Sounds like good insulation and then some is must. I'd imagine most of the homes are built for the heat or ?
Florida has some pretty stiff building codes on Mobile/manufactured homes - which, in my searches I haven't seen either brought up much in Phoenix/Arizona.
I really don't think there is anything more than the normal home building codes that exist for AZ in general.
All things done to beat the heat or cold, are up to the home owner.
Theres no right or wrong here, just giving things to consider.
Somethings to keep in mind about the electric bill and choice of home.
More windows, more heat that comes in, vaulted ceilings and raised ceilings are nice yet more area to cool thats not really being used.
These can be Beautiful homes, yet unfriendly with the electric bill. One either pays the bill or lives with the home a little warmer in summer and a little cooler in winter.
Consider buying a home facing North or South. That way the sun rises on one side of the house and sets on the other half. As opposed to the house facing East or West your whole house will be in constant heat.
What can be done....
R38 insulation in the whole attic. Garages get hot too! Radiant Barrier in the attic and ridge venting on the roof. Turbins on the roof to help vent heat from the attic.
They have styrofoam samwitched between sheets of plywood that do well on the roof too, and add to the R value. Quality double pane windows. Window treatments that block the sun from getting in, yet can still see out. Like window tinting and pull down shade screens that are made of reflective tint.
Good to know about the home owners association and what is, and is not allowed, just in general. Some won't allow solar, or outside shade screens over the windows.
Solar....I've heard good and bad. Just my choice, we like to do all we can on our part.
The turn off for me on solar, is having a middle man involved with the electric bill.
I guess this is not much different from those fighting the cold, and keeping the heat in.
Minor difference though...
