Beat the heat at home: what SDG&E and the County want San Diegans to know

It’s October, and San Diego is doing its fall heat thing again. The National Weather Service has an Extreme Heat Warning out for parts of the county, with highs in the 90s near the coast and the 100s inland, and warm nights that make it hard for houses to cool off. Add Santa Ana winds, and SDG&E has started Public Safety Power Shutoffs in some fire-prone communities.

Here’s what the utility and the County are telling residents, plus simple ways to keep your home cooler, your AC working less hard, and your household ready if the power goes out.

What’s happening

The County says forecasters expect dangerously high temperatures through next Thursday, and that the hot, dry, windy mix raises wildfire danger. SDG&E began Public Safety Power Shutoffs on Oct. 2 in certain communities to reduce wildfire risk. The utility says power was restored for most of those customers by early Friday afternoon, but conditions can change, so check its updates if you live in a higher-risk area.

“Readiness during an extended weather event requires constant attention.” — Kevin Geraghty, SDG&E chief operating and safety officer

Keep your home cool (and your AC from working overtime)

Cool down early

SDG&E suggests pre-cooling your home earlier in the day, before temperatures and energy demand peak. Then, health permitting, set the thermostat a few degrees higher during the 4 to 9 p.m. window.

Block the sun

Close blinds, shades and curtains, especially on west- and south-facing windows in the afternoon. Keeping direct sun out is one of the easiest ways to keep rooms from heating up.

Use fans the smart way

Ceiling and portable fans can let you run the AC a little less, according to SDG&E. The County adds an important caution: when it’s over 90 degrees, don’t rely on fans alone to keep people cool.

Shift the big chores

Run the dishwasher, washer and dryer after 9 p.m. Unplug electronics you aren’t using, or put them on a smart power strip.

Give your AC a little help

A clean filter and a clear outdoor unit help your system keep up on long, hot days. For more on keeping an older system healthy, see our guide to avoiding HVAC strain.

If the power goes out

• Charge phones, flashlights and medical devices ahead of time.
• Cool your home early in the day while you still have power.
• Keep drinking water on hand and make a simple family communication plan.
• Sign up for emergency alerts at AlertSanDiego.org, and keep your contact information current with SDG&E.
• Check sdge.com/Ready for PSPS updates and resources.

Take care of people (and pets)

The County recommends staying in air-conditioned spaces during peak heat, drinking plenty of water, avoiding sugary or alcoholic drinks and wearing lightweight, loose clothing. Never leave children, older adults or pets in a vehicle. Keep pets indoors when you can, with plenty of fresh water, and save walks for early morning or evening.

Watch for signs of heat illness, which the County lists as dizziness, nausea, confusion, heavy sweating, headaches or fainting. If you don’t have AC, the County’s 33 Cool Zones at libraries and community centers offer air-conditioned relief. Looking for something to do that won’t wear you out? Here are some heat-safe ideas around the county.

Hot, dry weather is also a good reminder to clear dry brush near your home. Our explainer on San Diego’s new Zone 0 wildfire rules covers what’s coming for homeowners.

Quick answers

What are SDG&E’s peak hours?

Peak demand on the grid is from 4 to 9 p.m. SDG&E suggests pre-cooling your home earlier in the day, then setting the thermostat a few degrees higher during that window if your health allows.

Are fans enough to stay cool in a heat wave?

Fans can help your AC run less, but the County of San Diego warns not to rely on fans alone to keep people cool once it’s above 90 degrees.

What are the signs of heat illness?

The County lists dizziness, nausea, confusion, heavy sweating, headaches and fainting as signs of heat illness.

Where can I check for SDG&E power shutoffs?

Check SDG&E’s PSPS dashboard and sdge.com/Ready for Public Safety Power Shutoff updates, and sign up for emergency alerts at AlertSanDiego.org.