from exposure to excessive heat. As such, HVAC maintenance is critical in Arizona. Here are some essential tips for maintaining your HVAC system in Arizona's extreme heat:
Regular Servicing: Given the extreme temperatures in Arizona, it is recommended to schedule regular HVAC service appointments to keep your system healthy. Living in Arizona means your HVAC unit works harder than in most other places, so maintenance is crucial to prevent breakdowns and ensure efficient operation.
Thermostat Settings: Properly setting your thermostat can help balance comfort and reducing wear and tear on your HVAC system. While a setting between 68°F and 70°F is comfortable for most people, it requires a lot of energy to maintain. Bumping the temperature up to 72°F or even 75°F-80°F can significantly reduce your energy bills without sacrificing too much comfort.
Automated Thermostat: Consider investing in an automated thermostat system, which can adjust temperatures based on your preferences and presence. When you are away, set the thermostat 8°F-10°F above your normal setting to save energy, and have it cool down to your preferred temperature when you return. This can reduce your power bills and lessen the need for costly AC repairs.
Landlord Responsibilities: If you are renting in Arizona, be aware of your tenant rights regarding HVAC maintenance. Landlords are responsible for providing a safe and habitable rental unit with fully operating appliances. If your rental unit's HVAC system is not functioning properly, notify your landlord in writing, and they have ten days to fix the issue or make the necessary repairs. If they fail to do so, you may have the option to fix the issue yourself and deduct the cost from your rent, but be sure to seek legal advice first.
Cooling Ordinances: Each city in Arizona sets its own codes regarding maximum acceptable indoor temperatures. For example, in Phoenix, rental units cooled by evaporative cooling must not exceed 86°F, while those with air conditioning must not exceed 82°F. These ordinances ensure that landlords provide safe and comfortable living conditions for tenants, even during extreme heat waves.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single emergency temperature in Arizona as each city sets its own codes. However, temperatures often exceed 100°F (37.7°C) in the state's largest cities, Phoenix and Tucson, and can be dangerous.
Rental units in Phoenix must be kept at or below 82°F (27.7°C) if cooled by air conditioning, and no higher than 86°F (30°C) if using evaporative cooling.
Tucson has established temperature ordinances related to cooling, but the maximum indoor temperature allowed is unclear.
Notify your landlord in writing. They have ten days to fix the problem, which may involve providing a new air conditioning unit or calling in a repair team. If they fail to do so, you may be able to fix the issue yourself and deduct the cost from your rent.
Most people find that setting the thermostat between 68-70°F (20-21°C) is comfortable. However, this takes a lot of energy for your air conditioner to maintain, so bumping it up to 72°F (22°C) or even 75-80°F (23.8-26.6°C) can help reduce energy consumption and lower your bills.
