Choosing the Perfect A/C For Your Climate: 8 Essential Tips

Burbank, CA, characterized by its Mediterranean climate, experiences long, cool winters and hot, dry summers. While the summer temperatures here do not often reach the extremes of triple-digits, selecting the appropriate air conditioning system is critical. Making the right choice will ensure consistent performance, high efficiency, and a comfortable environment. Here are eight essential tips to keep in mind when choosing an air conditioner for this region.

1. Work With a Licensed HVAC Company

Big box stores may offer tempting air conditioner deals, but buying a system without expert guidance can lead to costly problems. An incorrectly sized AC can cause high energy bills, uneven cooling, and frequent repairs.

Local HVAC professionals ensure you get the right air conditioning system for your home and climate. Unlike generic retail options, our Burbank-specific AC units are designed for local weather conditions—featuring variable-speed motors for energy-efficient comfort on both mild days and heat waves.

For reliable performance and long-term savings, trust a licensed HVAC company to recommend and install the ideal cooling system for your home.

2. Consider Wildfire Season

Between 1984 and 2021, cities adjacent to Burbank experienced only two wildfires. However, this does not guarantee that your home will be unaffected by wildfire smoke each year. The most effective air conditioners for the area are equipped to seamlessly switch to recirculate mode, ensuring indoor air remains safe when outdoor conditions are hazardous. This feature is essential for maintaining air quality and protecting your health during wildfire seasons.

In recirculate mode, air conditioners cool and circulate the existing indoor air instead of drawing in potentially contaminated air from outside. This process effectively reduces indoor concentrations of allergens and harmful gaseous chemicals, while ensuring that the occupants remain comfortably cool.

Designs that allow easy switching between standard AC operation and recirculate mode are also beneficial in response to chemical spills and other air quality emergencies. These features ensure quick adaptation to keep indoor air safe and clean under various environmental conditions.

3. Check for Optimal Humidity Regulation

Burbank experiences moderate humidity levels, with a year-round average of just 65%. This typically aligns well with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations for indoor humidity, which suggest maintaining levels between 30% and 50%. However, during periods of sudden spikes in outdoor humidity, it’s crucial to prevent your home from becoming damp and muggy. Look for air conditioners equipped with a user-friendly “dry mode.” This setting is ideal for times when you don’t require cooling but still need to reduce excess moisture effectively.

4. Protect Your Indoor Air Quality

Air conditioners improve the comfort of indoor environments by sending warm air outdoors. This air first passes through an air filter, which captures textile and carpet fibers, pet hair, dust, dander, and other large particulate debris. To protect and enhance your indoor air quality (IAQ), it is crucial to regularly check and replace this filter. Additionally, consider choosing air conditioners that provide timely reminders to change the filter and alerts that monitor indoor air quality. Installing a smart thermostat can also offer enhanced IAQ support, especially when upgrading your home cooling system.

5. Choose Equipment With Needs-Specific Warranty Protections

Although local temperatures may not reach extreme highs, they are warm enough to necessitate frequent use of air conditioning throughout much of the summer. Extended and regular cooling cycles exert considerable stress on AC compressors. Prolonged operation and increased temperatures can also affect the viscosity and performance of the lubricating oils within these components. Given that the compressor is one of the most critical and expensive parts of your AC system, it is highly recommended to choose an air conditioner that includes a robust compressor warranty. This ensures added protection and peace of mind.

Generally, new air conditioners are equipped with limited parts warranties ranging from two to five years and compressor warranties lasting 10 to 15 years. Choosing a model that offers enhanced compressor protection can significantly reduce your risk of facing costly compressor replacements or the need for premature system replacements. This decision ensures greater financial security, as your cooling system will be dependable for a long time to come.

6. Explore Different Cooling Equipment Types

Not every Burbank home is built for central air conditioning. Older or smaller properties often lack the ductwork needed for traditional systems. While adding ducts is possible, ductless mini-split systems offer a more affordable and efficient alternative.

Mini-splits use outdoor condensers connected to multiple indoor air handlers, delivering cool air directly where it’s needed—no ductwork required. They provide zoned comfort, high efficiency, and lower installation costs compared to full duct retrofits.

For even greater versatility, heat pump systems are ideal for Burbank’s mild climate. They cool your home in summer and reverse to provide heat in winter—operating up to 400% efficiency. Whether ducted or ductless, heat pumps and mini-splits help homeowners save energy, reduce costs, and enjoy year-round comfort.

7. Know the Efficiency Requirements for Your Region

Under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can benefit from substantial end-of-year tax credits for installing high-performance heat pumps or air conditioners, along with other energy efficiency improvements. To qualify for these incentives, your installations must meet the specific efficiency standards set for Southern California and the type of HVAC equipment you choose. When you partner with us, we will guide you in selecting the optimal heat pump, air conditioner, or ductless mini-split systems to maximize these benefits and other potential rewards.

8. Look for Limited Noise During Operation

Nighttime temperatures in Burbank typically fall in the mid-60s. Throughout the early portions of the evening, your home could hold a lot of heat. Keeping your air conditioner running throughout the nighttime hours shouldn’t make it difficult to watch your television at a reasonable volume, converse with others, or enjoy deep and restful sleep. Shop for cooling systems that do not produce a significant amount of noise when in operation.

Consult With the Experts

We offer outstanding air conditioning, heating, and indoor air quality services. We also provide preventative maintenance plans, home energy audits, and utility rebate appraisals. To shop an expensive selection of air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless mini-split systems perfect for the Burbank, CA climate, contact Air Max HVAC now.