Navigating the Year-Round Climate: HVAC Tips for Southern California Residents

Southern California has some of the best temperatures year-round. According to the U.S. News & World Report, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Los Angeles are among the top three best places to live based on weather. But, despite this, temperatures hit unusual highs and lows, and you’ll need proper HVAC tips to mimic the comfortable climate you’re used to.

When chilly winters dip below 45 degrees and summers surpass the usually balmy 80-degree highs, you’ll put your furnace or air conditioner to work. Below, our trusted San Diego team at Bob Jenson, which has been around since 1977, explains what these systems need from you to work optimally.

Seasonal DIY Maintenance

Every three to four months, consider doing the following as part of your DIY maintenance checklist.

Change the Air Filters

Whether it’s a furnace or cooling unit, your system has air filters that trap dirt and dust. That way, debris doesn’t enter your unit (settling on internal components and causing them to slow), nor does it spew back out into your rooms (causing excessive filth in your home). However, even with filters, this can happen if you’re not careful.

After a while, contaminants build up on the meshy surface, and once the wall of debris gets thick enough, particles break off and rerelease into the air. So, clean the filters with mild soap and a gentle brush, or purchase new ones.

Clean Your System

Filters aren’t the only things you should clean. Other HVAC tips include cleaning:

• Air vents and ductwork 
• The areas around your evaporator and condenser units
• Evaporator coils

Check the Thermostat Setting

Next on your list should be checking your thermostat settings, especially when going from warm to cool months or vice versa. Ensure your thermostat is set to cooling or heating, respectively, to avoid incorrect indoor temperatures. Also, check that the degree setting is correct, which, according to the Department of Energy, is between 68 and 78 degrees when you’re home.

Furthermore, replace the thermostat batteries if your HVAC unit is long or short cycling or you have unusually high electric bills. If the thermostat is malfunctioning or refusing to turn on altogether, HVAC tips include a specialist checking for wiring issues.

Semi-Annual Professional Maintenance 

In addition to DIY maintenance, contact a professional HVAC technician once in the spring and then again in the fall so they can perform a more in-depth system inspection. These help prepare your units for seasons of heavy use and allow experts to make necessary repairs afterward for increased efficiency, cooling capacity, and energy savings. Some checkpoints on their lists include:

• Lubricating moving parts
• Inspect ductwork and flue systems
• Securing electrical connections
• Checking refrigerant lines and charges
• Cleaning filters, coils, and drain lines 

However, professional maintenance is only as good as the technicians you choose, so count on the team rated 4.9 stars on Google and five stars on Yelp and Facebook. For over 45 years, we’ve assisted all residents in San Diego and surrounding SoCal areas. So, for more HVAC tips or to schedule services, call Bob Jenson at 619-202-5726 today!