Quick answer
Tempe's housing is older than most of the East Valley: the median home was built in 1984 and about 58% of units date from the 1960s through the 1980s. Tempe city code requires rentals cooled by air conditioning to stay at or below 82°F, or 88°F with evaporative cooling. All permit applications go through the city's online Citizen Access Portal.
Updated · By the AC Phoenix Pros editorial team · How we research
This is an independent homeowner guide. We are not a contractor, we do not perform HVAC work and we do not dispatch anyone. You can email us a request; we reply with next steps and, where a vetted licensed local contractor is available, an introduction.
How old are Tempe homes and their AC systems?
Census survey data for 2019 to 2023, compiled by Point2Homes, puts Tempe's median construction year at 1984:
| Built | Share of Tempe housing units |
|---|---|
| Before 1960 | 5.5% |
| 1960 to 1969 | 11.5% |
| 1970 to 1979 | 24.2% |
| 1980 to 1989 | 21.9% |
| 1990 to 1999 | 11.8% |
| 2000 or later | 25.1% |
In homes this age, the condenser may have been replaced already while the air handler, duct runs and refrigerant lines are decades old. A quote that only swaps the outdoor unit can leave you with a mismatched system. Under the federal efficiency rules for the Southwest, a split AC installed since January 1, 2023 must meet the regional SEER2 and EER2 minimums, and an older indoor unit paired with a new outdoor unit is compliant only in specific certified combinations (U.S. DOE).
Why Tempe nights matter for your AC
The Valley's long-term climate record is kept at Phoenix Sky Harbor. In July 2025 the average low there was 86.2°F, against a normal of 84.5°F, and the year had 23 days when the temperature never fell below 90°F (NWS July 2025 summary; NWS 2025 review). When nights stay that warm, a system never gets a break to catch up, so a unit that is slightly undercharged or has a dirty coil shows it first as a house that will not cool down after sunset.
Is your Tempe system still on R-22?
Older systems may use R-22 (HCFC-22). The EPA states that "As of January 1, 2020, no new HCFC-22 will be made or imported" into the United States, but it does not require homeowners to replace working equipment, and you can continue to service it (EPA). The EPA's advice is to have leaks located and repaired rather than "topping it off," and to consider an ENERGY STAR replacement if the equipment is more than 10 years old or no longer keeps the house comfortable. Our repair or replace guide walks through the math.
What Tempe requires of landlords
Tempe City Code section 21-34 sets cooling limits for rental housing: no greater than 82°F if cooled by air conditioning and no greater than 88°F if cooled by evaporative cooling, measured three feet above the floor in the center of the room. Under state law, A.R.S. 33-1364, a tenant whose landlord fails to supply cooling may, after proper notice, procure reasonable amounts of cool air and deduct the cost from rent, or obtain substitute housing (Arizona Multihousing Association summary). Tenants and landlords should get legal advice for their specific situation. If you rent, report the failure to your landlord in writing first.
Permits in Tempe
The Tempe Permit Center says "All applications must be submit online through the Tempe Citizen Access Portal," which requires a registered account. Tempe does not publish an AC replacement exemption on that page, so ask the Permit Center at 480-350-4311 or permitcenter@tempe.gov whether your specific swap needs a mechanical permit. A licensed contractor normally files it for you.
APS or SRP in Tempe
Tempe's new community member directory lists both Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project. On the APS Metro Phoenix map, most of Tempe falls outside APS territory, with an APS pocket near downtown. Which company bills you decides whether a rebate exists:
- SRP: Cool Cash pays $75 to $225 per ton for systems rated 15.2 SEER2 or higher.
- APS: nothing to claim on a 2026 install. APS dropped its residential AC rebates on January 1, 2026, a change that Champion Air's guide for APS customers ties to Arizona Corporation Commission Decision No. 81584.
Verifying a Tempe contractor
Before you sign, look the company up in the Arizona ROC contractor search, check that the license class covers air conditioning (R-39 for residential, CR-39 dual), and read the complaint history. A legitimate quote names the license number. For warning signs worth calling about, see signs your AC needs repair.
How to send us a request from Tempe
Email dispatch@acphoenixpros.com with your ZIP code, whether you own or rent, the system's age, refrigerant type if you know it, and the symptoms. Details are on the contact page. For common faults and price ranges, read the AC repair guide, and see other cities on the locations page.
Frequently asked questions
How hot can a Tempe rental get before the landlord is out of compliance?
Tempe City Code section 21-34 says rentals cooled by air conditioning must be kept no greater than 82°F, and those cooled by evaporative coolers no greater than 88°F. The temperature is measured three feet above the floor in the center of the room. Put your repair request to the landlord in writing and keep a copy.
Can I still get an R-22 air conditioner repaired in Tempe?
Yes. The EPA does not require homeowners to replace working R-22 equipment, and existing systems can still be serviced. New R-22 has not been produced or imported since January 1, 2020, so the remaining supply is limited. The EPA recommends fixing leaks rather than repeatedly adding refrigerant.
Where do I apply for a permit in Tempe?
Tempe takes all permit applications online through its Citizen Access Portal, and you need a registered account to use it. Questions go to the Permit Center at 480-350-4311 or permitcenter@tempe.gov. If you hire a licensed contractor, the contractor normally applies and schedules the inspection.
Sources
Independent homeowner guide operated by SWKM GmbH. Not a licensed contractor. We do not perform HVAC work. More about this site.