In San Diego, a city blessed with plenty of sunshine and mild weather during most of the year, late December and early January tend to bring some very low temperatures. In 1913, when meteorological instruments were kept in a weather station near the Marina district, a low of 25 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded on January 7th. The weather station was eventually moved to the airport, where it recorded a chilly low of 39 degrees—only a few degrees above freezing—in 2013.
People who are moving into lofts in downtown San Diego can expect temperatures in the low 40s, particularly if the nighttime breezes from the harbor are flowing to the east. The temperature inside your loft will depend on how it was built or converted. The hastier conversions are the most troublesome in this regard. You may see exposed HVAC ducts only to realize climate control wasn’t part of the conversion project. Here are some ideas on how you can keep your loft warm and toasty during the coldest days in San Diego.
Portable Space Heaters
These devices are more advanced, safer, and more affordable than ever before, but you don’t want to run more than two at the same time in your loft. Infrared and Korean space heaters tend to cost more, but they’re worth the investment. This solution should be temporary. You’ll always be better off with a furnace, heat pump, and proper insulation.
Gas Furnace
If your loft is located within the area serviced by San Diego Gas & Electric, the best way to heat your loft or any other dwelling is by means of a natural gas furnace. The Customer Choice program offered by SDG&E allows you to shop around for natural gas providers, but you’ll always be subject to California taxes on hydrocarbons. Keep in mind that a gas installation will also allow you to heat your water and operate your stove and oven, so this is a comprehensive long-term investment.
Heat Pumps
These HVAC devices are more common than gas furnaces in San Diego for various reasons, the most important of which is that they’re more affordable. Plus, extremely low temperatures aren’t that common and only last for a few days. With the transition to electricity being generated by solar power and wind turbines, heat pumps are now more eco-friendly than gas furnaces. As for maintenance, modern heat pumps are more efficient and don’t malfunction as often.
Proper Insulation
Poorly insulated spaces will get cold even with gas furnaces or heat pumps. The minimum amount of insulation required by the county building code may not be sufficient to keep your loft warm during the coldest nights. Moreover, older lofts may have cracks and gaps around doors and windows that allow heat to escape and cold air to enter. If you start feeling cold drafts inside your house as early as November, look into installing weather stripping around all the windows and doors. Heavy curtains and thicker windowpanes can also help in this regard.
Even in the middle of winter, downtown San Diego is one of the finest places to live, which is only one reason to consider investing in downtown San Diego real estate. If you’re ready to find your perfect home in the downtown district of America’s Finest City, call on the professionals at 92101 Urban Living to assist with your search. Give one of our friendly agents a call today at 619-649-0368.