Hot At Home: Five Myths About Indoor Heat in Maricopa County

Research Brief | March 2026

Indoor heat is an urgent and often overlooked public health issue in Maricopa County. This research brief from the Arizona Research Center for Housing and Economic Solutions (ARCHES) explores how extreme temperatures inside homes—driven by high energy costs, aging housing, and limited access to assistance—create serious risks for residents, especially older adults and low‑income households.

Using local data, national research, and utility trends, the brief debunks five persistent myths about indoor heat and highlights how energy insecurity, housing quality, and policy gaps shape vulnerability. The report also outlines evidence‑based strategies to reduce preventable illness and death, improve housing resilience, and strengthen support systems for those most at risk.
 

Download the full brief to explore the findings and recommended solutions.

Read the Report