Do Homes in Seattle Have Air Conditioning?

If you’ve ever spent a summer in Seattle then you probably know the drill. The first few days are probably sunny and wonderful–a light breeze in the air, clear blue skies, and the perfect temperature that makes you want to spend most of your time outdoors. However, once it starts to get a little hotter, it suddenly takes you out of that comfort zone and you’ll feel like you’ve been thrown into an oven. Whether you’re just visiting and staying in an Airbnb or have spent most of your life in Seattle, you’re probably wondering to yourself, why don’t I have air conditioning like the rest of the country?!

Thankfully, that seems to be something that is changing now. More and more homeowners across Seattle are starting to learn from the rest of the country and are now installing air conditioning systems in their homes. It’s no longer something reserved for the hotter parts of the U.S. like Texas or Miami. As summers start getting hotter, it makes more sense to invest in a Seattle HVAC system–and it’s becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity these days.

Why are air conditioning systems getting more popular in Seattle?

You might be wondering why homes in Seattle don’t really have air conditioning systems–at least in the older parts of the city. That’s basically because Seattle wasn’t exactly known for scorching hot summers, especially when you compare it to other cities and states further down south. A good old fan was enough to keep us cool, or maybe even just an open window to let the cool breeze in.

But you’ve probably noticed that the weather in Seattle is starting to change. Heat waves are more common and those cool nighttime breezes that we used to enjoy are no longer that common. Some summers get incredibly hot–unbearably so, and it’s hard to sleep through those high temperatures with a stuffy house and minimal airflow. It’s a miserable experience, and nobody likes it.

And so what’s the result? More homeowners are getting air conditioning systems for their homes to combat those hot summers that we’re struggling to get used to.

What type of air conditioning system should a Seattle homeowner get?

Before you start thinking about air conditioning systems, it’s a good idea to understand why it’s not the easiest thing to install a fancy Seattle HVAC system into just any home.

Most parts of Seattle have homes that weren’t built with air conditioning in mind, meaning they don’t really have central air systems that are needed for HVAC. It’s not impossible to install one into a home, but it does require a lot of work and planning. Ductwork needs to be installed for traditional HVAC systems, so it’s simply not an option (or very expensive) for many homeowners.

Thankfully, there are newer more energy-efficient options available too.

Mini-Split Systems

Mini-split systems, also known as ductless systems, are a type of heating and cooling system that, as the description suggests, doesn’t need air ducts like a traditional Seattle HVAC system. Instead of heating or cooling air where needed, it actually just moves the heat and cooling energy around. It’s a lot more compact and easier to install into Seattle homes, and they still give you the same benefits like individual temperature control per room. This means great savings, no wasted energy, and a comfortable home all year around.

Heat Pumps

Contrary to popular belief, a heat pump isn’t just for heating. While it can pump hot air into a room, it can also pump hot air out of a room if it has a reversing function. This means that, yes, it can also be used for cooling! Heat pumps aren’t exactly the most fancy piece of hardware, but if you’re in need of home air conditioning in Seattle then it’s actually a surprisingly good option. It’s all-electric so it’s quite energy efficient, and it even helps you cut down on your carbon footprint.

Is air conditioning in Seattle really worth it?

It’s a dilemma that everyone without a Seattle HVAC system seems to struggle with every year. You think you can handle the summer heat, but then once it actually arrives and the temperature soars past what you thought was possible, you’re struggling to stay composed and you’re kicking yourself wishing you got some kind of air conditioning system.

But then the summer eventually ends, it’s nice and cool again, and you forget all about that hot and stuffy experience you struggled with for the past few months. This is the trap that a lot of people get into–they tell themselves that they can handle it, that it’s only for a couple of months, that a fan is good enough.

However, you simply can’t compare it to having a home air conditioning system that not only cools, but also heats your home when the temperatures start to drop. So here are a couple of benefits that you should really think about if you’re considering a Seattle HVAC system.

• You’ll actually be able to sleep at night. No more hot sleepless nights rolling around trying to get the cool side of your pillow. A good HVAC system keeps your home nice and cool when you need to sleep.

• You’ll have cleaner indoor air. Seattle has its fair share of allergens during the spring and summer, so having a good HVAC system that can filter our things like dust and pollen is actually a huge advantage–especially if you suffer from conditions like hay fever.

• You’ll have an energy-efficient system. Older air conditioning units, like those that you can buy from Amazon, tend to be huge energy hogs and aren’t exactly great at cooling the entire home, or even a single room in some cases. Getting a home air conditioning system is far more efficient at heating and cooling your home.

Get the right HVAC system for your home today

If you’re ready to transform your Seattle home and bring it into the modern day with a HVAC system, then the next step is finding the right system for you.

Our experts at Blossom Solar not only specialize in solar installations, but also HVAC systems that are highly efficient and perfectly suitable for homes in Seattle. Contact us today for a free quote and say goodbye to those stuffy summers.