I’m Planning a Replacement

Learn the terms, the tradeoffs and what good system design looks like before you compare quotes.

A black and gold Gold Eagle Services HVAC van is parked beside a sunny residential street lined with trees and homes.

Start With These Guides

Replacing a system is one of the biggest purchases a homeowner makes, and most people decide in about a week. Reading a few of these first will help you compare options on more than price: sizing, ductwork, efficiency ratings, refrigerant and how the system handles both our summers and our freezes.

Tips & TricksRepair or Replace Your HVAC System? How to DecideRepair usually makes sense when the system is fairly young, the fix is minor and it still cools well. Replacement is often better when…
Air ConditioningHow to Choose the Right HVAC System for Your HomeStart with a Manual J load calculation to size the system correctly, then compare system types, SEER2 efficiency, staging and long-term costs. In Central…
Air ConditioningWhy a Bigger AC Isn’t Better in Texas HeatAn oversized AC hits the thermostat setting so fast it shuts off before the coil pulls much moisture out. That short cycling leaves a…
Building ScienceSmart HVAC Design: Manual J, D & S ExplainedManual J, S and D are the ACCA standards for designing a home HVAC system: Manual J calculates your home's heating and cooling load,…
Air ConditioningWhat Do SEER and SEER2 Mean, and Why Do They Matter?SEER2 measures how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump cools over a typical season; higher numbers mean less electricity for the same cooling.…
Air ConditioningAC Refrigerants Explained: R-22, R-410A and R-454BRefrigerant carries heat out of your home in an AC or heat pump. R-22 production ended in 2020, R-410A is being phased down under…
HeatingHeat Pump vs. Gas Furnace vs. Dual Fuel in Central TexasFor most Central Texas homes, a heat pump with backup heat strips is a practical main heating system, since winters are mild and it…
Tips & TricksAustin Energy Rebates and Tax Credits for HVAC Upgrades (2026 Guide)In 2026, Austin Energy customers can still get rebates for qualifying AC and heat pump replacements, duct sealing, attic insulation and smart thermostats. The…

Also on this page: questions to ask any HVAC contractor.

A gray American Standard outdoor air conditioner stands beside a stone wall, framed by green foliage and bright pink flowers.

See Your Options With Build Your System

Once you know the basics, try Build Your System. Answer a few questions about your home, pick a system type, and see a live diagram of what gets installed along with pricing for that exact setup, all online and on your own time.

It’s a starting point for comparing options, not a final quote. The right size for your house still comes from a load calculation done on site.

Build Your System

Questions to Ask Any HVAC Contractor

Whoever you hire, including us, these questions will tell you a lot about the quality of the work you’re about to get. A good contractor will be glad you asked.

Are you licensed by the State of Texas? Air conditioning contractors are licensed by TDLR, and the license number should be easy to find.
Will you do a load calculation (Manual J) for my home, or are you sizing from the old system?
Will you check my ductwork and airflow, not just the equipment?
What refrigerant does the new system use?
Will you pull the required permit?
Who registers the manufacturer’s warranty, and what does the labor warranty cover?
How will the system handle humidity in summer and our occasional hard freezes?
What maintenance will the system need, and what can I do myself?
What happens if the house isn’t comfortable after installation?

Learn more: Smart HVAC Design: Manual J, D and S Explained and Why Properly Sized Ductwork Matters.

Austin Climate Facts That Shape Your System

Long, hot summers

Austin regularly sees weeks of 100 degree days, so systems here run harder and longer than in most of the country.

Humid heat

Summer heat comes with sticky air, so your system has to remove moisture as well as heat. Oversized systems cool fast but leave the air clammy.

A few hard freezes

Winters are mild, but storms like February 2021 showed why heat pumps, backup heat and the right settings matter.

Cedar season

Mountain cedar pollen peaks from December through February, one of the strongest allergy seasons in the country.

Other Situations

Back to Homeowner Guides

Gold Eagle Services technician servicing an outdoor heat pump at an Austin home

Go Deeper: The Resource Center

When you want the full picture on one subject, the Resource Center has more than 100 guides in 15 categories, from air conditioning and heating to humidity, insulation, ventilation and building science.

Browse the Resource Center