When the California sun starts blazing, a reliable air conditioning system isn’t just a comfort—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re upgrading an aging unit or installing AC for the first time, understanding your options and responsibilities as a homeowner is key to staying cool.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of AC systems, California-specific building codes and energy regulations, how to size your system appropriately, and why efficiency matters more than ever.
Types of Air Conditioning Systems for California Homes
Before selecting an AC unit, it’s important to choose the right type for your home’s layout and your lifestyle needs. Here are the most common systems used in California.
Central Air Conditioning
This system distributes cooled air through ducts to multiple rooms. It’s ideal for larger homes or those already equipped with ductwork. Central AC offers consistent cooling throughout the house and can be paired with smart thermostats for enhanced control and energy savings.
Ductless Mini-Splits
Perfect for older homes without ductwork or for additions and remodels, ductless systems offer zone-specific cooling. Each indoor unit operates independently, allowing homeowners to cool only the rooms they use. This can result in significant energy savings, especially in mild California climates.
Heat Pump Systems
Many Californians are making the switch to heat pumps, which provide both heating and cooling. These systems are especially efficient in moderate climates like coastal or southern California. Heat pumps also align well with California’s push toward electrification and reduced fossil fuel use.
Navigating California’s Building Codes and Regulations
AC installation in California must comply with specific building codes and environmental standards, especially Title 24 of the California Building Standards Code. This includes:
- Permitting: Most cities and counties require a building permit for new AC installations or significant upgrades. Hiring a licensed HVAC contractor familiar with local codes is essential.
- HERS testing: The state requires Home Energy Rating System (HERS) testing to ensure the system meets performance and efficiency standards. This includes duct leakage testing, refrigerant charge verification, and airflow measurements.
- SEER requirements: California mandates higher minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings than some other states. As of 2023, the minimum SEER rating for new AC units is 15 in California.
Working with an experienced HVAC installer who understands these requirements ensures your system is code-compliant and energy efficient.
Sizing Considerations: Don’t Oversize or Undersize
In California, where temperatures and home sizes vary dramatically from region to region, proper system sizing is critical. An undersized unit will struggle to cool your home on hot days, while an oversized unit may cycle on and off too frequently, reducing efficiency and lifespan.
Professional HVAC contractors perform a load calculation (Manual J) to determine the right size for your home. This calculation takes into account:
- Square footage
- Insulation quality
- Window orientation and shading
- Local climate conditions
- Number of occupants and heat-generating appliances
Avoid the temptation to choose a system based on square footage alone—oversizing is a common and costly mistake.
Energy Efficiency and SEER Ratings: Saving Money and Power
The SEER rating measures how efficiently a unit cools relative to the energy it consumes. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system. In hot inland areas like Sacramento or the Central Valley, investing in a system with a SEER rating of 18 or higher can significantly reduce cooling costs.
Contact RKM Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with us for AC maintenance. Done Right, Priced Right.