This sponsored post was written by me on behalf of Trane Residential. All opinions are my own.
Like many older homes in Southern California, our house doesn’t have central air conditioning. When it was built in the 1940s, year-round mild temperatures didn’t make central AC a priority. But hotter summers and worsening wildfire smoke have convinced us that installing an air conditioning system is something we need to do sooner rather than later.
Why More Angelenos Are Installing Air Conditioning
Historically, less than half of Los Angeles homes have air conditioning and only about one in four include central air. That is changing. Climate change and smoke from increasingly severe wildfires are forcing more homeowners to consider climate control. During several recent weeks we couldn’t open our windows because air quality outside was hazardous. Without the cool cross breezes we normally rely on, the interior of our home became uncomfortable.
We’ve lived in Los Angeles for 11 years and the summers seem to get hotter while wildfires grow worse. We even drove to San Diego for a break and found smoke there too. We run portable indoor air filters, but a properly installed central air conditioner with high-quality filters would be the most effective way to protect indoor air quality and keep our home comfortable.
New Construction Usually Includes A/C
Most new homes in the LA area are built with central air as part of the plans. That not only adds value to the property but also makes installation simpler on a new build than retrofitting an older home. When we first arrived back in the area, we were surprised at how few existing homes had central AC—my wife and I both grew up where air conditioning was essential.
These days, many flipped houses are retrofitted with air conditioning, and buyers increasingly treat the presence or absence of central HVAC as a negotiating point. If you’re buying an older home, factor in the cost and logistics of adding central cooling after purchase.
Don’t Overlook the Furnace
Many mid-century homes in our neighborhood, including ours, lack modern central cooling and still rely on very old heating systems. Our furnace is likely several decades old and the ductwork is narrow and outdated. Replacing the furnace with a modern, energy-efficient model would improve comfort and reduce monthly energy bills.
The Benefits of a Harmonized HVAC System
A properly sized, balanced HVAC system includes both cooling and heating components that work together. In Los Angeles weather can swing from 95°F one week to the 50s the next, so a system that can respond to different loads and maintain consistent indoor comfort is important.
Trane systems are engineered to integrate with smart controls like the Comfortlink thermostat. A connected thermostat provides multi-stage heating and cooling and precise control so you use only the energy you need. Smart thermostats also offer programming based on occupancy, daily schedules, and personal comfort preferences, which helps reduce waste and improve efficiency.
HVAC Should Be a Home Improvement Priority
Home projects never end, but after last summer, a new HVAC system moved near the top of our priority list. We’ve had certified Trane installers evaluate our home and propose a plan tailored to our layout and comfort goals. Before ordering equipment, it’s wise to have a qualified local dealer assess your house and recommend the right components for your needs.
Because our climate rarely reaches extremes, selecting equipment that matches our home’s size and usage patterns will be critical to keep the system efficient. Budget is also a key consideration; while we want value, we understand HVAC is a long-term investment. Choosing an air conditioner with a low operating cost relative to performance typically pays off over a few years.
Noise level matters to us as well. We spend a lot of time outside in our backyard, so a loud outdoor unit would be disruptive. Trane publishes sound ratings for their units, which helps when comparing options and choosing a quieter model.
Finally, ongoing maintenance is simple but essential. Replacing the filter—such as Trane’s Comfort Performance Filter—on schedule keeps airflow healthy and the system running efficiently. It’s an inexpensive task but a crucial one that should be added to your home maintenance calendar.
We’ll need to save up for the installation, but installing a modern HVAC system feels like one of the most impactful upgrades we can make to improve comfort and indoor air quality in our home.