Another HOT Day in the Valley?

If your AC’s falling behind, Nalk is helping homes across the Central Valley stay cool.

Hidden AC Helpers: Smart Home Habits That Beat the central valley Heat

here’s the deal

When it hits triple digits in the Central Valley, your air conditioner isn’t just working hard, it’s fighting an uphill battle to keep your home cool. And while regular tune-ups and filter changes are essential, there are several often-overlooked home habits that quietly support your system and make a real difference. Think of them as your AC’s support crew, doing the quiet work that keeps things running smoothly.

At Nalk AC and Heating, we believe homeowners deserve the full picture. These simple adjustments can reduce the strain on your system, lower energy bills, and keep your indoor space far more comfortable during the hottest month of the year.

Closed blinds and light-colored curtains blocking sunlight in a Central Valley living room to reduce indoor heat.

Block the Sun, Tame the Heat

Direct sunlight pouring through windows can turn your living room into a solar oven. Pulling blinds, closing curtains, and installing solar screens during the day can cut indoor temperatures by several degrees. Light-colored window treatments help reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. For homes with east- and west-facing windows, adding awnings or upgrading to windows with a low solar heat gain coefficient can make a noticeable difference. Sunlight is like a persistent heat bandit, and a good set of curtains is your front-line defense.

Outdoor AC unit with cleared space surrounded by neatly trimmed bushes and lawn.

trim the yard

Your outdoor condenser unit needs room to breathe. Overgrown bushes, tall grass, or even decorative landscaping can block airflow and trap heat. Keep at least three feet of space clear on all sides of the unit. Also, check regularly for falling leaves, twigs, and debris that can clog coils or damage fan blades. A quick trim and tidy-up in your yard can prevent a summer breakdown.

Close-up of weatherstripping being applied to a window to seal air leaks, with attic insulation in the background.

Seal Leaks and Insulate Well

Cool air is expensive, and small gaps around windows and doors let it slip right out. Sealing these leaks with weatherstripping and caulk can protect your comfort and your wallet. Don’t forget overlooked spots like attic vents, crawl space gaps, and ceiling openings. In older Central Valley homes, attic insulation may be outdated or degraded. Reinforcing insulation around kneewalls and ceilings keeps the hot air out and eases the load on your AC.

Ceiling fan spinning counterclockwise in a spacious, naturally lit Central Valley living room.

Use Fans the Smart Way

Ceiling fans don’t lower the temperature, but they make you feel cooler by moving air across your skin. That means you can raise the thermostat a few degrees without losing comfort. Just remember to turn fans off when you leave the room. Running them constantly wastes energy and can even add a little heat back into the home.

Evening backyard grilling scene with a shaded patio and cold drinks, helping reduce indoor heat buildup.

Schedule Hot Tasks for Later

Ovens, dryers, and stovetops release a lot of heat. Try grilling outside, microwaving instead of baking, and running the dryer after the sun goes down. Even small changes like these help reduce the amount of work your AC has to do.

Modern smart thermostat mounted in a shaded hallway, displaying a cooling schedule for energy efficiency.

Rethink Your Thermostat

If your thermostat is in direct sunlight or too close to a warm appliance, it might be misreading the room. That leads to extra cooling cycles and wasted energy. Consider relocating it to a spot that reflects the true indoor temperature. And if you haven’t upgraded to a programmable or smart thermostat yet, now’s the time. They learn your habits, reduce unnecessary cooling, and can be controlled remotely.

FAIR, AFFORDABLE HVAC—WITHOUT THE SURPRISES

A customer in Clovis was told by another HVAC company they needed a full system replacement… to the tune of $5,200. Our team came out for a second opinion—and fixed the issue for just $511.

That’s not a fluke. It’s the NALK difference.

Here’s what some companies won’t tell you:

Overdiagnosing to sell you more than you actually need

Sky-high markups on parts and labor

Pushing replacements when repairs make more sense

See the Honest Difference for Yourself!

Get a Free 2nd Quote

Real Reviews from
Real Central Valley Customers

We believe great work speaks for itself. Here’s what real customers are saying about Nalk AC and Heating:

"Nalk installed a new split HVAC system. Everything went smoothly and my house is nice and cool. They kept me informed every step of the way."

Mike Mayer

Google Review

"NALK installed two heat pump units and removed the old furnace and AC. Very professional and knowledgeable team."

Steven Lightle

Google Review

"We were without AC for a month. Nalk installed a new unit in one day. Excellent service and hard-working techs."

Guillermo Ferrer

Google Review

"Love this new unit! Juan did a great install. Fast, efficient, and very professional service from Nalk."

Karin

Google Review

"Professional and fast! Nalk installed two AC units in one day. Highly recommend them."

Tim O'Brien

Google Review

"Nalk installed a new complete AC system for our church. Great assessment, great communication, and finished on time."

Nathan M.

Google Review

What to Expect When You Call Nalk

We start by sending a technician to your home for a full system assessment. We look at your current equipment, your comfort goals, and your home’s layout to make the best recommendation. Sometimes, that visit reveals something small we can fix right away to make your existing system run better. It’s all part of our fix-it-first philosophy — we’ll never push a replacement unless it makes real sense.

There is a charge for this visit, but we keep it affordable because we don’t want cost to be a barrier to smarter energy use and better comfort.

If a heat pump is the right fit, we’ll walk you through your options and schedule the install at a time that works for you.

(559) 277-8448

August in the Central Valley means long, hot days and relentless sunshine. Every little helper around your house reduces the workload on your AC system. That means fewer breakdowns, lower power bills, and more consistent comfort throughout your home.

Not sure where to start? Nalk can help you spot the sneaky energy leaks and cooling issues hiding in plain sight. Give us a call at (559) 277-8448 or email info@nalkacandheating.com. We’ll help you stay cool, save money, and make your home feel just right.

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