Surviving 115°F in Mojave

When "Hot" Becomes "Dangerous"

Mojave summers are brutal. 100°F is a mild day; 110°F is common. To keep your home at a livable 75°F, your AC has to remove a massive amount of heat energy continuously.

Why Standard Sizing Fails Here

HVAC systems are usually sized based on "design temperatures." In Los Angeles, that might be 90°F. In Mojave, we size for 110°F+. If your contractor used a standard LA sizing chart, your unit will run non-stop from 1 PM to 8 PM and never reach the set temperature.

Tips for Extreme Heat Days

1. Pre-Cool the House

Don't wait until it gets hot inside. Set your thermostat to 72°F in the morning. Let the AC run while it's still relatively cool outside (85°F-95°F). The unit works more efficiently, and you "bank" that cold air in your furniture and walls.

2. Close the Blinds (Seriously)

Solar heat gain is the enemy. South and West-facing windows act like space heaters. Blackout curtains or solar screens can reduce the heat load on your AC by 20%.

3. Don't Cook Inside

Using the oven adds 350°F+ heat directly into your kitchen. Grill outside or use the microwave. Every BTU of heat you don't add is one less BTU your AC has to remove.

4. Check Your Filter Weekly

In peak summer, your system is moving massive amounts of air. A slightly dirty filter restricts airflow, which can cause the evaporator coil to freeze even on a 100°F day because the refrigerant isn't absorbing enough heat.