McCullough Heating & Air Conditioning

Ask for the contractor’s Texas license number and verify it on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website. Request a current certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage and inquire whether they carry workers’ compensation; Texas does not require every contractor to carry workers’ comp, so if they do not, ask how on‑site injuries are handled. Also confirm the contractor is willing to pull required City of Austin permits and provide proof of local registration or permit pull if required.

R‑22 (Freon) has been phased down and new production/imports are banned, so servicing older systems may be possible only with reclaimed or recycled R‑22 and can be very expensive. A qualified contractor will explain repair costs versus replacement, estimate annual refrigerant and service costs, and show expected efficiency and operating cost differences. For older systems that are inefficient, difficult/expensive to service, or near end of life, replacement with a modern system using current refrigerants is usually the more economical long‑term choice.

Get an itemized written estimate that shows scope of work, equipment make/model and efficiency rating, labor, parts, permit fees, and any warranty terms (manufacturer and labor). A proper installation should be based on a Manual J load calculation for correct system sizing, include inspection/repair or evaluation of ductwork and airflow, correct refrigerant charge and startup checks, and compliance with City of Austin permitting and inspection requirements. Because Austin has long, hot summers, discuss appropriate efficiency (SEER) and thermostat controls to balance upfront cost and ongoing energy savings, and ask for references or examples of similar installs.