Bakersfield Summers Don’t Play Around
It’s 4:30 p.m., the thermostat outside says 109°F, and your AC just gave up on life. The repair bill? Enough to make you question your life choices.
The worst part? Many of these breakdowns happen because of small, avoidable mistakes that Bakersfield homeowners make every summer without even realizing it.
At Benchmark Air Conditioning, we’ve spent over 15 years keeping Kern County homes cool, comfortable, and efficient. Today, we’re breaking down the seven biggest HVAC mistakes we see every summer—plus how you can dodge them and keep your money in your pocket.
1. Neglecting Your Air Filter
The Problem: Bakersfield’s summer dust (thanks, ag fields) clogs filters faster than you think. A dirty filter chokes airflow, forces your blower to work harder, and can lead to frozen coils.
The Fix: Change your filter every 1–3 months in summer, sometimes even monthly if you’re near orchards, construction, or heavy traffic.
2. Cranking the Thermostat Way Down
The Problem: Setting your thermostat to 65°F won’t cool your home faster—it just forces your AC to run longer and burn more electricity.
The Fix: Keep your thermostat around 78°F for the best balance of comfort and energy savings. Pair it with a smart thermostat that adjusts when you’re away.
3. Skipping Seasonal Maintenance
The Problem: Skipping your spring tune-up is like driving cross-country without an oil change you might make it, but you’re risking a breakdown. Small issues (loose connections, low refrigerant) can snowball into expensive repairs.
The Fix: Schedule a professional AC tune-up before the heat hits. Our Bakersfield HVAC pros can spot issues before they turn into emergencies.
4. Ignoring Strange Noises or Smells
The Problem: Clicking, buzzing, grinding, or musty smells are your AC’s way of begging for help. Ignore them, and you might be replacing a motor—or worse, the whole system.
The Fix: Call a professional as soon as you notice anything unusual. Early fixes are always cheaper than emergency replacements.
5. Blocking or Closing Vents
The Problem: Closing vents to “save energy” actually backfires. It disrupts your system’s airflow and can cause duct leaks or blower damage.
The Fix: Keep all vents open and make sure furniture, curtains, or rugs aren’t blocking airflow.
6. Poor Outdoor Unit Care
The Problem: Your outdoor condenser needs room to breathe. Overgrown plants, dirt, and debris trap heat, forcing your AC to work harder.
The Fix: Keep 2–3 feet of clearance around your unit and rinse the coils twice a year—spring and fall—to remove dust and pollen.
7. Waiting Until It’s Broken to Upgrade
The Problem: An old, inefficient AC can waste hundreds in electricity during a single Bakersfield summer. Waiting until it fails mid-heatwave means you’ll pay peak-season prices and suffer in the meantime.
The Fix: Upgrade in spring or early fall for better deals, energy savings, and reliable comfort.
Why This Matters in Bakersfield
Between triple-digit heat, long summers, and dust-heavy air, Bakersfield is one of the toughest climates for HVAC systems in California. Taking care of your AC isn’t just about comfort; it’s about avoiding skyrocketing energy bills and emergency AC repair calls.
Quick AC Health Check
Filter clean and replaced within the last 30 days? ✅
Outdoor unit free from plants and debris? ✅
Thermostat set for efficiency? ✅
Scheduled your seasonal tune-up? ✅
If you said “no” to any of these, it’s time to get ahead of the heat.
Beat the Heat with Benchmark
At Benchmark Air Conditioning, we’ve been serving Bakersfield homes and businesses since 2009. Our licensed, bonded, and insured team delivers AC tune-ups, repairs, and installations designed for Kern County’s extreme climate.
Don’t wait for a breakdown—schedule your summer HVAC check-up today.
📞 Call (661) 393-5882 or Book Online Here.