Houston's AC Obsession: A Lifeline or a Liability?

40% of Residents Use ACs 24 Hours a Day

In the sweltering heat of Houston, air conditioning is not just a luxury—it's a necessity. According to Daikin's World Air Survey, a staggering 40% of Houston residents keep their ACs running 24 hours a day.

A City Defined by AC

Houston has a long and intertwined history with air conditioning. From the invention of the first residential AC unit in the city in the 1920s to the widespread adoption of central AC in the post-war era, Houston has been at the forefront of cooling technology.

However, this dependency on AC comes with its drawbacks. Excessive use can strain the power grid, contributing to outages and potential blackouts. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of constantly running AC units.

Loophole-Filled Ordinance

Despite recognizing the importance of AC, Houston's ordinance regarding air conditioning has some loopholes that allow landlords to evade responsibility for providing adequate cooling.

"The ordinance is more like a suggestion," said Ben, a local tenant advocate. "Landlords can claim they're not responsible for breakdowns or if the AC is set too high, leaving tenants sweltering."

Extreme Heat and Vulnerabilities

As Houston faces another heat wave, the overuse of AC is putting a strain on the power grid. Earlier this week, Texas narrowly averted a blackout due to the surge in demand for electricity.

Residents who work outdoors are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. As the excessive heat warning barrels through the Houston area, local animal shelters are also reporting an increase in pet surrenders due to the inability of some owners to keep their homes cool.