Phoenix Heat Pump Installation Reduces the Arizona Heat Island Effect

Leaving Behind, For a Moment, the Benefits of Phoenix Heat Pump Installation

Before talking about Phoenix heat pump installation, it makes sense that you understand the definition of the term “Arizona Heat Island Effect.” You also need to know how the heat island effect relates to the comfort level within your home. So let’s start by defining the Arizona heat island effect.

According to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the term “heat island” was coined to describe the relationship between air temperatures in the city and air temperatures in the surrounding rural areas. In specific, it compares the heat buildup that occurs in towns and cities to the normal temperatures in nearby rural areas. In a city with one million residents, the heat island effect can produce annual mean air temperatures that run from 1.8 to 5.4°F higher than the nearby rural centers. In the peak of an Arizona summer, the evening increase in air temperatures between Phoenix and the nearby rural areas can reach as high as 22°F.

For you, as an Arizona resident, it means this: 

• Increased energy demands for comfortable Arizona air conditioning
• Higher cooling costs
• Increased local and global air pollution
• Greater local and global greenhouse gas emissions
• Poor water quality and greater danger to local water life
• Increased personal health risks, including the likelihood of more illnesses, poor indoor air quality and the possibility of a fatal heat stroke.

Statistics suggest that heat islands may elevate the local energy demand on Phoenix heat pump systems and other A/C equipment by as much as 5 to 10 percent. The associated excess demand on fuel driven power plants generates an increase in air-borne instances of carbon monoxide (CO), mercury (Hg), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Ground-level ozone and the temperature of rainwater also increase. Stormwater runoff becomes dangerous and even fatal to local aquatic species.

As air pollution escalates, your health becomes compromised. Estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that exposure to excess heat results in more heat cramps, more respiratory problems and an increase in heat strokes. Installing quality Arizona heat pump solutions and an indoor air quality filtration system helps you protect yourself and your family.

Arizona Heat Pump Installation and Other Common-Sense “Heat Island” Solutions

By acting wisely, most Arizona communities can reduce the damage of summertime heat islands.  In fact, many strategies are already in position through state and federal resources. Methods for heat island prevention and heat island damage reduction include: 

• Advanced roofing technology such as green roofs and cool roofs
• Better management of environmental conditions such as an increase in tree planting and new paving technologies
• Installing new energy-efficient Arizona heat pump systems and air filtration equipment.

Even as you read this article, Gilbert, Arizona Development Services is working with citizens, contractors, local architects and project designers to implement cool pavement technology, cool roofing approaches and other environmental management systems. Reducing the Urban Heat Island effects is critical to a safe environment.

Likewise, the Arizona Department of Heath Services (ADHS) is working to provide travelers and state residents with up-to-date information concerning extreme heat events. The Phoenix office of the National Weather Service is responsible for updating the southwest/south-central Arizona region, and Tucson handles the forecasts for the southeastern region of the state.

According to their website, the city of Tempe AZ is also working to educate and help residents on matters related to the heat-island effect, water availability and pollution. In fact, the Tempe Arizona current calendar of events includes an art exhibition designed for education on this very issue. Make a note to attend.

But warnings and state managed changes only work if the entire community participates. Citizens must also become a part of the solution. For example: Phoenix community weatherization programs provide home weatherization resources to low-income qualifying Phoenix residents. This helps reduce excess heating and cooling bills, but it also reduces the time that an Phoenix heat pump or Arizona Air Conditioning system functions. The service also provides funds to help low-income families install efficient cooling measures. You can’t beat increased comfort at a lower energy cost and a victory over the Urban Heat Island effect.

Cost Savings on Energy Efficient Installed Phoenix Heat Pump Solutions

It is good if you are not in the low-income bracket. But that doesn’t mean your home can afford to ignore the effects of the Arizona heat island effect. Having sufficient income to manage your own heating, cooling and weatherization processes doesn’t mean it should cost you by the bucket load of dollars. Remember: Heat pumps not only provide cost-efficient cooling but they also provide energy-efficient heating. With an installed Arizona heat pump, you don’t have to wait on the season of “heat island effects” to begin saving money.  

American Cooling and Heating has been in the Air Conditioning and Phoenix Heat Pump Installation business since 1993. We service and install A/C equipment throughout the Phoenix region.

For more details on how you can save money on an energy efficient Arizona heat pump solution, click here.