HVAC System Installation
San Antonio, TX
Properly sized, code-compliant, Carrier-authorized installations. Done right the first time — or we come back free.
HVAC Installation Built for San Antonio's Climate
A San Antonio summer will expose every mistake in your HVAC installation. Wrong equipment size, sloppy ductwork connections, improper refrigerant charge — these aren't minor issues. They kill system lifespan, force breakdowns during 100°F+ heat waves, and drive up your CPS Energy bill every month for years.
Good Times HVAC — owned and operated by Jimmy Crenshaw and Austin Privett — does it right. We start with a Manual J load calculation so your new system is correctly sized for your home's specific square footage, insulation level, window exposure, and ceiling height. We install Carrier equipment as an authorized dealer, and we commission every system properly before we leave.
Why Proper Sizing Matters More in San Antonio
San Antonio's climate creates a sizing trap that catches both homeowners and lazy contractors. An oversized unit seems like it would keep you cooler — but it causes short-cycling: the system blasts on, reaches setpoint quickly, and shuts off. This on-off cycling never runs long enough to dehumidify your home. In South Texas where humidity routinely hits 70–90%, a short-cycling system leaves you with a house that feels clammy at 73°F — because the moisture wasn't removed.
An undersized unit runs constantly and still can't keep up during July and August peaks. We've seen units running non-stop at midnight and still not hitting 76°F because a previous installer just "estimated" the tonnage.
Manual J takes 30–45 minutes and costs nothing extra. It's how we make sure your new system runs efficiently for 15–20 years instead of failing in 8.
The Good Times HVAC Installation Process
In-Home Assessment
We visit your home, measure every room, inspect existing ductwork and insulation, assess window exposure and attic conditions. San Antonio attics reach 140–160°F in summer — duct condition matters enormously for efficiency.
Manual J Load Calculation
We calculate your home's exact heating and cooling load using industry-standard software. This determines the correct system tonnage and BTU output — matched to San Antonio's specific climate data. No guessing, no rule-of-thumb oversizing.
Written Proposal
Equipment model (with efficiency ratings), labor scope, permit plan, timeline, and final price — all in writing before you commit. You'll know exactly what you're getting and what it costs.
Equipment Selection
We walk you through Carrier system options matched to your budget and efficiency goals — from 16 SEER2 Performance series to 20+ SEER2 Infinity variable-speed. We show you the payback math on efficiency upgrades so you can decide with real numbers.
Permit Pulling
Every installation is permitted with the City of San Antonio. This protects you — unpermitted HVAC work can create problems when you sell your home and voids equipment warranties. We handle all permitting paperwork.
Professional Installation
Our licensed crew handles everything: equipment set and connection, refrigerant line installation, electrical connections, drain line routing, and ductwork modifications. Most residential replacements are completed in one day.
System Commissioning
Refrigerant charge verified with gauges to manufacturer specs, duct static pressure tested, all electrical connections confirmed, heating and cooling cycles run to verify operation. We don't call it done until the numbers match.
Walkthrough & Warranty Registration
We walk you through your new system's operation, maintenance requirements, and smart thermostat features. We register your Carrier equipment warranty before we leave — securing your full 10-year parts coverage.
What's Included in Every Installation
- Manual J load calculation — correct sizing, no guesswork
- Carrier authorized equipment with full manufacturer warranty
- Proper refrigerant charge verified with gauges
- Duct static pressure test — we address any leaks affecting performance
- Thermostat installation, programming, and homeowner walkthrough
- Full code compliance — all permits pulled and inspected
- Carrier 10-year parts warranty registration (handled by us)
- 12-month workmanship guarantee on all installation labor
Systems We Install
- Central split-system AC (14–20+ SEER2)
- Heat pump systems — single-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed
- Gas furnace and air handler combinations (80% and 96% AFUE)
- Dual-fuel hybrid heat pump systems — increasingly popular after the 2021 Texas freeze
- High-efficiency 2-stage and variable-speed Carrier Infinity systems
- Zoning systems for multi-story homes with uneven temperature distribution
- New construction rough-in and finish-out
Carrier Equipment Options for San Antonio Homes
As a Carrier Authorized Dealer, we have access to the full Carrier line and install each tier for the right customer and budget:
Carrier Performance Series (16–18 SEER2)
The best-value entry point for most San Antonio homeowners replacing a system. Two-stage cooling handles humidity better than single-stage. Strong reliability track record and full dealer support. Ideal for most standard-sized homes in Leon Valley, Converse, Universal City, and Live Oak.
Carrier Infinity Series (18–20+ SEER2)
Variable-speed compressor modulates output continuously — the system runs at exactly the capacity needed rather than cycling on and off. Dramatically better humidity control, quieter operation, and tighter temperature accuracy. Ideal for larger homes in Stone Oak, Shavano Park, Alamo Heights, and Terrell Hills where efficiency savings are significant.
Carrier Heat Pump Systems
Carrier heat pumps deliver cooling efficiency matching or exceeding standard AC, with the added benefit of efficient electric heating for San Antonio's mild winters. Federal tax credits (Inflation Reduction Act) of up to $2,000 apply to qualifying heat pump installations. We'll calculate your eligibility.
HVAC Installation Warranty Details
When Good Times HVAC installs your Carrier system, your warranty coverage works as follows:
- Carrier 10-year parts warranty: Covers all manufacturer defects in parts and components when registered within 90 days of installation. We register for you.
- Carrier compressor warranty: 10 years on compressor through a registered Authorized Dealer install — this is the most expensive single component in your system.
- Good Times HVAC workmanship guarantee: 12 months on all installation labor. If any installation defect causes a problem in the first year, we return and correct it at no charge.
- Carrier Comfort Heating & Cooling Maintenance agreement: Optional extended service plan available at time of installation — covers annual tune-ups and priority service scheduling.
Note: Manufacturer warranties require installation by a licensed contractor. Systems installed by unlicensed contractors or as DIY installs receive reduced warranty coverage — typically 5 years instead of 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does HVAC installation take?
Most residential replacements (same-location swap) are completed in one full day. New construction or installations requiring new ductwork may take 2 days. We give you a specific timeline in your written proposal before you commit.
Do you perform Manual J load calculations?
Yes — always. Manual J is the ACCA-standard method for calculating your home's exact heating and cooling load. It's not optional for us; it's how we ensure the equipment we install is correctly sized. An oversized system short-cycles and leaves your San Antonio home feeling humid. An undersized system can't keep up during July and August peaks.
What efficiency rating should I choose for San Antonio?
For San Antonio's 9-month cooling season, we generally recommend 16–18 SEER2 (Carrier Performance series) as the cost-vs-savings sweet spot for most homes. Higher efficiency (Infinity series at 20+ SEER2) has a compelling ROI for larger homes or high utility bill situations. We'll show you the payback math on both options so you can make an informed decision based on actual numbers.
Do you pull permits for HVAC installations?
Yes, every time. Every installation we perform is permitted with the City of San Antonio and inspected per City and state code requirements. Never allow a contractor to skip permitting — unpermitted work can surface as a problem when you sell your home, and it voids equipment warranties.
What warranty comes with a new Carrier system from Good Times?
Carrier systems installed by an Authorized Dealer (Good Times HVAC) come with a 10-year parts warranty when registered within 90 days of installation. We handle the registration for you. We also include a 12-month workmanship guarantee on all installation labor — if any installation defect causes an issue in the first year, we return and fix it at no charge.
Are heat pumps a good choice for San Antonio?
Yes — especially post-2021. San Antonio's mild winters (mostly 40–60°F, with occasional dips to 25–30°F) are ideal for heat pump efficiency. You get air conditioning and heating from one system. Federal tax credits up to $2,000 apply to qualifying heat pump installations. For homes concerned about extreme cold, a dual-fuel system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace backup — the system automatically switches to gas when outdoor temps drop below the heat pump's efficient operating range.
Is Good Times HVAC licensed to do HVAC installation in Texas?
Yes. Good Times HVAC holds Texas HVAC contractor license TACLA154716E, issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This license is required by law for all HVAC installation work in Texas. You can verify our license at tdlr.texas.gov.
Why San Antonio Homeowners Choose Good Times HVAC
Jimmy Crenshaw and Austin Privett built Good Times HVAC around one principle: do the job the right way, explain what you did, and stand behind it. HVAC installation is one of the largest home improvement investments a San Antonio homeowner makes. You shouldn't have to wonder if it was done correctly.
- Texas-licensed contractor TACLA154716E — every installation is code-compliant and permitted
- Carrier Authorized Dealer — direct factory training, full parts access, maximum warranty coverage
- Manual J on every job — your system size is calculated, not guessed
- Flat-rate written proposal — price agreed before work starts, not adjusted after
- 12-month workmanship guarantee — we stand behind our labor
- Local San Antonio crew — Stone Oak to Helotes, Boerne to Schertz and Cibolo
"Good Times replaced our 17-year-old unit in Alamo Heights. They ran the load calculation, found the previous system was almost a ton oversized, and installed the right-sized Carrier. Electric bill dropped $80/month. Worth every penny."
— Marcus T., Alamo Heights"Jimmy came out personally to assess our new construction home in Stone Oak. The written proposal was detailed and they finished the install in one day. Passed city inspection first try. Highly recommend."
— Linda R., Stone Oak"We got 4 quotes and Good Times was the only contractor who actually measured the house and mentioned Manual J. Everyone else just guessed. That told us everything we needed to know."
— Derek M., HelotesService Areas — HVAC Installation
Good Times HVAC installs HVAC systems throughout San Antonio and the surrounding region in Bexar County and beyond:
Not sure if we cover your area? Call (210) 760-6407 and we'll let you know.