Home Air Conditioners in Texas
Saturday, July 3rd, 2010Everyone knows that everything is bigger in Texas, but when it comes to air conditioning, bigger is not always better. Having your home air conditioners sized correctly for your application is one of the most important steps in providing you with a comfortable climate at the most efficient operating costs. Installing an air conditioner that is too big will cause the unit to cool your living area too quickly which means that it will not dehumidify effectively. A system that is sized properly for your living environment will run for a good 10-15 minutes before cycling down and then rest for a like period of time before restarting. Anything less will cause a ‘short-cycling’ condition that will not dehumidify, cost more in electricity due to the constant starting and stopping, and decrease the overall life of the air conditioning system.
There are other considerations that Texans have to take into account when talking about air conditioning. For those that live in the coastal regions of the state, the high humidity conditions will require a primary and overflow draining system that is thoroughly tested at installation. I’ve seen too many situations where the primary drain became backed up or clogged and the overflow drain was not connected properly and the result was a virtual flooding of the home. Do not underestimate the quantity of condensation that an air conditioner puts out in these areas. Pour a cup of bleach through your drain lines at the beginning of each season to keep yourself from flooding your home.
Home Air Conditioners
photo credit: skeddy in NYC
Lastly, it is a good idea to invest in a portable air conditioning not just as a great appliance to have around the home, but also as a backup for your central air conditioner in the event that you have any problems with it or if you loose power to your home. A portable air conditioner can run off of a generator when you are without power. It doesn’t take another Hurricane Ike for you to figure out that the potential of living without air conditioning in Texas (especially during the summer months) is more than anyone should have to endure.