SF metro area has some of fewest number of homes with air conditioning in US, study shows

Data from Zillow's 2024 Consumer Housing Trends Report shows that nationally, air conditioning is the top feature for home buyers. About 83% say air conditioning is 'very' or 'extremely important' in their home-buying decision. That number has grown over the past six years.

The ABC7 News Data Team compiled research showing households with A/C in the San Francisco, Oakland, Hayward and the surrounding cities ticked up to 50% in 2023, an increase from 45% in 2021, and from 36% in 2015.

There isn't often the need for air conditioning in Alameda -- it's an island with plenty of Bay breezes. But new data suggests warmer weather is pushing the one-time luxury of air conditioning into the realm of 'necessity' for many.

Scott Farrar, who moved to Alameda from Oakland, said, 'It's pretty rough putting young kids to bed in the heat,' indicating how the rising temperatures are impacting families.

Read at ABC7 San Francisco