May Maintenance - Southwest
Heat ramping up. AC becomes essential and outdoor work shifts to survival mode.
May in the Southwest: The Heat Arrives
May is when the Southwest stops pretending and gets serious about heat. Temperatures climb into the 90s and 100s become a real possibility. The pleasant spring weather is over—this is the beginning of the long, hot season.
Your focus shifts dramatically this month. Instead of tackling new projects, you’re in preservation mode. The goal is keeping your AC running, your landscape alive, and your energy bills manageable. Welcome to summer in the desert.
This Month’s Tasks
1. AC Monthly Maintenance 🔧
Time: 30 minutes monthly (more often in dusty conditions)
Your AC is running. A lot. Keep it happy with regular maintenance.
Change or clean filters monthly without fail—more often if you have pets or live in a dusty area. Clogged filters reduce efficiency and can cause system failure. Clear debris from around the outdoor unit. Check that air is flowing freely from all registers.
If you notice reduced cooling, unusual sounds, or the system running constantly, call for service immediately. AC failures in Southwest summers are emergencies.
HVAC issues? → Find an HVAC contractor →
2. Window Treatment Strategy 🔧
Time: 1 hour
In the Southwest, windows are thermal holes. Uncovered, they let in tremendous heat. Smart window treatment use can significantly reduce cooling loads.
Close blinds, shades, and curtains on sun-facing windows during the hottest parts of the day. South and west exposures are particularly important. Consider reflective window film for problem windows. Use exterior shade screens if you have them.
Every bit of solar heat you block is heat your AC doesn’t have to remove.
3. Irrigation Adjustment 🔧🔧
Time: 1 hour
Your plants need more water now. Adjust your irrigation system accordingly.
Increase watering frequency and duration for heat-stressed plants. Check that all emitters and sprinkler heads are working properly. Look for signs of underwatering—wilting, brown edges, drooping. Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent shallow watering.
Consider installing a smart controller that adjusts automatically based on weather conditions. The upfront cost pays for itself in water savings.
4. Pool Maintenance Intensifies 🔧🔧
Time: 1-2 hours weekly
Pool chemistry changes fast in the heat. Stay on top of it.
Test water chemistry at least twice weekly. Add chemicals as needed to maintain balance. Run the pump longer in hot weather. Check that water level is adequate—evaporation is significant. Clean skimmer baskets frequently.
Hot weather plus heavy use means pools need more attention. Stay ahead of it or you’ll be fighting algae all summer.
5. Weatherstripping Final Check 🔧
Time: 30 minutes
Before we get deep into cooling season, do one final check on your home’s envelope.
Inspect weatherstripping around all doors and windows. Replace any that’s worn or compressed. Check for gaps around pipes, wires, and other penetrations. Seal with caulk or foam as needed.
A tight building envelope means your AC doesn’t have to work as hard. That means lower bills and better comfort.
6. Stock Up on Supplies 🔧
Time: 1-2 hours
Once summer really hits, you won’t want to be running errands in 110° heat. Stock up now.
Buy HVAC filters in bulk—you’ll need them. Stock up on pool chemicals. Get propane for the grill. Make sure you have everything you need for outdoor projects so you’re not making trips to the store in brutal heat.
A little preparation means fewer trips out in miserable conditions.
7. Vehicle Summer Prep 🔧
Time: 1 hour
Your cars and trucks feel the heat too. Make sure they’re ready.
Check coolant levels and condition. Test AC operation. Check tire pressure (it changes with temperature). Inspect belts and hoses for signs of wear. Make sure your battery is in good condition—heat kills batteries.
A breakdown in 110° heat is dangerous. Don’t let it happen.
8. Plan Indoor Projects 🔧
Time: 30 minutes
Accept it: you’re going to be spending a lot of time indoors. Plan projects you can do inside.
What’s been nagging at you? Organizing the garage? Painting a bedroom? Cleaning out storage areas? Make a list of indoor projects so you can stay productive while escaping the heat.
The Bottom Line
May in the Southwest is about survival and adaptation. The heat is here, and it’s not leaving until October. Keep your AC running with monthly filter changes, manage your irrigation and pool carefully, and seal your home tight against the heat. Accept that outdoor work is mostly over and shift your focus to indoor projects. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and don’t fight the heat—work around it.