People in Arizona have always had to be creative to survive the summer heat. Long before modern air conditioning, Indigenous communities designed homes that worked with the environment. Adobe houses, often partially dug into the ground or shaded by cliffs, provided natural insulation, keeping interiors cool during the hottest months. The Navajo built hogans from earth and timber, and sprinkling water on the dirt floors added a cooling effect during summer.
In the early days of Phoenix and Tucson, residents relied on architectural features and practical habits to make the heat bearable. Many homes were built with high ceilings to lift warm air away, while “sleeping porches” offered families a place to rest outdoors at night. Some people even dampened their sheets to help stay cooler while sleeping.
By the early 20th century, Arizonans were pioneering new cooling technology. In 1908, Oscar Palmer of Phoenix built the first drip-style evaporative cooler. By the 1930s, homemade swamp coolers were common across the state, using air passed over water to cool indoor spaces. This technology has deep roots in history, with similar principles used for centuries in desert cultures worldwide.
For decades, swamp coolers were the go-to choice for Arizona’s dry climate. They were affordable and efficient, making them a popular alternative to more expensive and power-hungry refrigeration-based systems. In recent years, however, rising humidity during monsoon season and record heat waves have pushed many households toward modern air conditioning systems despite their higher energy use.
Some architects today are blending old and new approaches. Designs inspired by desert-adapted architecture use thick walls, shaded courtyards, earth berming, and natural ventilation to keep homes comfortable with less reliance on mechanical cooling. Cities are also responding by creating shaded public spaces, opening cooling centers, and providing assistance programs to help vulnerable residents stay safe during extreme heat. 
From the ingenuity of ancient builders to the engineering breakthroughs of the last century, Arizona’s history of staying cool is a story of adaptation and innovation. Each generation has built on the lessons of the past, finding ways to make life possible, and even comfortable, in one of the hottest places in the United States.
Works Cited
“The History of Heat in Arizona: A Tale of Survival and Innovation.” The Good Pool Company, 2024.
“Hogan.” Wikipedia, 2025.
“How Did People Live in Arizona Without Air Conditioning?” The Square PHX, 2014.
“Evaporative Coolers.” Pima County Library, 2024.
“History of Evaporative Cooling Technology.” AZEvap, 2024.
“Evaporative Cooling: Essential for Desert Climates.” One Hour Air Mohave County, 2024.
“As Heat Soars, the Southwest Ditches ‘Swamp Coolers’ for Air Conditioning.” The Washington Post, July 15, 2025.
“The Tastemakers Turning Up the Heat on Desert Living.” Financial Times, June 3, 2025.
“Surviving the Phoenix Heat.” The New Yorker, 2025.
