Seasonal tune-up and full diagnostic on your Carrier, Trane, or Goodman system - readings shown to you before any repair is proposed
Diagnosis first, numbers second - you approve the repair price before a single part goes in.
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AfterHow Much Does HVAC Cost in Houston?
Most HVAC repairs in Houston run $150 to $650, a full system installation lands between $3,500 and $7,500, and a seasonal tune-up costs $80 to $200. Furnace repairs typically fall in the $150 to $700 range. Those numbers cover parts and labor together. At Brandt HVAC, we put the exact price in writing before any work starts, so the figure you see on the estimate is the figure you pay.
Houston’s climate is hard on heating and cooling equipment. With roughly six months of cooling season, high humidity, and pollen that clogs filters faster than most of the country sees, air conditioners here work harder and fail sooner. A system in Katy may log more running hours in one summer than a system in the Upper Midwest logs in three years. That reality shapes what you’ll pay, and knowing the real numbers up front keeps you from being surprised.
HVAC Cost Breakdown (2026)
Here’s what Houston homeowners can expect to pay this year. These are real market ranges, not teaser pricing.
| Service | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| AC Repair | $150 – $650 |
| Furnace Repair | $150 – $700 |
| AC Installation | $3,500 – $7,500 |
| Seasonal Tune-Up | $80 – $200 |
Within the AC repair range, the specific fault drives the price. A capacitor replacement or a contactor swap usually sits at the low end. A blower motor, a compressor, or a refrigerant leak that needs to be located and sealed climbs toward the top. Furnace repair follows the same logic: a flame sensor cleaning is quick work, while a heat exchanger issue or a control board failure takes longer and costs more.
Installation pricing moves based on system size, efficiency rating, and how much ductwork needs to change. A straightforward swap of a 3-ton unit in a Spring Branch ranch house costs less than a full changeout in a two-story home in The Woodlands where the attic is tight and the line set needs replacing. We’ll walk the house, measure, and give you a written number before we touch anything.
What Affects HVAC Pricing in Houston
- System size and tonnage. A larger home needs a larger unit, and a 5-ton system costs meaningfully more than a 2-ton. Sizing is calculated, not guessed, using square footage, window load, and insulation.
- Efficiency rating (SEER2). Higher-efficiency equipment costs more up front but trims monthly cooling bills. In a Houston summer, that payback arrives faster than in milder markets.
- Age of the existing system. Older units often have discontinued parts, which can slow a repair or push a homeowner toward replacement. After 12 to 15 years, replacement usually wins on total cost.
- Attic access and duct condition. Houston homes frequently run ductwork through a blistering attic. If a technician has to work in 140-degree attic heat, or if ducts are leaking and need sealing, labor climbs.
- Time of year. Peak summer repair calls see the highest demand. Scheduling a tune-up in spring or fall avoids the crunch and keeps the price at the lower end of the range.
- Refrigerant type. Older R-22 systems cost more to service because that refrigerant is phased out and expensive. Newer R-410A and R-32 systems are cheaper to recharge.
Repair or Replace? A Quick Decision Guide
Homeowners ask this constantly. The honest answer depends on the repair cost relative to the system’s remaining life. Use this rule of thumb:
- Find out the age of your system. Most last 12 to 15 years in Houston’s climate.
- Compare the repair quote to a replacement. If a single repair costs more than 30% of a new system, replacement usually makes more financial sense.
- Check the repair history. If this is the second or third major repair in two years, the system is telling you something.
- Factor in efficiency. A 15-year-old unit running at 10 SEER2 costs far more to operate than a modern 16+ SEER2 unit.
- Ask for both numbers in writing. A good technician gives you the repair price and the replacement price side by side, then lets you decide without pressure.
If the repair is the right call, this is a repair we guarantee for 365 days: if it fails, we return at no charge under the 365-Day Done Right Promise. That’s the guarantee in full.
How to Save on HVAC in Houston
- Schedule a spring tune-up. An $80 – $200 tune-up catches small problems before they become a $650 repair. It’s the cheapest thing you can do for your system.
- Change filters on schedule. Houston pollen and dust load filters fast. A clean filter keeps the blower from overworking and extends system life.
- Seal leaking ducts. Duct leaks waste 20% or more of your cooled air, especially in attic runs. Sealing them lowers both repair frequency and monthly bills.
- Get a written estimate before work begins. Upfront, written pricing is how you avoid a bill that grew after the fact. We do it on every job, no exceptions.
- Ask about your options in writing. Free estimates mean you can compare, no pressure, no obligation.
For an exact number on your home, call (984) 538-9003. A live person answers, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, nights and holidays included. Estimates are free.
FAQs – HVAC Cost in Houston
How much does AC repair cost in Houston?
AC repair in Houston typically runs $150 to $650, depending on the fault. A capacitor or contactor replacement sits near the low end, while a compressor or refrigerant leak climbs toward the top. Call (984) 538-9003 for an exact quote. Estimates are free, and we give you a written price before any work starts.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace my AC unit?
If a repair costs more than 30% of a new system, or if the unit is 12 to 15 years old, replacement usually costs less over the long run. A repair on a younger system is almost always the cheaper path. We’ll give you both prices in writing and let you choose without pressure.
How much does AC installation cost in Houston?
Full AC installation in Houston runs $3,500 to $7,500, covering equipment, labor, and any duct work that needs updating. Higher-efficiency systems and larger homes land at the top of that range. Call (984) 538-9003 for a free written estimate on your home.
How much does furnace repair cost?
Furnace repair in Houston typically falls between $150 and $700. A flame sensor cleaning is quick and inexpensive; a control board or heat exchanger issue costs more. Every repair we do carries a written 365-day guarantee, so if it fails we come back at no charge. Call (984) 538-9003 to book.
Can you come today?
In most cases, yes. Houston summers are brutal on air conditioners, and we prioritize emergency cooling calls. A live person answers the phone around the clock, so call (984) 538-9003 and we’ll tell you the soonest we can be there. Before any technician arrives, you’ll get their name and photo, and they’ll show a photo ID badge at the door.
Why Houston Homeowners Choose Brandt HVAC
Price is only half the decision. The other half is who you’re letting through the door. Brandt HVAC is part of the Threshold Group family, established in 2003, and every location is independently owned and operated. We verify and badge every technician through the Threshold Verified standard: background-checked, identity-verified, and introduced to you by name and photo before the visit. If anyone arrives who you weren’t told to expect, that visit is on us and we make it right.
The name Brandt comes from an old word for a firebrand, a fitting name for work that keeps a home warm in winter and cool in summer. We service all major residential brands, including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Goodman, Rheem, York, Daikin, Bryant, and American Standard. Whether you need home comfort handled today or you’re planning ahead, the same standard applies: a written price before work starts, a written guarantee on every repair, and a live person on the phone whenever you call.
Ready for a Straight Answer on Price?
Call (984) 538-9003 for a free estimate. We’ll give you real numbers for your Houston home, in writing, before anything begins. Phones are staffed by a live person 24/7, and our team has the experience to fix it right the first time. If we don’t, the 365-Day Done Right Promise means we return free of charge.
Written by Devin Marlowe, Owner at Brandt HVAC, serving Houston since 2003.
Pricing reflects the Houston market as of 2026. Brandt HVAC offers free estimates – call (984) 538-9003.
What Our Customers Say
"Very thorough check on the whole system before summer. Found a worn belt and swapped it for cheap."
- Jerome F."Furnace short cycled all winter. He found a dirty flame sensor and cleaned it. Twenty minutes and a small bill."
- George Q."Knowing a vetted tech was coming into my house made a difference. Name and photo texted ahead, shoe covers, polite, and thorough with explaining."
- Tina M.