Many factors specific to Sacramento, CA, can affect your choice of air conditioner. You, of course, want a setup that can handle long periods of hot weather while cooling your house efficiently. Here are some of the most important things to think about as you make a selection.
Hot, Dry Summers
The weather in Sacramento during the summer tends to stay hot and dry. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to stay above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. This means you need an AC that can handle the intense heat. Those with heavy-duty compressors will ensure the unit can work under extreme temperatures without breaking down.
Extended Cooling Periods
The city experiences months of high temperatures, so you need an energy-efficient air conditioner that can operate nonstop without malfunctioning. Units with high SEER ratings or inverter technology will prove of the utmost benefit for staying cool all summer long.
Energy Efficiency
Since the summers are so long in Sacramento, your cooling costs can quickly become unaffordable. Choosing an energy-efficient unit with high SEER ratings will keep your bills to a minimum. These units reduce energy consumption and maintain consistent cooling performance. We highly recommend a SEER rating of at least 16. This will save money on your monthly bills and extend the lifespan of your AC without sacrificing comfort. Learn more about SEER ratings from the U.S. Department of Energy
Indoor Air Quality
The air quality in Sacramento will sometimes worsen in the summer. This frequently happens as a result of pollution and high pollen levels. For the best results, prioritize clean indoor air since poor air quality causes respiratory issues, allergies, and overall discomfort. One way to lessen the effects of indoor air pollution is to have an AC with a good filter.
Many versions even come with built-in air purifiers that provide whole-home air cleaning. If you get a model without a built-in air cleaner, we can always add a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier at a later time. These devices connect directly to the AC to provide optimal humidity levels, which majorly affects air quality.
Wildfire Season
Sacramento tends to experience anywhere from 10 to 20 wildfires each year. These fires can cause extreme problems with indoor air quality. As the smoke from the fires settles over the city, you might notice an increase in airborne pollutants like ash and particulate matter. You don’t want to breathe in these pollutants because they can irritate your lungs. The wildfires are another reason to prioritize buying an AC with built-in air purification. Here’s how regular HVAC maintenance helps during wildfire season
Large Homes
The majority of Sacramento houses are on the bigger side, so it’s important to have a setup that adequately chills those larger rooms. Your home’s square footage is a major factor in deciding the size and kind of air conditioning system that you need. Here at Huft Home Services, we offer expert services for sizing cooling systems. We’ll assess your home’s layout, square footage and insulation level. These factors are vital to recommending the best unit.
Older Homes
Sacramento has lots of older homes that lack adequate insulation. If this applies to your house, you’ll need a higher-capacity AC. The lack of insulation makes the house more prone to heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. A more powerful unit will help compensate for any gaps in the insulation, ensuring your home stays comfortable year-round.
Drought Conditions
Droughts are another weather condition that often hits Sacramento. During these times, your AC needs to run efficiently with minimal water usage. This not only reduces your environmental impact but also improves energy efficiency for more effective cooling.
Low-Energy Cost Incentives
Numerous incentives and rebates are available to those installing new cooling systems in the Sacramento area. You’ll need to check with your local utilities provider to examine all of your options. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is just one example of a program that provides cash incentives for energy-efficient AC upgrades.
Frequent Power Outages
The summer heat waves in Sacramento put lots of strain on local power grids. An electrical system that keeps going out will stress and damage your air conditioner. As it powers on and off, it will wear down faster and consume more energy. Having an AC that can connect to a generator is key to maintaining comfort. This will ensure access to cooling during power outages and will also extend the life of your unit.
Window Size
Homes with lots of large windows allow more sunlight and trap more heat. The heat gain will make the AC work harder, especially if it’s not the right size. This is why you must make sure the unit has enough power to overcome the added heat.
Daylight Hours
During the summer, Sacramento’s lengthy sunshine hours warm houses quickly. To counter this, you’ll need an AC that cools just as quickly and efficiently. Those with variable-speed motors will adjust airflow to match cooling needs. This provides optimal cooling during the hottest parts of the day.
Ceiling Height
If your home has high ceilings, you must take them into account when selecting an AC. Because of the extra air volume, you’ll need a unit that can circulate air effectively. These setups typically have larger units, higher BTU ratings or variable-speed motors. They might also include extended ductwork to improve airflow or multiple zones to optimize cooling.
Cool Roof Technology
Adding a cool roof to your house is a great way to reduce heat absorption and improve energy efficiency. The house will stay cooler and reduce indoor temperatures, which means the AC won’t have to run as often. Because of the lower heat load, you can opt for an AC with a smaller capacity or lower energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, cool roofs help lower indoor temperatures, reducing strain on your AC. ENERGY STAR also explains how certified roofing materials improve energy performance and comfort. This may save you thousands on the upfront cost of the new AC.
Maintenance Requirements
Always choose a unit that comes with reasonable maintenance requirements. You don’t want a configuration that includes complex ductwork, hard-to-reach filters or sealed components. This will make it difficult to change the filter and do other maintenance tasks. The goal is to choose a setup that provides easy access to technicians for tune-ups.
Huft Home Services is here to help you choose the most suitable AC for your house. We offer AC installations, repairs, and tune-ups. Call us now to get help on picking the right cooling system for your home in Sacramento.
