Hvac Repair Replacement Financing in Houston, TX

Q: Does Houston require a permit to replace an HVAC system?

Yes. The City of Houston Permitting Center ([houstontx.gov/permitting](https://www.houstontx.gov/permitting/)) requires a mechanical permit for all HVAC equipment replacements — air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and air handlers. Permit fees for residential mechanical work typically run $75–$200. The permit triggers a city inspection confirming the installation meets the International Mechanical Code as adopted by Harris County. Work performed without a permit voids manufacturer warranties and creates disclosure obligations at resale. Any contractor who says permits aren't needed for a Houston A/C replacement is lying.

Q: What HVAC license do contractors need in Houston?

Texas requires two licenses for HVAC companies and technicians. The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor (TACL) license, issued by [TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/), is required at the company level. Each individual technician must also hold a TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician license. Additionally, all technicians handling refrigerants must hold federal [EPA Section 608 certification](https://www.epa.gov/section608). Verify contractor and technician licenses at [tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/) before signing any contract.

Q: What SEER2 rating do I need for Houston?

Houston's extreme cooling load makes high-efficiency equipment worth every dollar. The federal minimum as of January 2023 for systems in the South/Southwest region is 15 SEER2 for split-system central A/C. For Houston specifically, contractors and energy auditors generally recommend 16–18 SEER2 variable-speed systems — because at 3,000+ cooling degree days of annual runtime, the efficiency delta between a 15 and 18 SEER2 system translates to $250–$500/year in electricity savings on CenterPoint Energy bills. Variable-capacity systems also modulate compressor speed, dramatically improving dehumidification at part load — the chronic summer challenge for Houston homes.

Q: Are there rebates or tax credits for HVAC in Houston?

Yes. CenterPoint Energy ([centerpointenergy.com/rebates](https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/residential/home-services/energy-efficiency/rebates)) offers rebates for qualifying high-efficiency HVAC systems for residential customers — verify current program availability as rebate budgets refresh annually. The federal IRA Section 25C credit provides 30% up to $600 for qualifying central A/C (≥16 SEER2) or gas furnace; 30% up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump systems; and 30% up to $150 for a qualifying home energy audit that informs equipment sizing. Both CenterPoint rebates and IRA credits require licensed contractor installation and qualifying equipment per current ENERGY STAR lists.

Q: How long does HVAC equipment typically last in Houston?

Houston's extreme runtime hours accelerate equipment wear relative to northern markets. A central A/C in Houston running 9–10 months vs. 4–5 months in Chicago accumulates the equivalent of double the operating hours per calendar year. Expect 12–16 years for central A/C in Houston with proper annual maintenance — vs. 16–20 years in cooler Northern climates. Gas furnaces last longer (18–25 years) because they run so rarely in Houston. Consistent annual tune-ups, monthly filter changes, and quarterly condensate drain treatment are the maintenance minimum to reach the upper end of equipment lifespan in Houston's demanding environment.

Q: Why is HVAC so prone to mold problems in Houston?

Houston averages approximately 75% relative humidity outdoors from May through September. Air conditioners remove moisture from indoor air as a byproduct of cooling — but only when they run long enough per cycle to pull humidity down. An oversized A/C that short-cycles (reaches set temperature quickly and shuts off) never runs long enough to dehumidify adequately, leaving indoor humidity chronically above 60% — the threshold above which mold colonizes drywall, wood framing, and insulation. This is the most common cause of Houston HVAC mold claims. A properly sized system per [Manual J load calculation](https://www.acca.org/technology/software/manual-j) runs longer cycles and keeps indoor relative humidity in the 45–55% range. For Houston homes with persistent humidity issues, an integrated whole-home dehumidifier (Aprilaire or Santa Fe, $1,400–$2,800 installed) is the direct fix independent of system sizing.

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