Key Takeaways
- With regular AC maintenance and timely filter replacements, your AC system will be able to tackle Southern California’s intense summer heat more efficiently.
- Ensure your outdoor unit is at least two feet away from any tall plants or other obstructions. Cleaning indoor vents is an easy way to maintain good airflow and improve cooling.
- Using a smart thermostat, sealing air leaks and using window coverings during the hottest part of the day have all been shown to save energy dollars. Bonus—these moves make your home more comfortable!
- Avoid using the oven or large appliances during midday heat! This easy step will help cool your home and lessen the workload on your air conditioner.
- Regular annual check-ups from a professional HVAC contractor and prompt responses to strange noises, leaking, or inconsistent cooling can help avoid expensive breakdowns.
- Boost your insulation Remove radiant heat from the sun by shading your home with landscaping! Locally available utility rebates may help you increase comfort while reaping years of energy cost savings.
To combat a summer slump, here are a few easy steps that can restore your AC’s peak efficiency. In hot, sunny Los Angeles, these same conditions place a heavy demand on home cooling systems. Dust, clogged filters, and blocked vents all increase the workload on an AC.
Simple steps, like changing out dirty filters, can go a long way. Removing debris from the outside unit and making sure that your ductwork isn’t leaking can make a huge difference too! With more efficient AC, homes are more comfortable at lower thermostat settings and homeowners save money on their power bills.
Everyone living in Southern California suffers from this extreme heat, so these measures are tailored to our hot desert climate and communities. The following sections walk you through each tip step-by-step, helping you achieve fast, effective results.
Why Your AC Falters
When the dog days of summer descend on Los Angeles, air conditioning units get a major workout. The extended, blistering days and oppressive humidity strain even the best-maintained systems to their limits. It’s more than high temperatures. It’s all about how heat, habits and maintenance all come together to affect your AC’s performance.
Summer’s Impact on AC Units
Extreme temperatures cause AC components to wear out faster. This causes compressors and fans to constantly work longer hours, leading to early burnout. In extreme heat, like we’ve seen with 100°+ highs, your AC will be working overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors.
That translates to increased energy consumption and more wear and tear on wires, coils and various other components. When air filters are dirty or clogged, it reduces your unit’s airflow, causing it to work even harder to cool your space.
When the condenser coils become blocked with dust or leaves, the system cools less effectively and uses more energy. This is where older units, or those that are not properly sized for your home, have the hardest time, resulting in breakdowns or inadequate cooling.
Spotting Early AC Distress
Even minor indicators should alert you to potential major AC issues. Reduced airflow could indicate a dirty filter or an issue with the fan. Odd sounds—rattling, buzzing, or grinding—are signs of loose wires, a malfunctioning motor, or objects lodged inside.
If some rooms are much cooler or warmer than others, that usually indicates issues with insulation or your ductwork. Puddles of water around the unit may be a sign of a refrigerant leak or a clogged drain pipe. These are both very real concerns that need to be addressed urgently!
How Habits Affect Efficiency
How you live in your house makes a big difference. Setting the thermostat even lower to account for the heat means the AC unit would have to work around the clock, exponentially increasing costs.
Getting great efficiency from your AC starts with keeping conditioned air inside by closing exterior doors and windows. Using ovens or large appliances generates heat within the home, causing the AC to work even harder.
Even operating a bunch of electronics simultaneously can contribute heat and stress.
Easy AC Efficiency Boosts
On a sweltering day in Los Angeles, it’s not uncommon for AC systems to operate under maximum load. Simple adjustments and regular maintenance can increase efficiency and comfort quickly. These benefits endure throughout the summer season.
1. Conquer Air Filter Changes
A frequently replaced clean air filter is the key to a long life of smooth, cool airflow. Change your air filters at least every 1–3 months. If your unit is running heavily, consider checking them monthly to keep your AC from overdoing it!
High-quality filters capture more dust and allergens, improving the air quality of your home. A filter change checklist keeps you organized and cuts down on skipped swaps. This prevents clogged filters, which can impede your system and increase your costs.
2. Clear Outdoor Unit Space
Outdoor AC units require ample space to operate efficiently. Clear away foliage and cut back vegetation to maintain a minimum two-foot clearing around the outdoor condenser. This increases airflow and prevents your system from working harder than necessary.
Make a habit of sweeping away debris or lawn clippings, particularly after windy days. A summer calendar of quick checks can prevent heat-trapping accumulation.
3. Inspect Indoor Vents
When home’s vents are blocked, they greatly reduce the amount of cool air flowing through. Dust buildup or furniture crowding vents restrict airflow, pushing cold air where you don’t need it.
Torn or worn ductwork can harbor hidden obstructions. Check it every few months to help maintain the airflow flowing smooth all across your house!
4. Use Thermostat Smarter
If you have a central AC unit, a programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature while you’re away or during peak heating hours. Smart models even allow you to program different temperatures for different rooms.
Automatic reminders to check your settings leave you savings while you sleep. Many newer thermostats come with these energy-saving tricks already built-in—definitely worth checking out for on-the-go households.
5. Seal Pesky Air Leaks
Tiny fissures around windows and doors cause cold air to escape. Close up those gaps with some good weather stripping or caulk! A simple home walkthrough or home energy audit will allow you to identify the spaces that require improvement.
Keeping repairs easy and fast with a prepared list of required supplies makes it simple.
Smart Cooling Home Hacks
Smart cooling is more than just turning the air conditioning on full blast. In cities such as Los Angeles, scorching summers aren’t new. By combining easy lifestyle changes with smart technology, you’ll be able to stay cool this summer without breaking the bank!
These days, millions of families take advantage of airflow and intelligent home technology. They supplement these strategies with mindful habits to help them get the most out of their cooling systems.
Leverage Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats allow you to program cooling schedules to fit your day-to-day life. Plus, you can set it to a higher temperature when the home is unoccupied. Then, leave it behind at the last minute!
Most smart models even show you your energy use in real time. This approach makes it easier to see which changes truly move the needle. With remote controls via your smartphone, you’ll never again return to a sweltering house.
When paired with other smart devices—such as window sensors or automated blinds—these thermostats further cut cooling costs and boost comfort.
Manage Appliance Heat
Even using your oven or dryer in the middle of the day can quickly warm up your home. Cook a meal on the grill outside or use your microwave. Select Energy Star-rated appliances, which don’t just consume less energy overall, but release less heat as well.
Here’s our roundup of easy meals with no cooking needed! From the crispest salads to delicious cold wraps, you’ll make the most of peak heat waves.
Use Window Coverings Right
Thermal curtains and blinds are an effective way to block direct sun. Keep them closed during the hottest part of the day, and choose light-colored window coverings that reflect the sun’s heat.
Move your coverings as the sun moves to keep your rooms as cool as possible. This simple modification makes a huge difference in cutting down on heat gain.
Make Fans Your Friends
Ceiling and floor fans move air and make rooms feel cooler, even if you keep the AC a bit higher. Pair fans with your central AC to reduce energy consumption.
Clean fan blades and balance them to ensure they operate at peak performance all summer long.
Bolster Your Home’s Defense
Protecting your home from the scorching Los Angeles summer heat begins with a good defense. Even minor changes in the way you defend your home from the heat can result in significant improvements to your wallet and your comfort. Good insulation, shade from the sun, and healthy ductwork all work together to help your AC run better and last longer.
Upgrade Home Insulation
Identifying areas of your home where insulation is lacking is a good first place to start. Attics, walls and crawl spaces are the common culprits that allow that cool air to escape and the hot air to enter. An insulation pro can evaluate your existing insulation to determine if it’s sufficient to keep your home cool from the local heat.
Fiberglass batts or spray foam are effective options for insulation in Southern California. Insulating your home reduces the heat entering your home, helping rooms stay cooler and reducing how much your AC has to work. This can help save on energy bills and make the house feel more comfortable and even.
Creating a budget for upgrades can give you an idea of what’s going to be the most cost-effective to do first.
Add Strategic Outdoor Shade
Landscape should be about more than aesthetics. Shade trees planted on the sunny side of the house or awnings over windows can help to shade your home from the hot sun. Regardless, outdoor umbrellas, shade sails, or pergolas provide additional cool spaces in the yard.
Install light-colored, reflective roofing. Reflective surfaces can help bounce the sun’s heat away from your house. A plan with shade-giving plants, like fast-growing trees or thick shrubs, keeps outdoor temps down and gives your AC a break.
Ensure Healthy Ductwork
Expect cleaner air and improved airflow with clean ducts. Dust and allergens accumulate quickly, but frequent cleaning makes a positive difference. For one, sealing leaks in ducts prevents expensive, cool air from escaping into attics or walls.
This helps to ensure healthy ductwork, too. Establish a regular schedule for inspections and cleaning to ensure they remain up to date.
When to Call Professionals
Not every AC problem is a quick DIY fix. In cities like Los Angeles, summer extreme heat can test these systems like a pressure cooker. Time, money and stress saved by knowing when it’s time to call in a pro!
An air conditioner professional tune-up, particularly in early spring, can make sure your AC is ready to take on the roughest days of summer. If you’ve changed filters or cleared blocked vents and your home still doesn’t feel right, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Benefits of Annual Check-ups
Annual maintenance is crucial to ensuring your air conditioning system lasts as long as possible with minimal repairs.
Regular maintenance can detect worn parts or developing leaks before they become larger, more expensive issues. This early catch leads to smaller repair bills and reduced emergency call-outs. For instance, a spring inspection might catch a failing capacitor or clogged drain line.
Regular maintenance by a professional ensures your warranty is protected. It can save you money on your monthly bills too by helping your system operate at peak efficiency!
Creating a simple annual reminder—perhaps on your device’s calendar app—can help you go a long way toward automating the process.
Serious AC Warning Signs
Serious warning signs require immediate attention. High-pitched screeches, grinding noises, or rattling can indicate the deterioration of internal components such as the compressor or belts.
If some of your rooms get unbearably hot or cold for no reason, it’s possible your air conditioner isn’t providing cool air consistently throughout your home.
A sudden spike in your energy bill can be an indicator that your AC is overexerting itself. Ice forming on the unit or any water leaks are serious warning signs that shouldn’t be overlooked.
These problems can escalate rapidly in the middle of a heat wave.
Finding a Trusted Technician
The best HVAC pros will have a solid local reputation. Look for recommendations from LA neighbors or call up friends and family to get some good referrals.
Ensure that any technician you work with is properly licensed and insured in California. With the right preparation, you can quickly find a trusted company to lend a helping hand.
Long-Term AC Care Perks
Long-term AC care is more than just Band-Aids. Get the most out of your system with proper maintenance! Protect the environment and save money while improving the comfort of your home. As LA faces prolonged heat waves, effective maintenance is all the more crucial. Here are the tangible benefits you’ll enjoy from practicing year-round AC maintenance.
Save Money, Help Earth
Long-term AC care saves on energy bills. A properly maintained AC unit consumes about 30 percent less energy. Changing filters every 1-3 months can increase efficiency instantly. Homeowners who adhere to a consistent AC filter change routine see positive impacts.
On average, they save at least 15% on their annual cooling bills! Reducing energy consumption lowers your climate impact, which is important in a city where air quality has previously been ranked among the worst in the nation. Upgrading to more energy-efficient models usually includes rebates from local utilities.
For instance, LADWP can save you some serious dough and help save the planet too! Maintain a record of your system inspections and bills to show how much money you save in the long run.
Prolong Your AC’s Life
Regular maintenance can lengthen your unit’s operational lifespan by upwards of a decade. Have an annual inspection in the fall and spring to identify worn parts or electrical problems before they lead to a breakdown.
Inspect the age and condition of your system on a seasonal basis, each season. Having a plan for replacing these older components allows you to replace them before they fail unexpectedly—such as during a heatwave.
Enjoy Consistent Cool Air
Consistent, even cool air is a major benefit of regular maintenance. With proper care, you’ll enjoy consistent and even cool air throughout your home. Removing any plants and tall grass within two feet of your outdoor unit improves airflow.
As soon as airflow or humidity issues are addressed, you can ensure that every room in your house will receive cool air on-demand. With an easy-to-follow checklist, you’ll be better prepared to change filters regularly and monitor air quality.
Explore Utility Rebates
Rebates are available to Los Angeles residents who select efficient AC systems. Explore Utility Rebates by consulting your local utility provider for availability and program specifics.
These incentives can make needed upgrades significantly more affordable and help cover upfront costs.
Conclusion
To increase your AC’s effectiveness and avoid a summer slump, here’s how minor repairs can have a major impact. Change your filters, seal up the holes, and raise that thermostat temperature. Shade makes a big difference in reducing the heat, and a ceiling fan can allow your system to take a rest. I know in LA, when it gets hot, power bills shoot up immediately, so any bit helps. Catch these issues before they spiral, and you’ll save yourself time, money, and worry. If something just doesn’t feel or sound right or cooling is waning, call in a pro. A little maintenance today will ensure that your cool, refreshing air will continue to flow and keep your home nice and cool. Keep up with it, and your AC can keep performing even when the sun refuses to go down. Looking to maximize your ac’s cool? Store these reminders away to help ensure a cool, comfortable summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my AC lose efficiency during Los Angeles summers?
With extreme heat, dust, and overuse, your AC is already working hard. We know that local smog and pollen can clog those filters much quicker, limiting airflow and cooling power.
How often should I change my AC filter in LA?
Replace your AC filter once a month or once every couple months in the summer. Los Angeles’ high levels of dust and pollen can quickly clog filters, which negatively impacts efficiency.
What’s the easiest way to boost AC efficiency?
Ensure that vents are not blocked, replace filters regularly, and look for leaks around windows and doors. These easy tricks keep your AC working hard to cool your home quickly and efficiently.
Are there smart home hacks for better cooling?
Yes! Save energy with these smart home hacks Install a programmable thermostat, shut blinds during the day, and run ceiling fans to circulate cool air. These smart home hacks will make your AC less overworked and your bills less scary.
How can I protect my home from LA’s summer heat?
Look for gaps around exterior doors and windows. Apply weather stripping around your doors and windows and install blackout curtains. This seals up your home, keeping the cool air in and the hot air out so your AC can work as efficiently as possible.
When should I call an AC professional?
If your AC blows warm air, leaks, makes weird noises, or if you notice a sudden increase in your energy bill, call a pro. Annual maintenance before summer helps ensure your unit is performing at peak efficiency.
What are the long-term benefits of regular AC care?
It helps reduce energy bills, prolong your AC’s lifespan and ensure a cool home throughout hot Los Angeles summers. It shortens the time you’ll spend in a hot home this summer, waiting for emergency repairs.