Aircon in homes

Question

I have been surprised to read that many homes in the beach/ Bay area don't have air conditioning as standard. We're coming from the UK in August and I'm slightly concerned from previous experiences that the heat will be significant but lots of rentals don't seem to have air conditioning. How did locals cope? All fans really enough?

Answer

In much of coastal California, including San Diego, it is indeed common for homes not to have central air conditioning. The climate is generally mild, and ocean breezes help keep temperatures comfortable for most of the year. Even in summer, the coastal areas rarely experience prolonged extreme heat like other parts of the U.S.

Locals have adapted to this in several ways:

Many homes rely on ceiling fans, portable fans, and cross-ventilation to keep air moving and maintain comfort indoors.
Windows are often left open in the evenings and mornings when it’s cooler, and closed during the hottest part of the day to trap cooler air inside.
Shutters, blinds, and reflective curtains are frequently used to block out direct sun and keep interiors cooler.

However, August can occasionally bring heat waves, and temperatures in inland areas or neighborhoods away from the immediate coast can rise into the high 80s to mid-90s (Fahrenheit). In those cases:

Fans alone may not be sufficient for everyone; some locals use portable or window air conditioning units for bedrooms or main living areas.
Spending the hottest parts of the day outside in shaded areas or visiting places with air conditioning, such as cafes, shopping centers, or public buildings, is a common strategy.
Hydration and lightweight clothing also help mitigate discomfort during hot days.

If you are staying in a rental, it’s worth confirming whether it has AC or at least good fans. For coastal areas like La Jolla, Mission Beach, or Pacific Beach, fans are often adequate. If you plan to spend time further inland (Escondido, Poway), AC might be more important.

In summary, while fans are usually enough for most of San Diego’s coastal homes, having some air conditioning can be a useful backup during occasional heat waves, especially if you are sensitive to heat or traveling with children.

Aircon in homes

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