Some residents in Kern County, California, are suffering through summer heat without any air conditioning, while others are facing steeper utility bills or costly repairs as temperatures climb into the triple digits.
In Bakersfield and across the wider San Joaquin Valley, cooling a home is becoming more than a comfort issue. For many households, it is both a health need and a growing financial strain.
What’s happening?
According to homeowner Brian Holmes, the cost of running older AC units is rising sharply as the heat intensifies.
He told ABC member station KERO that he chose to replace a decades-old system, taking on a major upfront expense in hopes of lowering his costs over time…