Temperatures in the Inland Empire can be brutal. Cities like Riverside and San Bernardino regularly hit 100°F or higher between June and September, and your air conditioner is the only thing standing between you and that heat. Getting ahead of the season now means fewer surprises when the thermometer spikes. That’s exactly the kind of preventive approach we recommend at Solace Plumbing Heating and Air, and it’s the same thinking behind our air conditioning services in Riverside, CA.
Here’s how to get your system ready before the heat sets in.
Change Your Air Filter First
It’s one of the smallest tasks with one of the biggest payoffs. A clogged filter forces your system to work harder, which drives up your energy bill and shortens the life of your equipment. Check your filter monthly during peak cooling season, and replace it every 1 to 3 months depending on usage and household conditions.
Give Your Outdoor Unit Some Room
Your condenser unit, the box sitting outside, needs airflow to release heat. Over the fall and winter, debris, overgrown shrubs, and dirt tend to collect around it. Before summer hits:
- Clear at least two feet of space around all sides
- Remove leaves, twigs, and buildup from the top and vents
- Gently rinse the coils with a garden hose (power washing can bend the fins)
A blocked condenser makes your whole system less efficient, and in Inland Empire heat, efficiency is everything.
Schedule a Professional AC Service
A visual inspection only goes so far. A licensed HVAC technician will check refrigerant levels, test electrical connections, inspect the evaporator coil, and verify that your thermostat is calibrated correctly. Booking an AC service before the season starts, rather than during it, usually means faster scheduling and fewer headaches.
Watch for These Warning Signs
Your system often signals trouble before it quits completely. Keep an eye and ear out for:
- Warm or weak airflow from vents
- Unusual sounds like grinding, rattling, or clicking
- Frequent cycling on and off
- Humidity that feels higher than usual indoors
- A sudden spike in your electricity bill
If any of these show up mid-summer, an emergency air conditioning service call can prevent a full system failure during the hottest stretch of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my AC professionally serviced?
Once a year is the standard recommendation, ideally in spring. If your system is older than 10 years, twice a year isn’t overkill.
What’s the ideal thermostat setting for summer in the Inland Empire?
The U.S. Department of Energy suggests 78°F when you’re home. Every degree lower increases energy use by roughly 3%.
Can I run my AC if the refrigerant is low?
Technically yes, but it strains the compressor and won’t cool effectively. Refrigerant doesn’t deplete on its own, so low levels usually mean a leak that needs professional attention.
Get Ahead of the Heat
When your AC goes down on a 105°F afternoon, you need someone who picks up the phone. Solace Plumbing Heating and Air is family-owned and open 24 hours, with emergency services, financing options, and warranties on our work. Call us before summer catches you off guard.
