An Air Conditioning Guide for Seattle Homeowners
APRIL 2024
As anyone living in the Pacific Northwest can attest, Seattle's once mild summers are becoming a thing of the past. In fact, Seattle experienced its warmest summer on record in 2022. And who can forget the dreaded “heat dome” that brought three days of scorching 100-plus-degree heat to our city back in 2021? With hotter summers likely here to stay, air conditioning is becoming more of a necessity in a region that once saw it as a luxury.
In the past, installing an air conditioning unit might have seemed excessive or too expensive for many Seattle homeowners. But thanks to recent technological advances, air conditioning systems are now more accessible and efficient than ever before. We’re not talking about your grandma’s bulky window unit from the 80s anymore. From evaporative coolers to sleek ductless mini-split systems, there are lots of options that will work for a variety of homes and budgets.
If you’re considering adding air conditioning to your home, here’s a rundown of some of the most common systems and how they work, as well as a few key things to consider when choosing the right AC system for your situation.
Types of Air Conditioners & How They Work
While you may be most familiar with window units and central AC, there are other innovative solutions that might be better suited to your home. Let’s take a closer look at each option and how they stack up against each other.
Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning is the old standby. It works by moving cool air through a network of ducts, ensuring consistent temperatures throughout your entire house. And unlike their clunky cousins of the past, modern central AC units are quieter, more energy-efficient, and equipped with features like programmable thermostats. The complexity and cost of installing a central AC system will depend on your home's existing ducting and furnace configuration. While ideal for larger homes, central AC may require a higher upfront cost compared to other options.
Mini-Split Systems
Mini-split AC systems have many variations and options, but some common configurations are the ductless mini-split, with its wall-mounted interior air handlers, and the ducted mini-split, which looks more like a traditional “forced-air” system with floor or ceiling registers.
Ductless mini-split systems are a great solution for homes without existing ductwork or for those looking to add air conditioning to specific rooms. These systems consist of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air-handling units connected by refrigerant lines. Ductless mini-splits allow you to customize temperatures for different areas of your home while avoiding the energy losses associated with ductwork. Their sleek, compact designs make them great for cooling a room without taking up too much space or distracting from other design features.
Ducted mini-splits typically cost more than their ductless counterparts and require an attic, basement, or crawl space to accommodate the air handler and the associated ducting. But when space is available, ducted mini-splits are often preferred. Room control and zoning can still be integrated to give you specific control of temperatures from room to room.
And mini-splits are not only for cooling! Mini-split heat pumps also provide heating for the cooler months. While you may be thinking of cooling for the upcoming summer, planning holistically and designing a system for all seasons is critical for cost and energy efficiency.
Portable and Window Air Conditioners
Portable and window air conditioners are perfect for renters who can’t make the structural changes required when installing something like central AC. They’re also great for homeowners who want to save money or are just looking to temporarily cool certain rooms without an intensive installation process. With a portable air conditioner, you can move the unit from room to room, providing relief where and when you need it.
Hybrid Air Conditioners
Hybrid air conditioning systems combine the benefits of different technologies, offering homeowners greater flexibility and efficiency. These systems often utilize a combination of traditional central air conditioning and ductless mini-split components, allowing for tailored cooling solutions that adapt to changing climate needs throughout the year. Hybrid systems can be particularly useful for homes with unique layouts or varying cooling requirements in different areas.
Evaporative Coolers
Evaporative coolers, also known as "swamp coolers” (don’t worry, they won’t make your house smell swampy), draw warm outside air through moistened pads or filters, cooling it before circulating it throughout the home. Their low energy consumption and ability to add moisture to the air make them eco-friendly and beneficial for combating dry indoor conditions. This makes them a great option for dry summers here in the Pacific Northwest. But keep in mind that their effectiveness can be limited in humid conditions, where the air is already saturated with moisture.
Heat Pumps
We know, the name is confusing. Aren’t we talking about cooling your home, not cranking up the heat during the summer? But trust us, heat pumps are a really neat solution for keeping your home comfortable year-round. Heat pumps offer both heating and cooling capabilities. In the summer, they cool your home by removing heat from indoor air, while in the winter, they extract heat from outdoor air to warm your living space. This versatility not only simplifies maintenance but also reduces energy consumption and utility costs, making heat pumps a practical choice for homeowners looking to stay comfortable in every season.
4 Things to Consider When Choosing an Air Conditioner
Selecting the right air conditioner for your needs involves weighing a number of important factors. Are you looking to cool your entire house or just one room? What’s most important to you: upfront cost or long-term efficiency? While the process might seem complicated, as long as you keep the following four factors in mind, you’re likely to find a great AC solution for your specific situation.
Size and Capacity
One of the first things to consider is the size and capacity of the air conditioner. A unit that's too small may struggle to cool your home adequately, while one that's too large can lead to inefficiencies and increased energy costs. Consulting with a professional to perform a load calculation based on factors like square footage, insulation, and local climate can help determine the appropriate size for your specific needs.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is another essential consideration when choosing an air conditioner. Look for units with high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings, indicating their ability to cool efficiently while consuming less energy. Investing in an energy-efficient model may result in lower utility bills over time and reduce your environmental impact.
Cost
While upfront cost is an important factor, it's essential to consider the long-term savings and benefits of investing in a higher-quality, more efficient air conditioner. Additionally, explore potential rebates, incentives, and financing options available for energy-efficient AC systems, which can help offset the initial investment and make upgrading more affordable. Here’s a helpful guide to home energy rebates offered in the state of Washington.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation and regular maintenance are critical for ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of your air conditioning system. Hiring a licensed professional for installation can help prevent common issues like improper sizing, leaks, and inadequate airflow. Additionally, scheduling routine maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting ductwork, can help maximize efficiency and prevent costly repairs down the road.
Making Informed Air Conditioning Choices
Hopefully, the information shared above will help you feel more confident about navigating all the air conditioning options available to you. If you’re planning a home renovation in the near or short term, discuss these plans with a trusted builder to ensure your chosen AC system will meet your needs.
If you have any questions, our team is here to help! Feel free to contact us and learn how we can help you design and install the perfect AC system for you and your home.