San Diego Air Conditioning Rates Increase September 1st
Here we go again! On September 1, San Diego utility rates are set to rise about five or six percent. The good news is, that with some preventative maintenance and new HVAC technology you nearly eliminate the effect of these rate increases on your wallet.
San Diego HVAC Systems Need Regular Tune Ups
Our near-prefect weather can actually be damaging to your San Diego air conditioning and heating systems. In America’s Finest City, A/C and furnaces often lie dormant for months at a time. Most people understand that this sort of dormancy would be bad for a car, but don’t realize the same is true for their home’s comfort systems.
Annual AC System Tune-Ups Save You Money
Annual maintenance is vital to ensuring that your San Diego air conditioning and heating performs efficiently and lasts longer. Let’s face it, HVAC systems are not cheap! Better take good care of the one you have, because when it doesn’t work, that’s when you’re reminded how much you enjoy it. Scenario two, your system is not performing at peak efficiency, so those new San Diego utility rates will increase exponentially for your household.
HVAC System Services
We offer several options to San Diego homeowners to ensure the longevity and efficiency of their HVAC systems. Homeowners should be proactive and perform regular maintenance BEFORE harsh weather hits. If you wait until temperatures soar (or dive), San Diego air conditioning and heating technicians will undoubtedly be booked and unable to get to you as soon. For this reason, we often run A/C Tune Up Specials during mild temperatures to encourage homeowners to take action before they have a breakdown and have to suffer. If a more set-it-and-forget-it solution appeals to a homeowner, we have VIP Service Agreements available for annual service, regular discounts, and front-of-line service.
Control San Diego Air Conditioning More Effectively
Programmable thermostats and systems that are on the cutting edge of efficiency and meet Energy Star standards help you regulate your home's temperature effectively and in some cases, from anywhere! Contact us to find out about current rebate opportunities or seasonal specials on system installs or thermostat upgrades.
So Why Are San Diego Air Conditioning Rates Going Up Anyway?
California sets utility rates every for years. San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has to submit a proposed operating budget that presents their expenses, plus a profit margin for investors. Beyond standard inflation, SDG&E also has to factor into its expenses for higher liability insurance costs because of the 2003 and 2007 wildfires. In case you’re aware and wondering, a $27 million settlement (downed power line was determined to be the cause of a 2007 fire) and losses from the shutdown of the San Onofre Nuclear Plant (SDG&E owned a 20% stake) are not factored into the rate hikes.
San Diego HVAC Rates for Homes v. Businesses
Some good news for homeowners, only 25% of homeowners should be affected by the rate changes. Not so great for business owners, nearly all of SDG&E’s business owners will see their bills’ go up. Contact Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air to see how we can help San Diego businesses combat the rising costs too.
San Diego Air Conditioning Costs: Why Efficiency is So Important
Gas and electricity rates are based on a progressive, four-tiered structure, and the number of kilowatt-hours (kwh) used. Baseline limits vary depending on the region and time of year. As an example, a home located in inland San Diego County will be given a higher baseline kwh’s than those living closer to the coast where temperatures are typically lower. A typical baseline would be $0.15 per kwh and as use (consumption) increases, so does cost per kwh:
- Tier 2: $0.17 cents per kwh
- Tier 3: $0.27 cents per kwh
- Tier 4: $0.29 cents per kwh
