Air conditioning, heating and ventilation (HVAC) services are important for homes throughout Sonoma County. However, depending on which region you live in, there may be particular weather and air quality factors that translate to specific needs. Below, we’ve listed the major regions of Sonoma County and provided general advice for making the most of local HVAC services.

North Sonoma County

Cities: Asti, Black Oaks, Cloverdale, Geyserville, Grant, Healdsburg, Jimtown, Lytton, Mercuryville, Preston, Simi

Sonoma County’s northern region is one of its warmest, especially the eastern portion. For example, Cloverdale’s average summer temperature tends to be in the low 90s, and Geyserville and Healdsburg are only slightly cooler. For this reason, north Sonoma County residents should make sure their air conditioning systems are in good repair prior to the start of summer. The best way to do this is by testing your air conditioner before summer—that way, you’ll know if it’s working properly before you need it. Additionally, it’s important to have your air conditioning system serviced annually by an HVAC professional. To minimize cooling costs, homeowners in north Sonoma County should consider alternate, low-energy cooling solutions like installing whole-house fans or solar panels (the latter of which can lower energy costs for air conditioning by generating solar power).

West Sonoma County

Cities: Barlow, Camp Meeker, Cazadero, Duncans Mills, Forestville, Freestone, Graton, Guerneville, Hurlbut, Monte Rio, Occidental, Rio Nido, Sebastopol, Valley Ford, Venado

Sonoma County’s western region (known by locals simply as “West County”) consists of several, mostly small towns scattered through a heavily forested expanse. The weather in west Sonoma County tends to be fairly mild, with average summer highs in the mid-80s and winter highs in the upper 50s. However, in more heavily forested areas, the shade provided by large redwood trees can make the ambient temperature much cooler than those that are fully exposed to the sun. For this reason, a functioning furnace is important for maintaining comfortable in-home temperatures, particularly during the winter. West County residents should have their heating and cooling systems tested and inspected annually to ensure proper functioning all year long.

Sonoma County Coastline

Cities: Annapolis, Bodega, Bodega Bay, Carmet, Gualala, Jenner, Salmon Creek, Seaview, Sea Ranch, Stewarts Point, Timber Cove, Walsh Landing, Valley Crossing

Sonoma County’s coastline is known for its chilly, breezy year-round weather, due to the perpetual presence of ocean winds. In fact, the average temperature on the Sonoma Coast only varies about 10 degrees throughout the year, with average summer and winter highs in the upper 60s and 50s, respectively. Not surprisingly, residents of these coastal towns depend on their heating systems throughout the year to maintain comfortable indoor conditions; air conditioning, on the other hand, is almost completely unnecessary. Sonoma Coast homeowners should have their furnaces inspected annually by an HVAC professional to ensure proper functionality all year long.

Central Sonoma County

Cities: Cotati, Fulton, Larkfield-Wikiup, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Windsor

Sonoma County’s central region, demarcated by the intersection of Highway 101 and Highway 12, is the site of its most populous city, Santa Rosa, which is home to more than 164,000 residents. All cities and towns in central Sonoma County share a similar climate, with average summer highs in the low 80s and winter highs in the upper 50s. Despite its overall mildness, the weather is prone to variation in all seasons, including infrequent bouts of extreme cold and heat during winter and summer. In these instances (as well as to regulate indoor temperatures in general throughout the year), it’s convenient to have a functional air conditioning, heating and ventilation system in the home.

South Sonoma County

Cities: Boyes Hot Springs, Eldridge, Glen Ellen, Kenwood, Penngrove, Petaluma, Schellville, Sonoma, Two Rock, Vineburg

Sonoma County’s south and southeast regions, while located relatively close to each other, feature varying weather and air quality conditions. For example, in Petaluma, windy weather and an abundance of farmland make allergies and livestock odors an ongoing issue for residents. That’s why it’s important for homes in Petaluma to have good ventilation systems that keep allergens and odors outside. Additionally, residents should routinely change their HVAC system filters to sustain high levels of indoor air quality.

The southeastern portion of Sonoma County includes a string of noteworthy towns consisting of Kenwood, Glen Ellen, Boyes Hot Springs and Sonoma. This area is the warmest portion of Sonoma County’s southern region, with average summer highs in the upper 80s, punctuated by occasional bouts of extreme heat. While the warm weather may be good for the many vineyards situated throughout the region, it can create uncomfortable conditions for local residents. That’s why it’s important for homes in Sonoma and the neighboring towns to have working air conditioning systems. To ensure proper functioning, it’s wise to test your air conditioning system before the summer heat sets in and have it inspected annually by a professional HVAC technician.