AC installationand replacement
A new air conditioner is a decision that lasts years. The line connects you with an independent contractor that quotes installations and replacements in Burleson, and this page explains what a good quote contains.
When people start asking about replacement
The call usually begins in one of four ways.
- A repair estimate is large next to what the system is worth.
- The system is old and the repairs have started to repeat.
- The cooling cannot keep up in July and August, even after a tune-up.
- The house has been added to, or the old system was never sized correctly.
The repair or replace guide goes through each of those in more detail.
Sizing comes first
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, proper sizing of HVAC systems.
The U.S. Department of Energy warns that an oversized air conditioner works less efficiently and less effectively than a smaller, properly sized one. Many older installs were sized by rule of thumb instead of a calculation.
The accepted method is a load calculation, called Manual J. Ask any contractor quoting a replacement whether the proposed size comes from that calculation for your house, and ask to see it. Square footage alone is not a calculation.
Efficiency minimums in Texas
Federal rules set a minimum seasonal efficiency by region, and Texas sits in the Southeast region. For split-system air conditioners installed on or after January 1, 2023, the minimums are:
| Cooling capacity under 45,000 Btu/h | 14.3 SEER2 |
|---|---|
| Cooling capacity of 45,000 Btu/h or more | 13.8 SEER2 |
Higher ratings exist. A higher rating usually costs more up front and saves on the electric bill over time, and how much depends on how long the system runs. At Dallas/Fort Worth the average is 20.2 days a year at 100 degrees or higher, so a Burleson system runs a great deal.
What a full installation quote should list
Equipment, by model
Outdoor unit and indoor coil model numbers, the SEER2 rating and the refrigerant. Matched outdoor and indoor parts are what the rating assumes.
The sizing basis
The load calculation, or the reason the contractor kept the old size.
Ductwork
Whether existing ducts are being tested, sealed or replaced. Leaky ducts waste cooling no matter what unit is on the pad.
Thermostat and electrical
Whether the thermostat, disconnect, whip and any breaker change are included.
Permit and inspection
Who pulls the permit, and the inspection. Burleson's Building Permits and Inspections office can tell you what a replacement needs, so ask who handles the paperwork.
Haul-away and cleanup
Removal of the old equipment and what is done with refrigerant and debris.
Warranty terms in writing
Parts and labor terms, who honors them and how to file a claim. The manufacturer's warranty may require registration.
Refrigerant and why to ask about it
The EPA limits which refrigerants may be used in new residential air conditioning and heat pump systems under its HFC rules. The details have been changing, so ask the contractor which refrigerant the quoted system uses and confirm that the indoor and outdoor parts are made for it.
Do not accept parts that are not designed for the refrigerant in the system. The EPA's technology transitions page is the place to read the current rules.
Permits in Burleson
Source: City of Burleson Building Permits and Inspections page.
Ask the City of Burleson's Building Permits and Inspections office whether the contractor must register with the city for your job.
The Building Permits and Inspections office is at 817-426-9632. It can tell you whether a given replacement needs a permit and how inspections are requested. A contractor who works in Burleson regularly will know the process.
Before you sign
- Get the license number and look it up on the TDLR license search.
- Compare quotes on the same scope: same size, same rating, same ductwork work.
- Ask what happens to the price if the installer finds a problem in the ducts or the electrical panel.
- Read the payment schedule. Be careful with a request for the full amount before any work has begun.
- Ask when the permit will be pulled and when inspection is expected.
The license guide covers the first step in detail.
Replacement questions
Do I have to replace the indoor and outdoor units together?
Often yes. Efficiency ratings are certified for a matched pair, and a mismatched coil can leave the system short of its rating. The contractor will say what your equipment needs.
How long does an installation take?
It varies with the size of the job and the state of the ducts. The contractor can give you a window when they quote.
Does a federal rule force me to buy a certain model?
Federal minimums apply to what is sold and installed in your region. They set a floor, not a model. The table above shows the floor for Texas.
Can I get a quote without anyone visiting?
A reliable quote for a replacement needs someone to look at the equipment, the ducts and the electrical. Phone estimates are guesses until that happens.
Replacing a system? Start with a call
The number connects you with an independent HVAC contractor that serves your ZIP code. Early in the day usually leaves more room on a contractor's schedule.