Test cooling before you need it
Run the system for a full cycle in spring. Finding a fault in April means an unhurried repair; finding it during the first September heat wave means waiting in a queue with everyone else.
Shade and airflow do a lot of the work
West-facing glass drives much of the afternoon heat gain in valley homes. Exterior shading, closed blinds during peak sun and night-time ventilation on cool evenings meaningfully reduce how hard any system has to work.
Set the thermostat, do not chase it
A scheduled thermostat that pre-cools before the hottest part of the afternoon is more effective than manually adjusting all day, and it fits how local electricity pricing tends to be structured.
Bigger upgrades need a professional
Adding cooling to a heating-only system, converting to a heat pump, resizing ducting or upgrading the electrical service are licensed, permit-involved projects. Ask for a load calculation rather than rule-of-thumb sizing, and request a Pro Match to get started.
Product suggestions
Helpful products for this project
Optional items some homeowners keep on hand. These are informational suggestions, not endorsements, and they are no substitute for hiring a qualified professional.
Smart thermostats
Learning smart thermostat
A programmable thermostat that adjusts heating and cooling on a schedule and can be controlled from a phone. Check compatibility with your existing system wiring before buying.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
HVAC filters
MERV 11 pleated furnace filter
A mid-range pleated filter for typical residential systems. Measure the filter slot and match the printed size exactly before ordering.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Smart thermostats
Basic programmable thermostat
A simpler scheduled thermostat for homes that do not need app control. Installation on some older systems requires a common wire.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
HVAC filters
MERV 8 pleated furnace filter
A lower-restriction filter option for systems that struggle with airflow at higher MERV ratings.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Roofing, electrical, structural, HVAC and anything permit-required or involving gas or main water lines should be handled by a qualified professional — not as a do-it-yourself project. Request a Pro Match if you need help finding a participating local service provider.
Request a Pro MatchCost ranges on this site are general informational estimates only. They are not quotes, guarantees, or the current pricing of any contractor. Actual pricing depends on your property, scope and the professional you hire.
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