According to ERCOT’s demand analyses, residential air conditioning is the dominant factor driving up energy demand during peak hours in the afternoon and evening in the summer. 83% of Texas households already have central air conditioning systems.
The all-time record for peak energy demand was set in August 2023, reaching 85,508 MW. Average daily demand ranges between 53,000 and 58,000 MW, depending on the time of day and ambient temperature.
Sarens has partnered with Raven Air Conditioning and Heating to install five RTU units at a residential complex in Conroe with the goal of improving the energy efficiency of its HVAC system and complying with current regulations.
According to forecasts by ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas), the state of Texas is set to break its all-time record for electricity demand again this summer, with daily demand expected to reach 98,000 MW. This figure will represent nearly double the average daily demand, which typically ranges between 53,000 and 58,000 MW per day depending on the time of day and ambient temperature.
This new peak in demand, which will far exceed the all-time record set on August 10, 2023, when a maximum of 85,508 MW was reached, will once again test the resilience of the Texas power grid. According to ERCOT’s demand analyses, the widespread use of residential air conditioning is the dominant factor driving energy demand across the state, especially during peak hours in the afternoon and early evening as a way to mitigate the effects of high temperatures. In fact, it is estimated that 83% of households in the state already have central air conditioning systems, although the use of older, inefficient units that spike consumption during peak demand hours still prevails.
Currently, regulations issued by the Department of Energy (DOE) governing minimum efficiency requirements for HVAC equipment mandate an increase of at least 15% in overall energy efficiency. Additionally, the EPA’s AIM Act, under its Green Transition Rule, requires the importation and installation of equipment that does not use refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP). In this context, Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport, and crane rental services, has partnered with Raven Air Conditioning and Heating to install five new RTUs (Roof Top Units) at a residential complex in Conroe, Texas, with the goal of increasing the energy efficiency of its central HVAC system and thereby complying with current regulations.
Prior to installing the five new units and their respective curbs, Sarens worked on dismantling the previously existing units. For the entire operation, its engineering team decided to use a Grove GMK 4090 crane with a fold-away jib, even though the weight of the units to be lifted—1,200 lbs each—was lighter than the crane’s maximum capacity. However, the maneuverability of the chosen unit and its jib section facilitated the placement of some of the units installed at points farther from the building. Additionally, it was necessary to maintain constant communication between the crane operator and the rigger to carry out the entire operation safely due to the lack of visibility from the ground.
According to Bronson Keller, Key Account Manager at Sarens, “Our team carried out all equipment hoisting tasks in the most efficient manner and in compliance with the highest safety standards to meet our client’s needs. In this type of work, it is especially important to meet all time objectives, so we have made every effort to avoid any potential delays. We thank Raven Air Conditioning and Heating for their trust in our work, and we look forward to collaborating with them on new socially significant projects in the near future.”
About Sarens
Sarens is the global leader and reference in crane rental, heavy lift and engineered transportation services. With state-of-the-art equipment, value engineering, one of the world's largest inventories of cranes, transporters and special rigging equipment, Sarens offers creative and intelligent solutions to today's heavy lifting and engineering transport challenges.
With more than 100 entities in 65 countries operating without borders, Sarens is an ideal partner for small to large-scale projects. Sarens currently employs 5,000 highly qualified professionals who are ready to serve the needs of any client worldwide and in all market sectors. https://www.sarens.com/