Central Air Conditioner Installation in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio, TX

In the major metropolitan and suburban areas of Texas, home construction types vary widely. From the Houston area and Dallas Ft. Worth metros to San Antonio and surrounding suburbs, homes with central heating and air conditioning systems make up much of residential housing. Equipped with air duct systems in attic areas or in crawl spaces, these homes commonly use central cooling and heating systems to maintain comfortable temperatures during warm and hot months. Whether you’re building a new home or need a replacement unit for an existing home, central air conditioning is an affordable, efficient solution.

Texans have many choices to make when selecting the right product for their home. Understanding how these systems work and what factors go into making an ideal selection is important. As your best source for information about residential heating and cooling, we want to provide the objective information you need as a homeowner and consumer. Below, you’ll find detailed facts about your choices. By educating yourself, you can be sure you’ll make informed decisions about this investment.

• How Much Does a Central Air Conditioner Cost?

  It’s not simple to answer the question about the cost without knowing the house. Many factors go into calculating the total price of the equipment and installation. The brand you choose and the specific model are just two of those factors. How efficient your new system is and what features are included are other considerations. Before committing to a purchase, you owe it to yourself to learn more about what is involved in the price. In a consultation with your contractor, you should get price quotes for a variety of systems that are right for your home. Compare those quotes after visiting this page, and you’ll be assured of making an informed decision.

• 13 SEER Air Conditioners

  All manufacturers offer central air conditioners rated at 13 SEER. These use the simplest, least complex components, which keeps their initial cost as low as possible. Still, prices vary widely for these models, depending on the brand and model line you select. Regardless of initial price, though, they’ll all have about the same average monthly energy bills when installed at your home. They are a popular choice for homeowners and rental property owners who need a new or replacement system at the lowest possible initial price. Your will find the most popular models available from all manufacturers.

• 14 – 15 SEER Air Conditioners

  Available from all manufacturers at initial prices not much higher than basic models, these models are a step up and are popular with homeowners who want significantly lower energy bills over the long term. Engineered with features designed to boost efficiency, they are often quieter in operation and also offer improved appearance for the outdoor compressor and condenser unit. Typically, opting for this higher efficiency will reduce your energy bills enough to pay for the difference in initial cost in just a year or two, over a lower efficiency system. Prices vary, of course, from brand to brand.

• 16 – 18 SEER Air Conditioners

  For many homeowners, energy efficiency is a major consideration, and all AC manufacturers offer models in the 16-18 SEER range. These units are Energy Star rated, and qualify for any available energy company rebates and tax credits. Most have two-stage compressors for more even cooling, quieter operation and better efficiency. Naturally, these systems have a higher price, which varies among manufacturers, but energy bill savings and any rebates or tax credits will cover the price difference in just 2 or 3 years in most cases. They’re a great choice for most homeowners.

• 19 – 21 SEER Air Conditioners

  When the ultimate efficiency and cooling technology are important factors, today’s AC companies offer these top performance systems to discerning homeowners. Featuring high-tech design and construction, these systems offer multi-speed or variable speed compressors, advanced heat exchanger and control system designs, along with the quietest possible operation. Owners also enjoy the lowest possible energy bills. All of that comes at a higher initial cost, of course, but eligibility for tax credits and rebates combine with energy savings to compensate for the higher price in just a few years.

• Central AC Is a Crucial Part of Your Home Comfort System

  In Texas homes with air ducts, your heating furnace and air conditioning units work together to deliver warm or cool air to every room. Two types of residential central HVAC systems are commonly used. In the first, a stand-alone split system of a condenser and a compressor is installed, either ground-mounted or roof-mounted. It connects with your furnace and air ducts through refrigerant plumbing and an evaporator coil. Other homes rely on packaged HVAC systems. These combine a natural gas, propane or electric furnace with the AC compressor and condenser in one compact enclosure. These packaged systems can be installed at ground level or on rooftops. Which system is right for you depends on your home’s design.

• Cooling Capacity Is an Important Factor in Your Choice

  The capacity of any split-system central air conditioner or packaged system is the first consideration in making your choice. The capacity is typically measured in tons or BTU per hour. Most residential systems have capacities between 2-5 tons. 1 ton of capacity represents about 12,000 BTU per hour. Your contractor will help you determine the ideal capacity for your home. The size of the home, its design and how well insulated it is will be part of the calculation. Selecting the right capacity is important. An oversized system will cycle on and off too frequently for even cooling, while an undersized unit will have to run constantly and may not cool adequately. Naturally, capacity also affects the cost of your new equipment.

• Efficiency Ratings Affect Your Annual Cost of Operation

  The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) measures cooling efficiency. Typical residential AC systems have SEER ratings between 13 and 21. The higher the number, the more efficient a system is. A higher SEER number indicates a lower cost per year to operate the system in typical conditions. Naturally, more efficient products cost more to purchase initially than lower efficiency units. When you discuss your choice of equipment with an HVAC contractor or company, you will get information that helps you compare operating costs and initial cost for a range of choices. Carefully weigh all of the cost factors over the expected lifetime of your purchase before making the choice that is right for you.

• Many Brands and Models Are Available in Texas

  One of the most confusing choices consumers have to make is which brand and model to select. Almost a dozen brands are popular throughout Texas, including Bryant, Goodman, Lennox, Daikin, Rheem, Carrier, Comfortmaker, Ducane, Trane, American Standard and more. Each brand offers a wide selection of models. Local contractors in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and the San Antonio area may offer all available brands or be authorized dealers for only some manufacturers’ products. All offer a wide range of models with different prices, capacities and efficiency ratings. Warranties also vary among brands and models. Typically, you should expect any dealer or contractor to discuss several possibilities with you in a free consultation. Consider all of the factors to make your best choice.

• Choosing the Right Texas HVAC Contractor Is Important

  Wherever you live, there are many dealers and contractors competing for your business. Some are relatively small companies, while others have hundreds of employees. It can be confusing to make the right choice. That’s why this website gives you an extensive directory of contractors and dealers in your area. By contacting more than one company, you can compare prices, services, and do your own research.

Central Air Conditioning in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio in Texas

Smart consumers insist on doing their own research before making important decisions on investing in their home. When it comes to heating and air conditioning, there’s a lot to consider. Our goal is to help you locate the most reliable dealers across Texas, from Spring, Willis and Baytown to Sugar Land, Hockley and Pasadena in the Houston metro, from Helotes, Von Ormy and New Braunfels to San Marcos, Jourdanton and Alamo Heights in San Antonio, and from Cleburne, Mansfield and Rockwall to Arlington, Richardson and Lewisville in the Dallas Fort Worth area. As your central source of information about residential air conditioning equipment, dealers and contractors, we want you to have fast access to accurate, objective information that helps you make great choices. Your home comfort system is a major investment. We encourage you to explore our site to learn the important facts you need to know to make the most informed decisions possible.