Texas is one of the most rapidly warming states in the United States, primarily due to increased drought conditions in the Southwest. In fact, it is predicted that by 2010, there are going to be 150 days of 90-degree temperatures in the Lone Star state.
This makes selecting the right air-conditioning unit for your home an important task. A proper AC unit increases energy efficiency and keeps your house cool – even through the sultriest Texas summers. And there are specific AC installation factors that play a huge role in maximizing unit efficiency and cooling capabilities.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioner
When selecting the right AC system for your home, there are a couple of factors you want to be familiar with, as they impact your decision on which system to install.
- The size of your home: Bigger isn’t always better in Texas and just because your house is large, doesn’t necessarily mean your AC unit needs to be the biggest on the block.
- Local climate: When you know the ins and outs of your local environment, and you understand local weather patterns, you have a better idea of how much power you need from an AC unit.
- Utility costs: Most of the time, larger systems are going to produce higher utility costs. But there are also smaller units that, if improperly installed, become real energy drains.
- Environmental concerns: There are plenty of AC system options for the eco-friendly homeowner. They reduce chemical waste by using little to no electricity while still cooling your home adequately.
It’s important to understand all of these dynamics before purchasing an AC unit, as your AC’s effectiveness hinges on a blend of home efficiency and personal family preferences.
For example, larger units tend to cycle more frequently. And although a powerful, repetitive cooling cycle may be just what you think you need, the short bursts emitted by larger machines have more difficulty removing moisture from your home air. You may get that initial surge of cool air with a larger unit, but it doesn’t typically last, which means you’re continually kicking up or dialing back your thermostat. On those scorching summer days, you need proper dehumidification, and that requires your air conditioner to run long enough that it fully pulls moisture from the air.
Dealing with Dehumidification
You might think that AC installation is a simple, one-and-done decision. And with many professionals HVAC techs, that is the case. But when it comes to battling brutally hot temperatures in an already drought-prone area like Dallas, the decision-making process is a little more involved. Dallas homeowners need air-conditioning units that protect them from the harsh summer humidity.
Many Texan natives believe 90 degrees to be an average temp and don’t see summer heat as a problem until it surpasses the 100-degree mark. But don’t underestimate the dangers of humidity – especially in the midst of a summer heat wave.
Humidity is often the primary cause of discomfort. It makes the air feel muggy and heavy, adding insult to injury on a steamy day. While humidity is a great resource in colder temperatures, it doesn’t do anything for a hot Texas summer.
This summer is shaping up to be one of Dallas’s hottest – and it’s only going to get worse as the years progress and drought conditions worsen. Equip your home with the most suitable air conditioner by considering all of the issues concerning AC installation, and contact the experts to help. With the right air conditioner, you avoid the summer heat in the healthiest way and ensure the efficiency of a long-lasting unit.
Want to know more about choosing the best air conditioner for your home? Contact the On Time Experts! Your very own Comfort Consultant is standing by to help keep your family comfortable year-round.
Call: 281-694-7946