Cutting money for energy efficiency isn't just unwise, it's plain dangerous for vulnerable Arizonans

Yahoo

22-04-2025

Photo via Getty Images
As Arizona's summers grow longer and hotter, keeping cool isn't just about comfort — it's a matter of survival.
Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S., with vulnerable populations — including children, outdoor workers, communities of color, and those with chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease — facing the most significant risk.
The health dangers are undeniable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke and even death.
The financial burden extreme heat brings is just as alarming. Higher temperatures lead to higher energy bills. Low-income households in Arizona spend nearly 14% of their annual income on energy costs, compared to just 3% for wealthier families.
For seniors, many of whom rely on fixed incomes from Social Security or pension programs and often live in older, inefficient homes that are expensive to cool and maintain, extreme heat leaves them especially vulnerable.
Not all homes are equipped to handle Arizona's harsh summers. Poor insulation, outdated cooling systems and inefficient windows allow heat to build up indoors, forcing air conditioners to work overtime and driving up costs. For families already struggling to pay their bills, this means making tough choices between running the AC and paying for other essentials.
To help alleviate these struggles, investments made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) are improving home energy efficiency and lowering energy costs for families. These federal laws are making it easier to upgrade insulation, improve cooling systems, and reduce energy bills — especially during extreme heat waves.
While this support is critical, many families remain unaware of the resources available or face challenges accessing them. Yet, despite these transformative benefits, President Donald Trump's recent executive orders aim to rescind unspent funds from these critical initiatives, undermining progress at a time when continued investment is urgently needed.
The IRA makes it easier than ever for homeowners and renters alike to improve their homes' energy efficiency while reducing costs. Thanks to its incentives, in 2023 alone, more than 3.4 million American households benefited from $8.4 billion in tax credits for clean energy improvements. In Arizona, over 88,000 families saved a combined $285 million on energy efficiency and clean energy investments.
Through the IRA, Arizona families can make energy-efficient home upgrades with tax credits covering up to 30% of the cost — but these programs won't last forever.
Homeowners who install better insulation, energy-efficient windows, or solar panels can receive up to $3,200 in annual tax credits. In comparison, those who upgrade to a high-efficiency heat pump air conditioner can receive up to $2,000 in credits, saving an average of $500 per year on energy bills. Additional incentives are available for purchasing energy-efficient appliances, with rebates for windows, doors, and home energy audits.
Beyond cost savings, these upgrades create cooler, healthier homes. Improved insulation and energy-efficient cooling systems help maintain safe indoor temperatures, while better air circulation reduces indoor air pollution, which is critical for those with heart and lung conditions.
By investing in efficiency, families can protect their health while lowering their utility costs for years to come.
Arizona's summers will only continue to test the resilience of its residents. While existing programs provide relief, their future remains uncertain, making it crucial to take advantage of available resources before they are gone.
For those considering energy efficiency improvements — installing solar panels, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, or taking advantage of tax credits — now is the time to act. Every step taken today, no matter how small, can make a difference in staying cool, reducing costs and protecting the health of Arizona families in the face of rising temperatures.
Environmental factors like extreme heat are pressing public health issues requiring urgent action. Investing in energy efficiency and ensuring access to cooling resources isn't just about comfort — it's about protecting the health and well-being of our communities today and for generations to come.
To learn how the Inflation Reduction Act's clean energy programs can improve your family's health and lower energy costs, visit azhpca.org/solutions.
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