Energy efficiency represents the most cost-effective way to achieve energy goals, as it does not require investment in renewable energy and is often achievable through low-cost technology retrofits or behavior modifications. This study investigates the impacts of energy efficiency measures on the effectiveness of pre-cooling in residential buildings as a means of reducing operating peak loads and costs in a home. This study simulated (and validated the simulation through monitoring) a typical residential building in Phoenix, Arizona to analyze the impact of upgrading a residential building that implements pre-cooling with two scenarios: (1) match the benchmark of ASHRAE 90.2–2007, and (2) surpass the standard by enhancing its properties to reduce the total energy demand by 20%. This article contributes to the body of knowledge by demonstrating a method to identify and select those types of efficiency measures that best enhance the effectiveness of pre-cooling strategies in residential buildings in a hot–arid climate.