Summer in Yucaipa, CA brings intense and persistent heat. With average highs in the 90s and stretches that feel well above 100 degrees, it doesn’t take long for homes to heat up. Without the right strategies, your air conditioner can struggle to keep up, leading to higher bills and reduced comfort. Use the tips below to help your family stay cool, reduce energy use, and keep your AC running efficiently during the hottest time of the year.
1. Limit Heat from Cooking
Cooking indoors can significantly raise your home’s temperature, especially during the hottest part of the day. Using the oven or stovetop adds unnecessary heat to your living space and forces your AC to work harder. Instead, consider alternatives like the microwave, slow cooker, or outdoor grill to prepare meals without heating up your kitchen.
2. Use Window Coverings
Uncovered windows can account for up to 30% of unwanted heat gain in your home. Closing your blinds or curtains during peak sun hours in the afternoon can significantly reduce indoor temperatures. Keeping sunlight out helps your AC keep your home cooler while lowering electricity costs.
3. Time Dishwasher and Laundry Usage
Dishwashers and laundry machines generate heat and moisture that add to indoor temperatures. Run these appliances early in the morning or late at night when outdoor temperatures are lower. This simple adjustment can help keep your home more comfortable during hot days.
4. Choose the Right Inside Temperature
Setting your thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit strikes a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency. The EPA recommends this range to help reduce energy costs while keeping your home cool enough during extreme heat. Keeping your AC within this range prevents overworking your system and helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
5. Change Your Air Filter
A clean air filter helps your AC run efficiently, which helps keep your home comfortable. You should replace your filter at least every three months. However, you may need to change it more often when your cooling system works hard during extreme temperatures. Many homeowners inspect their filters once a month to ensure they know when it is time for a fresh one.
6. Use Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans improve air circulation and help your home feel cooler by speeding up the natural evaporation of sweat from your skin. Use them alongside your AC to boost comfort without relying solely on your cooling system. During the summer, set your fan to spin counterclockwise so it pushes cool air downward and creates a wind-chill effect.
7. Summertime AC Maintenance
Your HVAC system runs more efficiently and lasts longer when it receives regular maintenance. Schedule a professional AC tune-up at least once a year, ideally before the hottest part of summer arrives. During a tune-up, our technicians clean the condenser coils, check refrigerant levels, inspect and tighten electrical connections, lubricate moving parts, and ensure your thermostat is working correctly. We also check for wear or potential issues that could cause a breakdown later in the season. This proactive care helps keep your system reliable and your home cool, even on 100-degree days.
Contact Your Local Cooling Experts
When temperatures climb above 100 degrees, you need an AC system you can count on. At Of Course! Heating and Cooling, we’ve proudly served homeowners in Yucaipa, Beaumont, and Banning for more than 25 years. Our experienced team offers a full range of cooling services, including ductless mini splits, AC maintenance, repairs, and new system installations. We’re committed to keeping your home comfortable with prompt service and lasting results.
If you’re concerned about how your AC will handle the heat, don’t wait. Contact Of Course! Heating and Cooling today to schedule your service and stay cool all summer long.
Today!
