By Hood Service Company · Corsicana, TX · Updated
The short version
- Make every quote list model numbers for the indoor and outdoor equipment so you can compare like for like.
- Ask how each contractor sized the system; matching the old unit isn't a load calculation.
- Confirm the contractor is licensed through TDLR and that the quote covers required permits.
- Get warranty terms, for parts and for labor, in writing.
What should a complete HVAC quote include?
A complete quote names the exact equipment by model number, its efficiency rating and refrigerant, and spells out what installation includes, from removing the old equipment to permits, startup testing and warranty.
- Model numbers for the outdoor unit, the indoor coil or air handler, and the furnace if one is included.
- The SEER2 rating for cooling and, for heat pumps, the HSPF2 rating for heating.
- The refrigerant the new system uses.
- Whether the refrigerant lines, condensate drain, equipment pad and thermostat are replaced or reused.
- Removal and disposal of the old equipment.
- Permits, startup testing and any follow-up visit.
How do you compare equipment across quotes?
Compare the whole matched system, not just the outdoor unit. Line up each quote's capacity, efficiency rating, compressor type and refrigerant side by side so you can see where the real differences are.
Capacity. If quotes differ in tonnage, ask each contractor why. Our guide to HVAC sizing and load calculations explains what a proper sizing looks like.
Efficiency. Since Jan 1, 2023, new split-system central air conditioners in Texas, part of DOE's Southeast region, must meet at least 14.3 SEER2 below 45,000 Btu/h and 13.8 SEER2 at 45,000 Btu/h and above; split heat pumps must meet 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2. Higher ratings use less energy for the same cooling, and the SEER calculator helps you weigh that for your usage.
Compressor type. Single-stage, two-stage and variable-speed equipment differ in comfort and humidity control, not just efficiency.
Refrigerant. New residential systems are moving to lower-GWP refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32 under the EPA's AIM Act rules. Ask which one the quoted system uses.
Which questions reveal the quality of the installation?
Ask how the system was sized, whether the ductwork was inspected, how airflow and refrigerant charge will be checked at startup, and who handles permits. The installation matters as much as the equipment.
Texas HVAC work must be done by a contractor licensed through TDLR, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Ask for the license number and confirm it with TDLR before you sign.
- Did you do a room-by-room load calculation, or match the old unit?
- Did you check the ductwork for leaks, damage or undersized runs?
- How will you verify airflow and refrigerant charge after installation?
- Will you pull the required permits?
- Will you register the new equipment with the manufacturer?
- What is your Texas HVAC license number?
What are the red flags in an HVAC quote?
Watch for quotes with no model numbers, a system size chosen without visiting the home, vague warranty language, pressure to sign the same day, or no mention of permits or licensing.
- A quote given over the phone without anyone seeing the house.
- Generic descriptions like 'new system, installed' with no model numbers.
- Verbal warranty promises that never appear on paper.
- Expiring-today offers meant to cut your comparison short.
- No mention of permits, licensing or startup testing.
How do you decide between quotes?
Put the quotes in a simple table: equipment, size, efficiency, what's included, warranty and financing terms. Once the scope matches, the differences in value become clear and the decision gets easier.
If one quote is much lower, find out what it leaves out. If one is much higher, ask what it adds. Financing terms belong in the comparison too; Hood offers financing through Wells Fargo, Synchrony and Snap Finance, subject to credit approval and lender terms.
Hood pulls required HVAC permits and registers new equipment with the manufacturer for you. Request a free estimate and ask us any question on this list, or see AC installation and replacement for what the work involves.
When should you call a technician?
- Your current system has failed and you need a diagnosis before you compare replacement quotes.
- Quotes recommend different sizes and you want a load calculation done.
- You suspect duct problems are behind rooms that never get comfortable.
- Your system uses R-22 and needs refrigerant work.
Frequently asked questions
How many HVAC quotes should I get?
Two or three is usually enough to see the range of options without getting overwhelmed. More important than the count is that each one covers the same scope, so you can compare them fairly.
Should I choose the quote with the highest SEER2?
Not automatically. Higher efficiency lowers energy use, but comfort, humidity control and installation quality matter too. Weigh the rating against how long you plan to stay and how much you run the system; our guide to SEER2 ratings explains the numbers.
Is it a red flag if a contractor won't quote over the phone?
No, it's usually a good sign. Sizing a system properly takes a look at the home, the ductwork and the existing equipment. A visit also lets the contractor spot problems a phone call would miss.
Does the equipment brand matter most?
Correct sizing, installation quality and a properly matched system usually affect comfort and reliability more than the name on the cabinet. Compare model numbers, efficiency ratings and warranty terms instead.