ACRules
Dallas
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For Dallas owners

Dallas's AC rule is already in force. Here is how to meet it, room by room.

In force now Repairs on a 72 hour clock

Five steps

  1. 1

    List every habitable room

    A habitable room is a space used for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking. Bathrooms, closets, halls, storage, and utility spaces don't count.

  2. 2

    Test what's already there

    Each habitable room needs refrigerated air equipment that can keep it at least 15°F cooler than outside, and never above 85°F. Fixed systems must also stay in working order, including covers, panels, conduits, and disconnects.

  3. 3

    Choose equipment for the rest

    The code states a performance standard. It doesn't say central air is the only way, so window units and other refrigerated equipment count if they meet the standard. Window units must be installed to the construction codes.

  4. 4

    Size each room

    The code sets a temperature standard instead of a unit size. The ENERGY STAR chart below is a common starting point for room units.

  5. 5

    Plan for the 72 hour clock

    After a notice or citation for broken AC, an owner has 72 hours to repair it. Keep a repair contact and spare parts plan in place before a heat wave. Dated work orders and receipts show you acted.

Room unit sizing (ENERGY STAR)

For rooms with 8 foot ceilings.

Room size

BTU per hour
100 to 150 sq ft
5,000
150 to 250 sq ft
6,000
250 to 300 sq ft
7,000
300 to 350 sq ft
8,000
350 to 400 sq ft
9,000
400 to 450 sq ft
10,000
450 to 550 sq ft
12,000
550 to 700 sq ft
14,000
700 to 1,000 sq ft
18,000
1,000 to 1,200 sq ft
21,000
1,200 to 1,400 sq ft
23,000
1,400 to 1,500 sq ft
24,000
1,500 to 2,000 sq ft
30,000
2,000 to 2,500 sq ft
34,000
  • Heavily shaded roomReduce capacity by 10%.
  • Very sunny roomIncrease capacity by 10%.
  • More than two regular occupantsAdd 600 BTU for each extra person.
  • KitchenAdd 4,000 BTU.

Who can install it

  • Central and ducted systemsIn Texas, air conditioning contracting work requires a state contractor license.
  • Portable and self contained unitsThe state license law doesn't apply to portable or self contained ductless units of three tons (36,000 BTU) or less.
  • Your own maintenance staffThe license law doesn't apply to a regular maintenance employee of the owner or management company, working on that company's property, when neither does AC contracting for the public.
  • Your own homeThe license law doesn't apply to work on a home you own alone and live in.
  • City permitsWe haven't confirmed whether Dallas requires a City permit to replace or add equipment. Ask the City or your contractor before work starts.

If AC breaks or a tenant reports it

  • The 72 hour ruleAfter an owner gets a notice or citation for broken AC, the owner has 72 hours to repair it.
  • Alternative housingIf it isn't repaired in 72 hours, and the daytime high at Dallas Love Field is 95°F or above for three days in a row after the notice or citation, the owner must provide alternative housing that meets the standards.
  • PenaltiesEach day a violation continues is a separate offense, and the City can seek a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day. Fines for repeat convictions within 24 months double and then triple.
  • DefensesAn act of nature or another cause beyond your reasonable control, diligent repair efforts shown to the City's director, new construction making reasonable and continuous progress, or the structure not being a rental property. When it's over 110°F outside, it's also a defense if at least one habitable room is 85°F, measured 3 feet above the floor and 2 feet from the exterior walls.
  • What tenants can doHow tenants report a problem