As industry leaders providing quality air conditioning, heating, and indoor air quality services to the Greater Austin area since 1977, McCullough Heating & Air Conditioning knows how confusing it can be for homeowners when it comes to replacing their AC system. In order to make sure you fully understand the many factors that could affect the price to replace your home’s air conditioning system, we’ve whipped together this handy blog to guide you through your purchase. While there are several different types of air conditioners you can buy with a fairly broad range regarding costs you will face, the two main systems we recommend include:As most products in the market, size/capacity inherently affects exactly how much you’ll be expected to cough up. When it comes to air conditioning units, size is expressed in tons. Generally speaking, larger air conditioning units tend to be more costly, as they have more capacity and can serve a larger area.In order to determine which size unit is right for your home, your air conditioning contractor will need to perform a heat load analysis (or Manual J load calculation).

These calculations take into account all aspects of your in-home environment, including the square footage of your home, window size and location, construction materials, wall construction and orientation, ceiling heights, flooring, appliances, insulation and more.The higher the Seasonal Energy Efficient Rating (SEER), the more energy efficient (and costly) the unit will be. The minimum efficiency air conditioner you can buy in Austin, Texas is a 14-SEER unit, but can also go as high as 26-SEER. Similar to miles-per-gallon for your vehicle: the higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit.Surely, we know how important it is to do your research and make sure you’re getting the best deal you can find in Austin, but keep in mind: you often get what you pay for. While it is true that a smaller, one- to two-person contractor might be able to charge less for nearly every service they offer, a vast majority of air conditioning contractors in area go out of business within five to eight years.

Before selecting a contractor, it is important to ask, “will this contractor be able to come back right away when I encounter any problems?” Put yourself in a small contractor’s shoes: If you were slammed with installs during the peak season, how likely would you stop what you’re doing to service a system you installed five years ago?Look for qualified HVAC companies that…For more tips on what to look for in a professional contractor, please visit the ACCA Homeowners page.The cost of your air conditioning system replacement can be affected by other additional factors, including:For the best deal on your new air conditioning system, purchase in either late fall or springtime when contractors tend to be less busy and manufacturers are typically offering their best rebates. Take advantage of rebates and tax credits from Austin Energy and combine it with those manufacturer rebates for the biggest savings. For example, you can receive up to $5,550 in rebates and tax credits, plus 5-year 0% financing with our Beat the Heat promotion from now to May 31st!

Try and call around to schedule two to three appointments for quotes from different contractors in the Austin area on the estimated cost to replace your home air conditioning system. ac units on wallSince this is the third largest investment you’ll make (following your home and your vehicle), you want to be certain that the deal you’re getting and the contractor you choose to work with is reputable and trustworthy. ge ac parts onlineWe even recommend that you download the Residential Quality HVAC Installation Checklist from ACCA and using it to help you rate and select your contractor.best floor ac unitIf you already have a quote on a new air conditioning system and want to know if it’s the best deal you can get, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll be happy to give you a free second opinion!

Will American Home Shield replace my AC? Any good home warranty companies? July 13, 2009   Subscribe Can I expect American Home Shield or any other home warranty company to replace my A/C when it dies? Are there any other good, reliable home warranty companies out there? My current contract with AHS is about to run out. I have a 25+ year old A/C unit that probably doesn't have much time left. I also have a 12 year old water heater. After reading many reviews like these I am wondering if AHS will actually pay for a new unit. The warranty is supposed to cover these items, but it seems like most people either get excuses or are blamed for poor maintenance. Have you ever actually gotten a unit like this replaced? Should I renew my contract? It looks like pretty much all the other reviews for home warranties are just as bad. Are there any home warranty companies that are actually good?For many homes in the United States, each summer, air conditioners aren’t a luxury: they’re a necessity for comfort and health.

That’s why it’s so troubling when an air conditioning unit fails, and as luck would have it, they often go out at the peak of summer heat when homeowners need them most. Fortunately, home warranty coverage can help you avoid serious trouble with your air conditioning unit and help you get back to comfort. Home warranties cover major systems and certain appliances in the home, offering repair or replacement of covered components. Air conditioning is typically included in home warranty coverage, though some companies require additional or separate contracts to add units to the warranty. Good news: yes, Choice Home Warranty covers air conditioning, provided your unit has been properly maintained according to manufacturer instructions. Choice Home Warranty covers all components and parts for units below 13 SEER with repair or replacement. In the summer, it’s especially reassuring to know that your warranty company is there to make sure won’t be left in the heat! With the assurance that your air conditioner is covered, the next big question is whether your home warranty will repair or replace your air conditioning unit.

Your air conditioner technician will always try to repair your air conditioning unit first, if possible. Any time an HVAC unit can be repaired, it will be. But if your HVAC unit is beyond repair, your warranty also includes the installation of a replacement unit. Note: most new HVAC units come with an original manufacturer’s warranty, so you’ll always be covered if your new unit has trouble. If your air conditioner is struggling, not working, or needs service, call the Choice Home Warranty claims department 24/7/365 at 1-888-531-5403, or submit your claim online. You will be required to pay a $60 trade service fee for the claim directly to the technician. The technician will assess your air conditioning problem and take the necessary steps to repair or replace your HVAC unit so that it is in good working order and your home can cool down to a comfortable temperature. Air conditioning repair or replacement isn’t just uncomfortable and sweaty: it can also be a costly surprise for homeowners.

Most homeowners spend between $382 and $570 to repair an air conditioning unit. Some spend up to $900, even before replacement. If your air conditioning unit needs to be replaced, the average installation cost is between $4,852 and $6,752, with some spending up to $9,999. The few hundred dollars you’ll spend on a home warranty and service call fee is significantly more affordable than the potential thousands you may have to spend to replace a failing air conditioning unit, and may also be a good choice for saving on expensive repairs as well. Your air conditioner is designed to work hard to keep your home cool, but it needs your help: it’s up to you to properly maintain your air conditioning system. Performing proper maintenance ensures that your warranty will cover your air conditioning unit, and it will also help keep your entire air conditioning system in good working order so that you can avoid air conditioning problems that can leave you uncomfortable in the heat before technicians are able to complete repairs.