SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA-The summer heat has been scorching San Diego’s inland areas and keeping air conditioning units running full blast. Twice last month, El Cajon High School had to dismiss students early due to the high temperatures and a broken air conditioning unit.
“Triple-digit temperatures usually mean higher energy bills and more AC repair calls, but there are things people can to do help their HVAC unit keep up with the heat,” says Gabriel Carini, who is an expert air conditioning and heating business owner.
These are simple tasks and quick jobs that can make a big difference in the comfort level of the home:
- Check the air filters. A dirty, clogged air filter makes the system work longer and harder and reduces how quickly the air conditioner can get indoor temperatures to the desired setting.
- If there is any debris around or on the exterior unit, it is blocking the airflow it needs to work properly. Turn off the system and clear it away.
- Use ceiling fans on the counterclockwise or forward setting while the air conditioning is on. The actual temperature in the room will not change, but the circulating air can make it feel as much as eight degrees cooler. Just be sure to turn them off when leaving the room because fans cool people, not rooms.
- San Diego County air conditioning units need tune-ups to run efficiently. A system that has not been running well might need some routine maintenance done and a few minor tune-ups to get it back to working at its full potential. Maintenance appointments twice a year also extend the life of the equipment and help people avoid many major AC problems.
- Close blinds, shades, or drapes during the hottest part of the day to block out heat radiating in through windows.
- Weather stripping around doors and caulking around windows can help keep conditioned air inside and the warm air outside.
If you have an AC emergency, call Carini Heating, Air and Plumbing’s office to schedule a service call for your air conditioner.