How to Choose the Right HVAC System for Your Cedar Park Home

Replacing your HVAC system is one of the largest home improvement investments you’ll make. In Cedar Park’s climate, the right system keeps you comfortable year-round while the wrong one wastes money and leaves you sweating. Here’s how to choose wisely.

Sizing Matters Most

The #1 mistake homeowners make is improper sizing. Both undersized and oversized systems cause problems:

Undersized systems:

Run constantly but never reach set temperature
Wear out faster from overwork
Leave some rooms uncomfortable
Struggle during extreme heat

Oversized systems:

Short-cycle (turn on and off frequently)
Fail to remove humidity properly
Waste energy
Wear out prematurely from frequent starts

A proper sizing calculation (Manual J) considers your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, orientation, and local climate. Don’t trust a contractor who sizes by “rules of thumb.”

SEER Ratings Explained

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures cooling efficiency. Higher numbers mean lower operating costs.

14 SEER: Minimum legal efficiency (baseline)
16-17 SEER: Good efficiency, moderate upfront cost
18-20 SEER: High efficiency, higher upfront cost
21+ SEER: Premium efficiency, highest upfront cost

In Texas, where AC runs 6+ months per year, higher SEER ratings pay off faster than in milder climates. A 16 SEER unit typically offers the best balance of upfront cost and long-term savings.

System Types

Central Air Conditioning

Traditional and reliable. Best for homes with existing ductwork. Pairs with a furnace or air handler for heating.

Heat Pumps

Extremely efficient for both heating and cooling. In Cedar Park’s mild winters, a heat pump can handle most heating needs without backup heat. Saves significantly on winter energy bills.

Ductless Mini-Splits

Ideal for homes without ductwork, additions, or supplemental cooling. Each room gets its own temperature control. Higher upfront cost but no duct losses.

Features Worth Considering

Variable-speed compressors: Run at lower speeds most of the time, ramping up only when needed. Quieter, more efficient, and better humidity control.

Two-stage cooling: Offers a low stage for mild days and high stage for extreme heat. Better comfort than single-stage.

Smart thermostats: Learn your schedule and optimize run times. Can reduce energy use by 10-15%.

UV air purifiers: Kill mold and bacteria in the air handler. Good for allergy sufferers.

What to Expect Cost-Wise

For a typical Cedar Park home (1,500-2,500 sq ft):

Budget system (14-15 SEER): $5,000-8,000 installed
Mid-range (16-17 SEER): $7,000-11,000 installed
Premium (18+ SEER): $10,000-15,000+ installed

Don’t just compare equipment costs—factor in installation quality, warranty, and contractor reputation.

Choosing a Contractor

Your contractor matters as much as the equipment. Look for:

Proper licensing (Texas requires HVAC licenses)
Insurance coverage
Manual J load calculations (not guesswork)
Written warranties on parts and labor
References from recent local jobs
Transparent pricing (no “we’ll figure it out” quotes)

Avoid contractors who:

Quote without seeing your home
Push only one brand
Pressure you to decide immediately
Don’t pull permits

Ready to Replace Your System?

Contact Cedar Park HVAC for a free in-home consultation. We’ll perform a proper load calculation, explain your options, and provide a detailed written quote—no pressure, no surprises.

Our installations include permits, manufacturer registration, and a workmanship warranty. We stand behind our work.