AC Installation & Replacement Services in Houston
With almost 100% certainty, we can say that no one has rolled out of bed and proclaimed, “Today is the perfect day to shop for and install a new AC and heating system.” Why? Because HVAC companies like Nick’s Air Conditioning get phone calls daily from people who had no idea they’d need a new HVAC system or ductless mini-split heat pump that day. While you may not anticipate needing AC installation, you’ll be glad you made the investment once you start enjoying your new system.
How Long Should an HVAC System Last?
The lifespan of an HVAC system can vary, depending on numerous factors, including the system’s quality, the amount of maintenance the system has received, usage patterns, and the environmental conditions it has to work under.
On average, a well-maintained, high-quality HVAC system can easily offer you between 15 and 25 years of reliable service. Of course, the longer your HVAC system lasts, the more likely you are to encounter the need for HVAC repairs from time to time, with compressor motors, blower fans, and heat exchangers failing while the system itself has plenty of life left.
Regular HVAC maintenance that includes changing air filters, lubricating moving parts, inspecting electrical components, and monitoring refrigerant levels and pressures can help prolong the life of any HVAC system.
What are the Signs I Might Need HVAC System Replacement?
Sure, your HVAC system may be 20 years old and still running well, but it’s doing so far less efficiently, and it certainly isn’t performing nearly as well as a new system can. HVAC replacement is inconvenient, costly, and often seems to be required at the worst possible time, like the middle of a Houston summer or a February in Maine.
Nothing lasts forever, and that’s true of even the most reliable, efficient HVAC system you can buy. But how do you know it’s time to stop putting money into HVAC repairs and install a new, up-to-date system?
Age
Much of an HVAC system’s efficacy depends on how old it is and how well it has been maintained. Any system older than 15 years and requiring significant repairs –we define “major” as the repair will cost 50% or more than the cost of a new system—is recommended to be replaced.
Increasing Energy Bills
It could be a sudden jump in energy costs, or it can creep up slowly over a few months, but higher utility bills indicate that your HVAC system may be packing it in. Worn components and the electrical issues they cause in the HVAC system cause your unit to use more electricity to maintain the desired temperature. Installing a brand new Trane® whole-house HVAC system or a Mitsubishi Electric ductless mini-split unit can help save as much as 33% on energy usage.
Regular Breakdowns
Like mentioned earlier, any system with a lifespan of 15 – 25 years will require maintenance and certainly a few repairs over that time. Replacing the occasional major component like a condenser or exhaust fan motor is to be expected once. Still, if you find yourself visiting with the local HVAC technician regularly, it’s time to consider a new HVAC installation.
Uneven Cooling or Heating
The HVAC system that used to effectively cool and heat your entire home without breaking a sweat now seems to have trouble keeping all rooms in the house comfortable. Most commonly affecting the rooms that are the farthest distance from the indoor air handler, uneven cooling or heating is a sign that your HVAC system can’t keep up with the demand you place on it.
As compressor bearings wear out, the unit can’t pressurize the refrigerant effectively enough to produce cold air for your home. Dirty, corroded heat exchangers no longer have sufficient surface area to apply heat for the cold air to circulate and warm up, leading to chilly rooms.
Poor Indoor Air Quality / Strange Smells
Any increase in dust, allergens, or other airborne pollutants can be a sign that your HVAC ductwork has developed a tear, which draws air directly from the attic –or inside the wall—and deposits it directly in your family’s living space.
The most commonly used residential ductwork, Flex-duct, is essentially a sheet of plastic surrounding a massive Slinky toy. After a decade or so of exposure to the temperature and humidity extremes of your attic or in walls with outdoor exposure, the plastic outer sheathing can break down, causing air leaks.
When is the Best Time to Install a New HVAC System?
Every professional HVAC company will tell any customer who asks that the best time to plan an installation of a new system is in the spring or fall seasons. The weather makes these seasons an appropriate time to replace an HVAC system, as they get much less use in those months. It is also easier for dealers like us to source new systems and keep a few popular ones in stock so that we can install them on the same day in some instances.
How to Choose the Right HVAC System.
Measure Home’s Heat Load
The first step in getting the perfect HVAC system will be having a professional technician calculate your home’s heat load. The overall square footage of the house, ceiling heights, and even the number of occupants that live in the home will affect this measurement. Other factors used in the measurement process will be the number of windows and doors and the amount and type of insulation you have.
Sizing the System
Once the heat load numbers have been crunched, your HVAC technician will know your desired HVAC system size. Nick’s Air Conditioning exclusively offers Trane® Technologies HVAC Systems or Mitsubishi Electric ductless mini-split units. Sizes for HVAC systems range from 1 ton to 5 tons, and our ductless units can produce as much as 48,000 BTU output.
Efficiency Ratings
As the world becomes more concerned about the effects of climate change, much of which is a direct result of the by-products of air conditioning, the efficiency ratings of your HVAC system are almost as important as its performance numbers. Energy Star Certification, SEER Rating, and BTU output are three of the most important statistics that will determine the best system for your home.
How Much Does AC Installation or Replacement Cost?
The cost of installing a new whole-house HVAC system can seem overwhelming when the estimate first arrives, and for a good reason. The HVAC system in your home is the most expensive appliance you’ll ever have to replace, but it’s also one of the systems you rely on the most. Here’s what you need to know about AC replacement costs.
Factors that affect price
The main factors that affect the price of a new HVAC system are its size, brand, efficiency rating, and whether or not you’ll need new ductwork. These variables make it difficult to give a single answer for air conditioner prices.
Price ranges for different systems
Generally, you can expect a new central HVAC system to cost between $10,000 and $18,000 for most projects, including installation. A ductless mini-split system costs less, since there’s no need for additional ductwork. These units start at around $4,000 installed, but can reach $10,000 when additional indoor air handlers and other features are added.
When setting your budget, keep in mind that ductless systems are generally less efficient than central air conditioners for larger homes and homes with more than one floor.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Current System?
Does it make more sense to repair or replace an AC system? Here’s what you need to know.
When repairs make sense
If your system is generally reliable, energy-efficient, and effectively cools your home, it’s a good idea to repair it when you experience an issue. Generally, air conditioners are designed to last from 10 to 20 years, so if your system isn’t there yet and you’re not dealing with repeated breakdowns and problems, it’s worth paying for repairs rather than replacing it.
When replacement saves money long-term
If your current system frequently breaks down or you’re noticing higher utility bills, it might be time to invest in a new air conditioner. The upfront cost can be significant, but when you take advantage of special HVAC offers and consider the long-term savings of a more efficient unit and fewer repair costs, a new air conditioner can actually save you money in the long run.
The 50% rule and 7-year rule explained
If you’re still unsure whether to repair or replace your current air conditioner, the 50% rule can help you decide. This simply means that if a unit requires a major repair (a fix that costs 50% or more of the cost of a new system), it’s usually better to replace it.
Another rule to keep in mind is the 7-year rule. Most air conditioners will last between 10 and 15 years with proper maintenance. However, if your air conditioner is experiencing frequent issues or shutdowns and you’ve had it for seven years or more, it’s time to consider a replacement.
Why Choose Nick’s Air Conditioning for Your New AC System?
Why is Nick’s Air Conditioning Houston’s most trusted AC installation company?
Family-owned and Houston-trusted
We’re proud to be a family-owned and operated business with deep roots here in Houston. We’ve been working in this community since 1979, and we’re proud to continue earning the trust of our neighbors every day. Our popular Nick’s Smart VIP Maintenance Program is just one example of how Houston locals trust us with the regular, proactive maintenance of their essential home systems.
We install Trane, Mitsubishi, and customer-supplied units
Nick’s Air Conditioning offers new whole-house HVAC systems from Trane® Technologies and Mitsubishi Electric ductless mini-splits. We can also install any customer-purchased HVAC system.
Licensed, insured, and manufacturer-trained technicians
Our team of licensed, insured, and background-checked AC technicians is highly experienced and friendly. They hold specific training certificates from all manufacturers we install, ensuring quality work each time.
Transparent pricing and friendly scheduling
We’re proud to make the pricing and scheduling process simple, friendly, and transparent for our customers. We provide upfront, no-surprises quotes, and we stick to them. We also offer flexible financing to help you get AC help as soon as you need it.
Contact Nick’s for AC Installation/Replacement
The team at Nick’s AC makes it easy to book services when you need them, ensuring work is done on your schedule, not the other way around. Ready to experience true home comfort right here in Houston? Contact us today — we’re on the way!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an AC installation take?
Our expert AC installation pros can install your new air conditioning system to perfection in just a few hours, depending on the complexity of the job. Additional ductwork or electrical wiring upgrades can extend the installation time.
Can I install a new AC during the summer?
The easiest times to install a new AC are during spring and fall, but it is also possible to install one during the summer. If you find yourself without an air conditioner during the warm weather, contact us for quick installation.
Will a new AC improve indoor air quality?
Yes, a new air conditioner can significantly improve indoor air quality thanks to modern filtration technology. This is another great benefit of a new AC to consider alongside improved energy efficiency and reliability.
What’s the difference between ductless and central air conditioning?
A central air conditioning system pushes air throughout your entire home via HVAC ducts, which must be in place already or added during AC installation. Ductless systems supply air from a single point (the air handler), so no ducts are required.
