San Diego's hottest weeks come late
Inland San Diego often sees its hottest days in September and October, when Santa Ana winds push hot, dry desert air toward the coast. That's also when AC systems that limped through summer finally give out, and when every HVAC company's phone is ringing.
Before the next heat wave
- Replace the air filter, and plan to check it monthly during smoke or wind events
- Rinse dust off the outdoor unit gently with a hose (power off first, never a pressure washer)
- Trim plants back at least two feet from the outdoor unit
- Test the AC on a mild day so you find problems before it's 100°F
- Schedule a tune-up if it's been more than a year
Wildfire smoke and indoor air
Santa Ana season is also fire season. A higher-rated filter (MERV 11–13, if your system can handle it) and keeping windows closed on smoky days help keep indoor air cleaner. Ask us whether your system can take a better filter.