Summers in San Bernardino is no joke. With average high temperatures frequently climbing above 95°F, and occasional heat waves pushing that number well past 100, keeping your home cool can come at a steep price. That’s why Ballard Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning is sharing these tips for staying comfortable without seeing your energy bills skyrocket!
Be smart with your thermostat
What’s the ideal indoor air temperature in the summer? It depends on who you ask. Some family members swear that it needs to be set in the 60s, while others are perfectly happy with something 10 degrees higher. ENERGY STAR recommends setting your indoor temperature between 75°F-78°F during the day and raising it a few degrees when you’re away. Your perfect temperature might be higher or lower.
That’s where you need to get smart with your thermostat. If you’re still using a manual thermostat, it’s time to upgrade. A smart thermostat learns your habits and adjusts your cooling schedule to maximize efficiency. In a place like San Bernardino, where daily temperatures fluctuate significantly, this technology can make a huge difference.
Seal and insulate your home like a pro
Your AC may be hard at work, but your home could be negating those efforts. Gaps in doors, windows, and ductwork can let cool air escape and hot air seep in. That’s money leaking out of your wallet every single day. Take a weekend to add weather stripping around windows and doors and talk to a professional insulation company about options for keeping the cool air inside where it belongs.
Use ceiling fans the right way
Ceiling fans don’t lower the temperature, but they do make you feel cooler by circulating air. But spin direction matters. In the summer, when the heat takes over, set your fan blades to spin counterclockwise. This pushes cool air downward and creates a wind-chill effect, allowing you to raise your thermostat without sacrificing comfort. Pro tip: Turn fans off when you leave a room. Fans cool people, not spaces.
Spring for a professional AC tune-up
A well-maintained heating and cooling system runs more efficiently and lasts longer. Dusty filters, clogged coils, or low refrigerant levels can force your AC to work overtime, driving up energy use.
Schedule an annual tune-up, ideally before the peak summer months. In San Bernardino’s extreme heat, your system can’t afford to be anything less than optimal. Regular maintenance can pay you back in lower energy bills and equipment longevity.
If you’re the person who tends to forget to schedule these appointments – and we aren’t judging anyone – consider becoming part of the Ballard Family Plan. For a low monthly or annual payment, you’ll enjoy two tune-ups each year, one for the heating and one for the cooling system. We’ll also include a plumbing visit to make sure your tanked water heater is working properly. (Tankless water heaters incur an additional charge at a member-discounted price.)
Upgrade to energy-efficient cooling equipment
Have you noticed that your AC isn’t keeping you cool or you’re seeing abnormally high energy bills in the summer? An aging unit may be to blame. If your AC is more than 10-15 years old, it might be time to consider a replacement. Remember, today’s systems are far more energy-efficient, paying homeowners back in lower energy bills. When it’s consistently triple digits outside, that extra efficiency goes a long way.
Block the heat before it enters
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most efficient. Consider installing blackout curtains, reflective window film, or even exterior shading to significantly reduce solar heat gain. San Bernardino gets an average of 280 sunny days a year, and that sun can drive up your power bill. Planting shade trees or installing awnings can also protect your home from direct sunlight, keeping indoor temperatures more manageable.
Adjust household habits
Small summer changes can add up to big energy savings. Run heat-generating appliances, like ovens or clothes dryers, early in the morning or after sunset. Switch to LED lighting, which emits less heat.
Are you ready to stay cool and save?
At Ballard Plumbing Heating, and Air Conditioning, we understand San Bernardino summers, and we know how to keep you comfortable without draining your wallet. Whether it’s an emergency repair, routine maintenance, or a high-efficiency system installation, we’re here to help. Call us today at 909-297-1914 to schedule your tune-up, or request an appointment online at https://www.ballardplumbingandair.com/schedule-service/. Enjoy smart summer savings – without breaking a sweat!
