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Less than 60% of Californians have air conditioners at home, as opposed to 80% of Americans. So, you seem to be missing a comparison to the 47 other states whose AC ownership percentage is strikingly higher.

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Yes, but look to the use of them. California is hotter than other states. It is also subject to heatwaves in the south, short periods of intense heat which are uncommon elsewhere. People in LA basically live in AC during such times. Washington state may have more machines but doesn't get the heatwaves and so doesn't need the same reserves.

I was surprised how low AC usage in residential homes is in LA compared to many cities on the East Coast. I guess that a city which is rather hot year-round has less need for AC compared to cities that are very hot for only a few months per year. It allows building differently.

High energy prices could also play a role.

At least for the first one, this definitely plays into it. Average winters in NYC top out at 38-42 degrees, compared to LA bottoming out at 48-49. LA can get away with less insulation, so they don't need to worry about buildings trapping as much heat during the summer.

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