What the guide covers
- What you can still do with the system you own. A failed part on an R-410A system can still be repaired. Many homeowners are told their system is on a clock when it is not.
- Why refrigerant quotes disagree so much, and how to tell whether a price is wholesale, refrigerant only, or installed.
- R-454B and R-32: what the new refrigerants are, and why the one on your quote may not be your choice.
- The tax credit that is gone. The federal 25C credit ended December 31, 2025, though some articles still count it.
- Sizing, ductwork, efficiency ratings and choosing a contractor, with the questions to ask before you sign.
- The system that dies in August: the option that is rarely offered on the spot, which is to repair it now and replace it deliberately later.
If Austin Energy is your utility, pair it with Austin Energy HVAC rebates.
