AC Needed? (Pasadena, Vista, Marina: real estate, apartment, how much)

[Stephy0519]

Hey all--

So, I've been in the the Marina/Culver West (near Costco) area since October and am going to be moving just shy of a mile up Washington Place. I haven't been using my AC much in MDR--just have my windows open at night. Obviously I know summer just started and that it can and will get warm (keeping in mind I'm used to the humidity of the NYC tri-state.) My new place doesn't have central air. It does face west, with full sliding doors. The bedroom also has a brand new (powerful) ceiling fan.

My question for you guys: Does anyone know just how much warmer it will be, a mile in? I'm trying to decide if I should invest in a full apartment AC (like 14K BTUs) or just get one for the bedroom (maybe 8K BTUs) and a nice corner, stand up fan for the living room. I haven't had a full summer here yet--just visited for two weeks in the summer, while originally apartment hunting, last year. So, thoughts? Suggestions for something different?

Gotta say, fantastic apartment find--2K, over 800 sq ft, fully updated (stainless steel kitchen with dishwasher, hardwood, huge balcony, an enormous amount of storage, gated, private parking, on site management and fantastic owners)--on the Westside, just west of Grand View and Washington Place. Saving myself over 1K a month, taking this place. Good real estate can be found, if you hunt for it!

Thanks in advance!

[Cloudwalker]

I live very close to you and you may find you do not need air conditioning at all, especially if you'll get good air circulation with west facing sliding doors and a ceiling fan. It'll stay pretty temperate most of the year. The hottest months are usually August, September and October, but even then, there's probably only two or three weeks where it would be nice to have ac. If you really feel you should have it, just get one for the bedroom.

If you are not home during the day, keep the blinds shut to keep the heat out, then open everything up in the evening to let that coastal breeze that picks up about 4pm blow out any heat, and most of the time you'll find it pretty comfortable.

Congratulations on the apartment! I agree, reasonable deals are out there if you are patient and persistent.

[saybanana]

I live up near Pasadena and while it does get hot in the summer, If in the low to mid 90s, it cools down enough at night that a window fan and a regular fan blowing on me is enough to cool me down. Air con would make me cold that I throw on a thicker blanket. Usually need the Air con when it gets above 100 because at nighttime, the radiant heating keeps the air night in the 80s. But I think the coastal areas will be much cooler. Anyway, just see how this summer works for you, you can always get one if it is too much. But a couple of fans would be enough for me. The only really bad time is if Socal gets some tail end of dying hurricane or tropical depression or the pineapple express thing where warm moist air from Hawaii moves in CA's direction. I hate humidity.

[Stephy0519]

Awesome! Thank you both, very much My apartment was definitely a great find--I'm looking forward to being able to walk to the Mar Vista Farmer's market, yet I'm still only a mile from the start of the Marina with Costco, etc.

I'm home 3-4 days a week (remote, IT) but will definitely keep the blinds closed tip, in mind, when I am not!

[thelopez2]

Originally Posted by Stephy0519

Awesome! Thank you both, very much My apartment was definitely a great find--I'm looking forward to being able to walk to the Mar Vista Farmer's market, yet I'm still only a mile from the start of the Marina with Costco, etc.

I'm home 3-4 days a week (remote, IT) but will definitely keep the blinds closed tip, in mind, when I am not!

You might want an AC for maybe 10 days a year. A portable unit might be $350. Considering you are saving $1000 a month, but an AC just in case.

[Stephy0519]

Originally Posted by thelopez2

You might want an AC for maybe 10 days a year. A portable unit might be $350. Considering you are saving $1000 a month, but an AC just in case.

Thank you! I'm not worried about the cost of the AC, I was more just worried of BTUs etc. Thanks!

[SportyandMisty]

Take a compass with you to visit the apartment. Ideally, you do not have any west facing windows, nor even a west-facing wall. Of course, shade trees will help quite a bit.

[eureka1]

I lived in Hawaii for eleven years and found that with one window A/C unit in the BR we did just fine. When I lived in LA we never even thought about A/C.