Sarens Supports HVAC Upgrade Project as Texas Power Demand Expected to Hit Record High

June 8, 2026 - As Texas prepares for what could be a record-breaking summer for electricity demand, heavy lifting company Sarens recently completed a crane-supported HVAC installation project at a residential complex in Conroe, Texas.

According to forecasts from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), statewide electricity demand is expected to reach 98,000 megawatts (MW) this summer, surpassing the previous all-time peak of 85,508 MW recorded in August 2023. Average daily demand in Texas typically ranges between 53,000 and 58,000 MW, depending on weather conditions and time of day.

ERCOT data indicates that residential air conditioning remains the largest contributor to peak energy demand during summer afternoons and evenings. Approximately 83% of Texas households use central air conditioning systems, though older, less energy-efficient units continue to contribute to higher electricity use during peak periods.

Against that backdrop, Sarens partnered with Raven Air Conditioning and Heating to support the installation of five rooftop HVAC units (RTUs) at a residential complex in Conroe. The project aimed to improve the energy efficiency of the property’s HVAC system and align with current federal efficiency requirements.

Current regulations from the U.S. Department of Energy require minimum efficiency improvements for HVAC equipment, while the Environmental Protection Agency’s AIM Act includes requirements related to refrigerants with lower global warming potential.

Before installation began, Sarens dismantled the facility’s existing rooftop units. For the lifting work, the company deployed a Grove GMK 4090 crane equipped with a fold-away jib to position the new RTUs, which weighed approximately 1,200 pounds each.

Although the load weight was below the crane’s lifting capacity, Sarens said the crane configuration was selected for maneuverability and reach, particularly for units located farther from the building structure. Due to limited visibility from the ground, the operation required ongoing communication between the crane operator and rigger to complete the lifts safely.

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.”

Sarens, which specializes in crane rental, engineered transport and heavy lifting services, said the project reflects growing infrastructure and energy-efficiency upgrades occurring as Texas prepares for increasing electricity demand.