There’s no sugar-coating it: July in Concord and Danville is hot, and August doesn’t let up either. As summer pushes temperatures into the 90s and beyond, your air conditioner becomes one of the most important systems in your home. But intense summer heat also puts serious strain on your AC.
At Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning, we help homeowners stay cool and comfortable all season long with AC repair in Danville, CA and other HVAC services. If you want your system to run strong through the toughest months of the year, now’s the time to take action. Here are our top tips to help your AC handle the heat of July and August in Contra Costa County.
1. Replace Your Air Filter (Yes, Really)
It’s a simple step, but it’s often overlooked. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder than it needs to. This can cause overheating, reduced cooling capacity, and higher energy bills.
We recommend checking your filter once a month during the summer. If it’s dirty, swap it out. A clean filter can help extend your system’s lifespan and improve indoor air quality, especially helpful when wildfire smoke starts creeping into the area.
2. Set a Reasonable Thermostat Temperature
It might be tempting to crank the thermostat down to 68°F, but doing so can overwork your AC and result in uneven cooling. Instead, aim for a consistent setting between 76–78°F during the day. If you’re away from home, raise it a few degrees to reduce unnecessary energy use.
Smart thermostats can automate these settings and help you optimize comfort and savings without constant adjustments.
3. Give Your Outdoor Unit Room to Breathe
Your AC’s condenser unit needs adequate airflow to do its job. If it’s surrounded by overgrown shrubs, leaves, or debris, it can’t release heat efficiently. Take a few minutes to:
- Clear 2 to 3 feet of space around the unit
- Rinse the coils with a hose (gently)
- Remove any obstructions blocking the airflow
Doing this can help prevent system overheating and reduce the risk of emergency breakdowns in the middle of a heatwave.
4. Pay Attention to Warning Signs
Is your AC making unusual noises? Blowing warm air? Struggling to keep up during peak hours? These are all signs your system may need attention. Don’t wait for a full breakdown: small issues caught early are much easier and cheaper to fix.
Our team at Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning offers quick diagnostics and honest recommendations to keep your system running strong all summer.
5. Schedule a Mid-Summer AC Tune-Up
Even if your system seems to be working fine, a mid-summer tune-up can catch wear-and-tear issues before they become major problems. During a tune-up, we:
- Inspect and clean coils
- Check refrigerant levels
- Test system performance
- Tighten electrical connections
- Ensure your system is operating at peak efficiency
This kind of preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your comfort and your investment.
Book Your AC Service With Hometown Today
July is rough. And August might be even tougher. Make sure your AC system is ready for the long haul. Contact Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule your service and enjoy dependable cooling all summer long.
At Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning, Your Comfort Is Our Business!