An air conditioner is only parts until a contractor assembles it in your space. That’s why we believe the AC installation company you choose is as important as the air conditioner you choose. A reliable contractor will match your needs and budget with the right system, and they’ll help you get the most out of it by installing it properly. After all, what good is a new air conditioner if it’s not the right one for your property or if it’s not installed correctly?

In the Austin area, you have many companies to choose for your AC installation. In this guide, our goal is to let you know what you can expect from our team – and to provide you with some information that we hope will be helpful regardless of whether you’re in our service area or which contractor you choose.

AC Replacement vs. Repair

When deciding between AC replacement and repair, many factors come into play. For this discussion, we focus on sound financial decision-making. The typical lifespan of a well-maintained system is around 15 years, though this can vary from 10-20 years in the Austin area depending on use and maintenance. Time, condition and original installation quality are key considerations.

Generally, for systems less than 10 years old – especially if they still have a manufacturer’s part warranty – repair is usually the best option.

For systems more than 10 years old, the decision on whether to opt for AC installation hinges on what needs fixing. Simple repairs — like replacing a capacitor, contactor, drain or motor — can extend the system’s life at a minimal cost. If the total repair cost is under $1,000, and the technician deems the system sound, this is a low-risk investment.

Even for slightly larger repairs ($1,000-$2,000), if the fix extends the system’s life by a year or two, it’s still relatively low risk. However, if the overall system condition is poor, this could be wasted money.

For major repairs (more than $2,000) – such as evaporator coil, compressor, or condenser coil replacements, or large indoor blowers and circuit boards – the risk increases for systems more than 10 years old. Replacing major components might lead to other part failures soon after, making the expense unjustifiable. This is the point to consider AC installation, even if financing is needed. Paying a bit of interest is preferable to spending thousands on a failing system. Moreover, new systems typically offer lower operating costs and longer warranties.

AC Installation Options: Good, Better, Best

If AC installation is a better option for you than repair, then you’re at your next decision point: What kind of system should you get? Choosing the right air conditioner involves balancing efficiency, noise levels, humidity control, features, warranties, and, of course, cost. AC units can generally be categorized into three tiers: Good, Better, and Best – each offering distinct advantages and catering to different needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from each level:

Good ($)

• Still efficient, all with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of at least 14 and many around 16
• More noise from both the inside unit and the outside unit
• Less humidity control; humidity reduction is primarily just a byproduct of cooling and condensation
• Limited features and warranties, although many lower end units still have 10-year parts warranties

Better ($$)

• Excellent brand midsized system with a few features
• Generally, mid-range systems are two-stage. This means they can operate at partial capacity, typically 60%, or full capacity (100%) based on changing needs. For example, during milder months and in the evenings when it’s cooler, they can reduce capacity and use less power. In Austin, we find these systems run in low stage more than 90% of the time – extending the cooling time and reducing humidity in the process. They are also slightly quieter when operating in this manner.
• When coupled with a thermostat that favors low-stage operation (Ecobee, for example), these systems do try to dehumidify, and they also achieve lower electric bills.

Best ($$$)

• Exceptional at managing humidity; some allow you to set desired humidity level and will generally manage to that level.
• Scale down continuously or across many increments. They will run from as low as 20% of capacity to 100% and will vary capacity to best match needs.
• Have the highest SEER ratings (some in the mid 20s) and deliver the lowest electric bills.
• Come with the longest manufacturer warranties; at Efficient, we match the manufacturers’ 10-year parts warranty with a 10-year labor warranty as part of our AC installation package.
• Ultra quiet inside and out. Their outdoor units (condensers) are virtually silent. This may be a priority if you entertain or spend a lot of time near the outdoor unit.
• Long life. Our experience with these, the Carrier Infinity systems in particular, is very long life. Many reach 15 to 20 years when maintained reasonably well.
• Con: The only drawback, other than the larger investment, is that these systems are considered “communicating.” This means they require the use of the manufacturer’s thermostat, as this is where the humidity control and quiet operation logic reside. They cannot be coupled with standard thermostats, such as the Nest or Ecobee.

We recommend you pick a system that not only suits your needs, wants and budget but also maintains or exceeds the quality level of your current system. It is unsatisfying to pay for a brand new air conditioner, only to find that it is a level or two below the old one – resulting in noisier and/or less efficient performance.

Types of Systems We Install

We are experienced with AC installation of all equipment types, including but not limited to:

• Central AC / split systems – single stage, two stage, variable speed, inverter
• Duct systems
• Heaters/furnaces
• Geothermal (replacements only)
• Heat pumps
• Minisplits
• Commercial/industrial/specialty: boilers, chilled water systems, dehumidifiers, high velocity/low speed (HVLS) fans, packaged units, PTAC units, rooftop units (RTUs), swimming pool heat pumps, variable refrigerant flow/volume (VRF/VRV), whole home air purifiers, wine cellar cooling and refrigeration units

Cost of AC Installation

The cost of a complete AC installation varies depending on property complexity, machine selection, machine size and additional work required. For standard residential units ranging from 1.5 to 5.0 tons, AC installation cost typically ranges from $6,000 to nearly $20,000 with an average of around $10,000. These numbers do not include duct replacement, which, if needed, can add another $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the complexity.

At Efficient, when we quote you a price, we honor that price as stated in the proposal (no surprises) – sometimes even longer if there are no machine price increases. This price gets you a complete, new, fully functioning system. To us, this means replacing as much as possible – typically everything except the lines, drains, and wiring built into the property – as this reduces the risk of future issues that might arise from older parts that were not replaced.

What Sets Efficient Apart From Other AC Installation Contractors in Austin

Our People

The AC installation crew we send to your home will always be made up of full-time Efficient employees; we do not use subcontractors. We highly recommend asking any company you’re considering whether they’ll be using subcontractors to complete your project, as this practice can lead to a disconnect between the quality of work that is promised and the quality of work that is performed. Our crews are trained to provide clean, quality AC installations and are also required to pass background and drug screening. They are held to high standards and consistently meet them.

Our Values

If you don’t need AC installation, we won’t try to convince you that you do. We always consider age, condition and current operation in our recommendations, as well as your needs and future plans for your property. If you would be better served by an AC or ductwork repair, we won’t try to sell you a new air conditioner. Learn more about who we are.

Our Ratings

We’re a top-rated Austin AC installation contractor. Don’t take our word for it, though. Read real reviews from hundreds of actual home and business owners who have used our AC, electrical and plumbing services. Our resume also includes being an eight-time winner of the Angi (Formerly Angie’s List) Super Service Award, a two-time recipient of the President’s Award for excellence from Carrier air conditioning, and a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite.

Our 100% Local Ownership

In recent years, many service companies that started in Austin have been purchased by statewide or national service companies or private equity investors. Not us. We have remained locally and family owned since we were founded in 1976. The owners, Molly and George Drazic, are University of Texas at Austin alumni and raised their family here. They are actively engaged in the community and the day-to-day operations of the company. Read George’s blog post, “Local Ownership in a Market of Acquisition.”

Our AC Installation Process

Here’s what you can expect from us at Efficient:

1. Complimentary AC Installation Estimate

If you’re in the greater Austin area and would like to get a quote from us for a new residential or commercial AC system, please give us a call at 512-501-2275 or fill out our quick contact form. We’ll get you scheduled for a free on-site estimate with an AC installation specialist.

Our AC installation estimates aren’t just free – they’re thorough. A “free” estimate that doesn’t give you all the information you need to make a good investment will end up costing you in the long run. That’s why we don’t just look at your AC unit – we look at all the environmental factors in your space that affect your comfort, including the duct system, which plays a critical role in how your unit performs. We could install the most efficient air conditioner on the market in your home or business, but if there are problems with your ductwork, you’ll still have comfort issues and high energy bills.

During your meeting with our AC installation specialist, our goal is to understand any issues you may be having with your current system, as well as any other goals you hope to achieve with your replacement. We’ll walk through the property with you to look at any specific areas of concern – and to identify and show you any opportunities for improved comfort and efficiency.

2. AC Installation Options

Once we understand your property and your goals, we will provide you with options, typically 3-4, to fit them. We don’t stock any equipment, so you can trust that our recommendations are based on your needs and not our inventory. We’ll discuss each solution with you, including any available manufacturer and financing offers, to help you select the one that will work best for you overall.

3. Payment Options / Financing

• Cash – including bank transfers (ACH), personal checks, or actual cash (not common, but it has happened, and we do accept it!). We offer a cash discount for these forms of payment. This discount does not apply to debit cards, as they are still subject to processing fees.
• Credit cards – We accept all major credit cards except American Express.
• Financing – We know that AC installation is a significant investment and that it sometimes comes up unexpectedly. We have financing available to give you the flexibility you need. The application is quick, and the decision is instant.

4. AC Installation Day

If you decide to move forward (take your time – we won’t rush you), we will make every effort to schedule your AC installation as soon as is convenient for you – as quickly as the next day, in some cases. Installation of a single system typically takes 6-10 hours. Multiple systems or installations that include ductwork take longer.

5. Registration & Warranties

We’ll register your equipment to ensure you receive the maximum manufacturer warranties available. Plus, we’ll stand behind your AC installation with up to a 10-year labor warranty.

6. Complimentary Maintenance

You can trust that we’ll be around to support your air conditioner throughout its lifetime, starting with a complimentary maintenance plan that includes two seasonal visits in its first year.

AC Installation: Key Takeaways

We believe that purchasing a new air conditioner should be a positive experience that brings you years of reliable, efficient operation with features and performance you enjoy. Here are some tips to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible:

• When deciding between AC installation and repair, repair is likely a good option if the system is less than 10 years old (especially if it’s still under warranty) or if it only requires minor repairs (under $1,000). For systems older than 10 years that need major surgery ($2,000+), replacement is often a better investment due to the reliability, potential savings and warranties that come with new units.
• Ask your contractor who they’ll be sending to your home or business to perform your AC installation. Are they subcontractors? Are they required to pass background and drug screening?
• Choose a company with a holistic approach to comfort. This means assessing other factors that impact your indoor environment, particularly your ductwork – not just swapping out your AC unit. It also means replacing all major components, inside and out – not just some or most.
• Look at the company’s history. How long have they been around? What kind of reputation do they have? Will they be around to help maintain your new system and stand behind their work if any issues arise?

If you’re in the Austin area, we’d love to chat with you about your AC installation needs. To get started, please give us a call at 512-501-2275 or fill out our quick contact form.