AC Installation in San Angelo, TX

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your AC

• System is 12–15+ years old and repair bills are stacking up
• A major failure — compressor or coil — on an older system
• It runs constantly but can’t hold temperature on hot days
• Summer electric bills climb year after year at the same usage
• Uneven cooling — some rooms fine, others never comfortable
• Your system still uses R-22 refrigerant, which is phased out and expensive to service
• The repair-or-replace rule says so: age × the repair cost, weighed against the cost of a new system

What Size AC Do I Need? (Manual J, Not a Guess)

The straight answer is: it depends on the house, and a proper installer proves it with a Manual J load calculation — square footage, insulation, windows, ceiling height, sun exposure, and layout all count. As a rough Texas rule of thumb, homes need about 1 ton of cooling per 500–600 square feet, but the rule of thumb is a starting point, not a real calculation.

Why it matters: an oversized system short-cycles, leaves humidity behind, and wears out early; an undersized one runs all day and still loses to a July afternoon. Both mistakes cost you for 15 years.

San Angelo wrinkle: with ~55% of homes built in 1979 or earlier, many houses here have attic ductwork and electrical panels sized for a smaller era. A good installer checks both — and tells you plainly if they’re going to limit a new system.

What Installation Day Looks Like

1. Load calculation and equipment selection — done at the first visit, before any money moves.
2. Removal and install — a standard changeout takes about 6–8 hours and is finished in one day: old equipment out, new matched system set, lines and electrical connected. Jobs that add new ductwork typically take 2–3 days.
3. Charge, test, and calibrate — refrigerant charged to spec, airflow and temperature split verified, thermostat set up and programmed with you.
4. Permits handled properly — AC replacement requires a mechanical permit, pulled by our licensed Texas (TDLR) team through the city; the City of San Angelo permit office is the authority, and we handle the paperwork as part of the job.
5. Warranty registration and walkthrough — you’ll know what’s covered, how long, and what annual maintenance keeps it valid.

Should you replace the furnace at the same time? If both are 12+ years old, usually yes: matched systems share one installation, the indoor coil and furnace are already being handled, and matched equipment protects efficiency ratings and warranty coverage. If your furnace is young, keep it — your technician will show you both scenarios with real numbers.

How much does a new AC unit cost installed in Texas?

There’s no off-the-shelf answer: a full central AC replacement is scoped after a load calculation on your home. Size, efficiency tier, ductwork, and electrical work are what move the number. Your plan is itemized — and approved by you before installation is scheduled.

How long does AC installation take?

A standard like-for-like replacement takes about 6–8 hours and is completed in one day, including startup testing and thermostat setup. Installations that add or replace ductwork typically take 2–3 days. We confirm the schedule when you book.

Can I replace just the outdoor unit?

In 2026, usually not. New condensers use R-454B refrigerant, which isn’t compatible with the R-410A indoor coils in most existing homes, so replacements are matched systems — condenser plus indoor coil. Mixing old and new components also risks efficiency ratings and warranty coverage. If your indoor equipment is genuinely compatible, your technician will do the smaller job.

What SEER2 rating do I need in Texas?

The federal minimum for new split systems in Texas (the Southeast region) is 14.3 SEER2. Many San Angelo homeowners choose 16 SEER2 or higher: cooling dominates summer power bills here, higher tiers generally qualify for better utility rebates, and the monthly savings compound over a 15-year system life.

Are there rebates for a new AC in San Angelo?

Possibly — AEP Texas has run rebate programs for high-efficiency replacements in our area. Programs and amounts change, so ask about current rebates when you call and we’ll confirm what your chosen system qualifies for before you commit. We don’t publish rebate amounts we haven’t verified.

Do I need a permit to replace my AC in San Angelo?

Yes — AC replacement requires a mechanical permit, and it must be pulled by a licensed Texas HVAC contractor. We handle the permit and any required inspection as part of the installation; the City of San Angelo permit office is the authority on the details. A contractor who suggests skipping the permit is a contractor to skip.