San Antonio AC replacement done right

AC replacement cost depends on several factors, and no two jobs are priced the same. The main variables are:

• Home size and layout: A larger home requires a higher-capacity system. A two-story home with poor airflow may need additional ductwork.
• System efficiency rating: Higher SEER2 ratings cost more upfront but lower your monthly energy bills. In San Antonio's climate, where AC runs 9 to 10 months a year, efficiency pays for itself faster than most people expect.
• Equipment tier: Entry-level, mid-range, and premium systems carry different price points. We'll walk you through the differences so you can make the right call for your home and budget.
• Existing infrastructure: If your ductwork, electrical, or refrigerant lines need updating, that affects the total.

We don't quote prices over the phone because a number without a proper assessment isn't honest. A technician will come out, evaluate your system, and give you a written estimate.

Most home and business AC replacements in San Antonio are completed in 1 to 2 days. Here's what a typical installation day looks like:

1. Morning arrival: Our crew arrives at the scheduled time with your new system already loaded on the truck.
2. Old system removal: We disconnect and remove your existing unit, handling all refrigerant disposal in compliance with EPA regulations.
3. New system installation: We install the new equipment, connect all lines, and integrate with your existing ductwork and thermostat.
4. Testing and calibration: Before we leave, we run the system through a full stress test to confirm everything is operating correctly and efficiently.
5. Walkthrough: We walk you through the new system, answer any questions, and make sure you're comfortable before we pack up.

For emergency replacements, same-day installation is available. Call us at 210-817-5543 and we'll tell you exactly what we can do for you.

We handle everything. Once your new system is installed and running, we disconnect and remove the old unit from your property.

Refrigerant is recovered and disposed of in accordance with EPA regulations. It can't legally be released into the atmosphere, and we follow that to the letter.

The old equipment is hauled off by our crew. You don't need to arrange disposal, coordinate a pickup, or leave anything at the curb. By the time we leave, the only thing on your property is a new system running the way it should.

This is the most important question to get right, and it's one we take seriously. We've built our reputation on telling people when they don't need a new system. But there are situations where continuing to repair an aging unit stops making financial sense.

Here's the honest framework we use:

Replacement usually makes more sense when:

• Your system is 10 to 12+ years old and repair costs keep adding up
• The repair cost exceeds 50% of what a new system would cost
• You're running R-22 refrigerant and facing a major repair (see below)
• Your energy bills have been climbing steadily with no other explanation

Repair usually makes more sense when:

• Your system is under 10 years old with a solid maintenance history
• The issue is isolated: one component, one fix, reasonable cost
• The system is otherwise running efficiently

We'll come out, assess your system, and give you an honest recommendation either way. If a repair makes sense, that's what we'll tell you. We've told plenty of homeowners they didn't need a new unit. We'll tell you the same if it's true.

R-22 (also called Freon) was phased out under EPA regulations, with production and import banned as of January 1, 2020. The refrigerant still exists in limited supply from recovered stockpiles, but that supply shrinks every year and the cost per pound keeps climbing.

If your system runs on R-22, you have two options:

Option 1: Repair and recharge. If the leak is minor and the system is otherwise in good shape, recharging with reclaimed R-22 may buy you a few more years. This can make sense if the system is relatively young and the repair cost is low. The risk is that you're paying premium prices for a refrigerant that's only going to get more expensive.

Option 2: Replace the system. If your R-22 system is 10+ years old or facing a significant repair, replacement with a modern R-410A or R-32 system almost always makes more financial sense. You get a more efficient system, a refrigerant supply that isn't disappearing, and lower energy bills going forward.

We'll tell you honestly which option makes more sense for your specific situation. Call us at 210-817-5543 and we'll be happy to walk you through it.