Happy family canoeing in fresh outdoor air. Could your home's air be this fresh?!

Why Get an Air Conditioner in Anchorage or the Mat-Su Valley?

If there is anything these past few summers have shown us, it’s that Anchorage, Wasilla and the Mat-Su Valley are not immune to climate change. It’s no longer unusual to be drawn to local lakes and backyard kiddie pools to cool off while the sun blazes. Then there’s air quality. Wildfire smoke can drift in from multiple directions these days.

Here are 5 reasons to consider having an air conditioner installed in your Anchorage, Wasilla or Palmer home:

1. Air Conditioning in Anchorage & Mat-Su is Good for Your Health

Heat can be hard on the human body. When the weather is hot, our heart rate and blood pressure increase and our body begins to sweat to try to regulate our internal temperature. This can be dangerous for the elderly and other vulnerable Alaskans as it increases the risk of stroke, dehydration, and other heat-related health issues. High temps also harm everyone’s ability to think clearly and act quickly, raising tempers and decreasing workplace productivity. Finally, hot weather makes it difficult for us to sleep at night, which only amplifies these issues during the day. Air conditioning keeps home and workspaces cool, helping us stay healthy and function properly.

2. Even Alaskans Have Allergies

Allergies are not limited to the Lower 48. When the Alaska cottonwood snows in the spring, many take cover. Did you know that air conditioning can alleviate your allergies? In hot weather, we Alaskans typically open our windows and doors, allowing more pollen, dust, and common allergens into our homes and workspaces. With an air conditioner, you don’t have to let the allergens in to keep cool! Additionally, air conditioners filter out any common allergens that are already present as they circulate air throughout your home or workplace. They also reduce the humidity in your home or workplace that can worsen the growth of mold and mildew. Just be sure to keep your air filters and ductwork clean for this benefit!

3. Air Conditioning Keeps the Bugs (Hello, Mosquitos!) at Bay

Mosquitos and no-see-ums are ornery little critters that seem to make it indoors no matter what we do. Opening our windows and doors to cool down in hot weather does not help–even if we have screens. As we mentioned, you don’t have to open your house or office up to the outdoors in order to stay cool with an air conditioner, keeping the creepy crawlies away.

4. An Air Conditioner Will Keep Your Things Cool the Anchorage and the Valley Heat Up

Just as heat can be hard on you, it can be hard on your things. High temperatures can fry electronics, leave permanent sweat marks on your clothing, and spoil your food. Air conditioning creates an optimal environment for everyone and everything–not too hot, not too cold.

5. Alaskans Value Their Privacy

Last but not least, air conditioning can help you maintain your privacy and security. When we open our windows and doors, we may let in more than just bugs. Open passages into our homes and workspaces increase our risk for unauthorized visitors. Air conditioners cool our homes and workspaces without the security threat.

Whether you are considering an air conditioner for this hot and hazy Alaska summer or the next several summers down the road, we say, go for it! The health and privacy benefits are great, and it would sure be nice to have an air conditioner in place before the next time we’re hit with high temperatures and everything is sold out.