Key Takeaways
- Regular HVAC maintenance and timely filter changes help ensure your system can handle the extra strain during Southern California’s heat waves.
- Removing debris from around your outdoor unit improves airflow and improves cooling efficiency. This is especially important when extreme heat waves hit, like the current one here in Los Angeles!
- Tighten up your home with insulation and air sealing! Smart energy-saving thermostat features can help you save energy while staying comfortable at home, saving you money on utility bills.
- Smart thermostats and sensible scheduling will keep your HVAC system from working harder than necessary to keep you cool, especially during the hottest part of the day.
- Be aware of early warning signs of HVAC problems and get a professional tune-up before summer to prevent the worst from catching you off guard.
- Identify nearby cooling centers. Make ceiling fans and window coverings part of your cooling plan — it’ll help you stay healthy and safe in extreme heat!
Preventive maintenance Preparing your HVAC system for extreme heat waves means preparing it to operate effectively when temperatures skyrocket. In Los Angeles, where summers regularly reach triple digits, a tuned-up system makes an enormous difference in keeping homes safe and cool during extreme heat.
HVAC preparation involves basic housekeeping tasks such as changing air filters, making sure vents are not blocked, and removing debris from around outdoor units. Electricity provider local power grids become stressed during extreme heat waves. A properly maintained system experiences fewer breakdowns and is more energy efficient.
Most local contractors can provide a “mid-season tune-up” in the lead-up to the hottest months. Find out how you can prepare your HVAC system before the extreme heat waves arrive! It can mean the difference between a comfortable home and a muggy evening.
Read on for easy steps and smart moves that’ll keep LA homes cool even when the extreme heat waves strike.
Why Heat Waves Overwhelm HVAC
Heat waves in Los Angeles can be 10 plus days long and these prolonged extreme heat moments are straining our HVAC systems. When heat waves come — and especially when they’re prolonged — these systems have to work a lot harder just to maintain livable spaces. This is particularly true for older units and units with maintenance overdue.
As with any extreme weather, health risks increase, particularly among seniors or people with chronic conditions. Hospitals are already reporting a spike in cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It’s not just a comfort—it’s a public health necessity. Reliable cooling as demand skyrockets, the chance of sudden failure and breakdown becomes a much higher risk. Unfortunately, these failures tend to happen at the most inconvenient times.
The Non-Stop Grind
Extreme heat conditions create a situation where HVAC systems are operating almost continuously. This nonstop operation leads to wear and tear on components and excessive strain on motors and compressors. Whenever you lower the thermostat significantly more than you usually do, your system goes into overdrive.
It’s running full tilt for hours at a time just to stay caught up! Not only does this spike energy bills, it increases the likelihood of breakdowns. Overworked filters become clogged prematurely, negatively impacting indoor air quality. Excess humidity can cause a room to feel warm and uncomfortable, even when air conditioning is running.
Outdoor Unit’s Heat Battle
Outdoor units have to endure quite a bit during heat waves. Airflow is crucial, so units that are covered by tree limbs, refuse, or hedges become starved of air and don’t cool effectively. Since direct sun increases the temperature of these units, providing shade—if possible—will reduce the heat load.
Once your refrigerant lines are damaged or outdated, they will lose their cooling power and potentially lead to overheating. Proper ventilation around the outdoor unit is crucial for the system to operate effectively and avoid premature wear and tear.
Older Systems at Higher Risk
The older an HVAC system is, the less efficient it is and the less able it is to respond effectively during lengthy heat waves. If you’re hearing strange noises, experiencing inconsistent cooling, or making costly repairs, don’t wait!
If not, consider whether the cost of repair or restoration is worth it compared to an upgrade. Newer systems are more power-efficient and better equipped to manage extreme heat, so they’re a worthwhile investment in the face of increasingly hotter summers.
Your Pre-Heat Wave HVAC Game Plan
Getting your HVAC system ready before a heat wave is a smart way to save money, avoid breakdowns, and keep your home cool when summer temperatures soar. A smart strategy features a comprehensive HVAC checklist, regular system checkups, and a few no-brainer home improvements.
1. Plan ahead
Begin by scheduling an HVAC inspection in late spring or early summer. This allows you to catch minor problems before they develop into major, costly breakdowns at the height of the heat.
Seal those leaks and increase that insulation! Seal attics and windows to keep precious cool air from seeping away.
Pass along some essential HVAC wisdom to your home! This ensures that all occupants understand how to set up temperature settings, and what steps to take in the event of an emergency.
2. Swap That Dirty Filter Now
Replacing air filters is an easy, but important, task. Clogged filters restrict airflow and make your system work harder.
Choose high-efficiency media filters (MERV 11 or higher) that capture additional dirt, dust and allergens. Check filters monthly during the summer and plan on changing every 30 days if you’re using standard 1” filters.
Create an alert so you don’t miss it.
3. Give Outdoor Unit Breathing Room
Cut back plants to create at least two feet of clearance around your outdoor unit to maintain airflow. Prune plants and remove debris that can block airflow.
Check for rust, bend fins, or other damage. Ensure that the unit is level, preventing the necessity of continuous operation and maintaining optimal performance.
4. Inspect and Clear Indoor Vents
Remove furniture and rugs from around vents. Dust indoor vents and call a professional to inspect ducts for cleaning if it’s been decades.
Make sure to open all vents in your house so that air flows evenly, and direct airflow in the right direction.
5. Unclog the Condensate Drain Line
Ensure there are no clogs or leaks present. Flush with vinegar or commercial cleaner.
Proper drainage prevents both water damage and mold growth.
6. Test Your Thermostat’s Accuracy
Smart thermostats are a great way to take control of your cooling, save money, and stay comfortable.
Prevent sun exposure on the device.
7. Listen for Early Trouble Signs
Listen for strange sounds, inconsistent temperatures, or rising energy costs. Addressing problems upfront helps you avoid surprise breakdowns.
Smart Thermostat: Your Cool Ally
Smart thermostats specifically emerge as quick, cost-effective tools for providing relief during extreme LA heat waves. These devices automatically control home temperatures to match your lifestyle, saving energy and providing consistent comfort. They adapt to you. They learn your daily routine.
Smart thermostats adjust to energy-saving settings when you’re away and wake your system up before you walk in the door. Particularly with extreme summer spikes, this level of control is important. Most of these models send reminders when it’s time to change a filter or perform maintenance, ensuring that issues are addressed before they become expensive disasters.
Program Sensible Away Schedules
Adjust your smart thermostat so it’s warmer while you’re at work or on long trips. This reduces the cost of installation and helps avoid the problem of your HVAC running 24/7! Vacation modes are useful for longer absences, allowing your home to remain secure without wasting unnecessary energy.
Many smart thermostats monitor times of peak energy use, allowing you to schedule cooling to off-peak hours and avoid inflated costs. Slow temperature changes—instead of drastic changes—ensure the home is cooled by the time you get back, while relaxing the chill on the equipment.
Avoid Drastic Temperature Changes
Homeowners should avoid frequent drastic temperature shifts. Sudden drops or spikes in temperature place a heavy demand on your HVAC, often resulting in breakdowns. Having a set temperature—ensured to be agreed upon by the whole household—prevents the system from being overworked.
Smart thermostats take the work out of finding and maintaining these comfortable, energy-saving levels.
Leverage Energy-Saving Features
Modern smart thermostats include energy-saving modes, geofencing, and real-time usage reports. With geofencing, your phone’s location can help ensure the house only warms up or cools down when you’re near home.
Scheduling tools allow you to align your cooling with lower-cost electricity prices. Reminders to change your filter or schedule maintenance keep everything running efficiently.
Maximize Your HVAC’s Cooling Power
Preparing your HVAC for an incoming Los Angeles heat wave takes more than just cranking it up to max. Adjust some aspects of your house and HVAC system to get the most out of your air conditioner’s cooling power. You’ll save money and be more comfortable even on the hottest days!
Even small steps to improve efficiency, such as sealing up cracks around the house or providing shade for the outdoor unit, can add up.
Seal Air Leaks Everywhere
Drafts allow all of your expensive, cool air to escape and the unwanted, hot air to enter. Begin by searching for leaks around windows, doors, and attic hatches. Seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
You might be surprised at how much air your weathered front door can leak. Remember to insulate any ductwork running through the garage or crawl space too! Air leaks in these areas send all that cooled air outdoors before it has a chance to enter your home.
Especially after storms or when the seasons start to change, look for new leaks. Even the smallest crack can increase your energy costs and force your air conditioner to overexert itself.
Boost Your Home’s Insulation
If heat can crawl in through your attic’s insulation, it’s likely that many LA homes are a bit under-insulated. If you have an attic and wall cavities, check to make sure there’s enough insulation.
Supplement as necessary—proper insulation can reduce energy consumption by as much as 40%. Reflective insulation and radiant barriers work to stop heat from the sun’s rays. Prevent moisture issues by keeping vents clear.
Less pressure on HVAC. Better insulation means your HVAC cools less frequently.
Shade Your Outdoor Condenser Unit
A shaded outdoor condenser unit will run cooler and last longer. Install awnings or plant a tree in the public right of way. Just be sure to keep leaves and branches several feet away to ensure proper airflow!
Reflective gravel or white paint around the unit’s area of operation can help keep the ground cooler. Make sure to inspect the area regularly to ensure no debris or vegetation is clogging the fan.
Consider Professional Duct Inspection
A professional can detect leaks or blockages that you wouldn’t otherwise notice. This helps improve airflow and indoor air quality.
In some cases, sealing or replacing old ductwork is the more cost-effective option over time. This is why spring tune-ups are so important to catching issues before the busy summer season begins.
Programmable thermostats, regular clean filters, and ceiling fans go a long way in reducing your cooling costs and keeping your home comfortable.
Know When to Call HVAC Pros
Not every HVAC issue can be fixed with a simple filter change or a little cleaning around the outdoor unit. Home systems in Los Angeles are eccentric. Central air, ductless, and heat pumps all require a different type of maintenance. Understanding when to call an HVAC pro protects your family and helps improve your home’s performance in even the longest, hottest summer heat waves.
Schedule Pre-Season Professional Tune-Up
A tune-up before summer starts can help you avoid costly breakdowns during the hottest weeks of summer.
Get a technician scheduled before the chaotic season rush to ensure you’re not waiting days for assistance. During this visit, techs check off a comprehensive checklist. They make sure to clean the coils, check the thermostat, tighten the wires and ensure the blower runs smoothly.
During a tune-up, the pros will check refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant = your AC has to work harder = uses more power = keep it full! If you’re hearing unusual sounds or have a history of problems, address them while there is still time to prevent further damage.
Red Flags During Extreme Heat
Some issues require immediate response. If you start to hear banging or grinding noises, or smell burning, that’s an alarm bell. Warm air blowing when it should be cold, or a large variation between room temperatures, can be a sign something is amiss.
Keep an eye on your electric bill—an unexplained increase can be a sign that your system is working too hard. If the unit won’t come on at all or is continuously tripping the circuit, cut the power. Next, call an HVAC pro to avoid further damage!
Refrigerant Issues: Strictly Pro Zone
Refrigerant Issues Strictly Pro Zone Refrigerant should never be a DIY fix. Each leak requires a trained hand and special tools.
Only a professional has the training and equipment to check and refill safely to the correct specs. Routine service prevents minor refrigerant issues from developing into major problems, and helps your system run smoothly and efficiently.
Beyond HVAC: Whole-Home Cooling Tips
Surviving a summer in the heat wave requires more than just a well-tuned AC. This is where HVAC systems can do the heavy lifting. There are other ways you can slow down heat gain, lower energy costs, and increase comfort for everyone at home.
Minor adjustments in lifestyle and home configuration can have a tremendous impact when the mercury rises.
Strategic Use of Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans circulate cool air and provide a wind chill effect. This can help a room feel as much as four degrees cooler than it really is! Ceiling fans need to operate counterclockwise in the summer to create a downdraft.
Even better with AC, using ceiling fans in conjunction with air conditioning allows you to raise your thermostat setting 3–4 degrees (75–78 degrees) and remain comfortable. For whole-home cooling, remember to turn off fans when you leave a room to save energy.
Changing fan speeds allows you to adjust to a more comfortable setting based on the room and time of day.
Window Wisdom: Block Harsh Sun
Sunlight streaming in through your windows can be one of the largest contributors of unwanted heat. Close curtains, blinds or shades during the hottest parts of the day to keep direct sunlight from increasing indoor temperatures.
Adding reflective films and cellular shades can reduce the solar gain even further. Planting a tree or installing window awnings outside can help shade your windows and cool your home as well.
Personal Comfort: Hydrate & Dress Light
Drinking water regularly and wearing light, loose clothing allows the body to regulate temperature effectively. Encourage everyone in the household to stay well-hydrated, making an extra effort with children and older adults.
Create your own hydration station! On oppressive, dog days of summer, a little creativity with small fans in your living spaces can help you stay cool.
Identify Local Cooling Centers
Search your local city or county website to see what cooling centers are available in your area. Share the information with your family and neighbors, and plan how to reach one if necessary.
Understand their hours and what they offer so you’re equipped when the heat becomes overwhelming.
Conclusion
Preparing your HVAC system well before an extreme heat wave strikes is the best way to ensure your home remains a cool refuge. Simple filter changes, thermostat programming, and an inspection from a nearby HVAC pro can make a world of difference. Closing curtains on windows with strong sun exposure and placing fans where they will cool you most efficiently reduce the strain on your AC. People in Los Angeles understand just how brutal these heat waves can be. Nobody wants to deal with a busted unit in the dead of July! A little preparation now will save you money and anxiety in the future. Ensure your system is in working order, make repairs as necessary, and rely on your professionals if you need assistance. Looking to make sure you’re prepared for the next heat wave? Begin with a home energy walkthrough of your own home right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my HVAC air filter during a heat wave?
Monitor your air filter at least once a month and replace it when it appears dirty. Since filters clog up more quickly during extreme heat, changing them more often helps your AC to continue to run effectively and keeps your air cleaner.
What temperature should I set my thermostat during extreme heat?
Keep your thermostat set to 78°F while you’re home and 85°F or higher while you’re away. This will help strike a balance between comfort and energy savings and will keep your system from overworking itself during a heat wave.
Can closing vents in unused rooms help cool my house faster?
Can I close vents in unused rooms to cool my house faster. In short, avoid the temptation to close vents in unused rooms, for even cooling and to help your system run more efficiently.
When should I schedule professional HVAC maintenance in Los Angeles?
Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up each spring, well in advance of the heat wave. This makes sure your system is prepared for Southern California’s sweltering summers and avoids breakdowns during extreme heat waves.
How can a smart thermostat help during heat waves?
A smart thermostat will automatically adjust temperatures, learning your schedule over time. Not only does it make your home more comfortable, it’s more energy efficient and even cools your home before extreme heat peaks.
What are signs my HVAC system is struggling in extreme heat?
Signs might include inadequate airflow, strange sounds, hot air blowing out of vents, or an unexpected spike in your utility bill. If it’s one of these warning signs, your system is due for a little TLC—or worse, a professional check.
Besides HVAC, what else can I do to keep my home cool?
Cover windows with blackout curtains, seal windows and doors with weather stripping, run ceiling fans counterclockwise, and avoid using appliances that produce heat during the afternoon. These suggestions can improve comfort and save wear and tear on your AC.