Just learned yesterday I need to replace my complete system which is almost 20 years old. From reading on here, it sounds like variable speed is recommended for the comfort aspect even though the additional costs likely are not recouped from energy savings alone.

Hopeful for some feedback on brand, pricing, and reputable companies in Dallas (Lake Highlands) area.
The house is 1802 SF and current unit is 3.5 tons.

First quote was from a smaller shop that the owner lives on my street.
Good:
- American Standard Silver 14, 3.5 ton -- $11,797
Better:
- American Standard Silver 15, 3.5 ton -- $12,702
Best:
- American Standard Gold 17 Variable Speed, 4 ton -- $16,829

I have another company coming out tomorrow to provide an estimate and looking for another 1 or 2.

Thanks for the feedback!

If you're staying in the house, go variable.

TruService - (979) 422-0148

I got the reference to them on here about 5-6 years ago. I've been here quite some time and he is by far the best I've had. Whoever gave me the initial service said I could thank him later. If I could remember who it was, I would.

TruService as stated above is the person to call. Caleb knows his stuff and you will be extremely pleased with his work.

Sounds like very positive recs for TruService...unfortunately I'm in Dallas and dont think they serve the area.

We had the 4 ton American Standard variable speed installed in our prior 2350 sq ft house 8.5 years ago
It was fantastic. We used Crawford Services but have no idea if they are still a dealer.

Also, focus on the install! The equipment is only as good as the installation.

Single stage plus whole home dehumidifier. Better humidity control and cheaper. Whatever you do, make damn sure the duct work is sized properly (as is the unit). Bad install can be a nightmare

Here's another wild card. My installation has a two-speed furnace with a single speed AC compressor and a smart thermostat. It's set up so that my AC can run at low or high speed during the summer, even though my compressor is always running 100% when running. Since it's been set up that way, the difference is dramatic. Not only did my AC bills come down (which I didn't expect), but it controls my humidity very well and is almost impossible to hear when running at low speed (which it does most of the time.

The advantage is that it saved me a bunch on installation in not having to pay for a variable speed compressor.

Already saved back the additional costs in 3 years so voting for
- American Standard Gold 17 Variable Speed, 4 ton -- $16,829

Mine: Trane XV18 - similar heat pump to your option above
+ comfort best ever since 1980 systems now retired

Google this
American Standard Gold 17 vs trane xv18

If you're getting a heat pump, Think about which one might be eligible for tax rebate.

I like two stage. Seems like a good mix. We also just added a separate dehumidifier to our main single stage unit. It's nice.

I appreciate all the posters throwing my name out there as it means a lot to me. You are correct that Dallas is out of my territory. I'd still be happy to answer any questions you may have and be a sounding board for you.

Brand and efficiency are less important than who installed it. Whatever you do make sure you register the warranty and I'd even encourage you to buy a 10-yr labor and refrigerant warranty from JB Warranty if your installer offers it. The new refrigerant is double the cost of R410A that just got phased out and it's extremely hard to find. I've managed to find 40lbs of it (2 drums) and I've had people asking me if I had any to sell because I normally try to buy refrigerant a pallet at a time. I can't get a pallet, I already tried!
The prices you were quoted by the neighbor are in line with what I'd expect.
If you've got any questions just ask, I'll try and check back in here this weekend.
I've been so busy this winter I've really neglected the forums and I apologize if I missed anyone's questions.

Njacob said:

---

Sounds like very positive recs for TruService...unfortunately I'm in Dallas and dont think they serve the area.

---

The higher in efficiency you go, the less dependable the systems are because they are pushing the limits. Even the minimum allowed efficiency is a super-high-efficiency compared to 10-15 years ago. Each additional point means little energy saved, but with higher risk and certain higher cost.

I've saved money using Hearthstone Heat & Air out of Plano.

why do you need a new system?

Why can't the old system be repaired?

For a variable speed, the company doing the install is more important than the unit itself. Bad install on a variable speed is a NIGHTMARE. Ask me how I know...almost 2 years in to a bad install on a variable speed Carrier Infinity. Make sure you vet the company and ensure they absolutely understand and know how to do variable speed installs.

AJ02 said:

---

For a variable speed, the company doing the install is more important than the unit itself. Bad install on a variable speed is a NIGHTMARE. Ask me how I know...almost 2 years in to a bad install on a variable speed Carrier Infinity. Make sure you vet the company and ensure they absolutely understand and know how to do variable speed installs.

---

How do you do that? How do you vet the company and or make sure that they know how to do variable speed installs? They all claim they do.

I ask because I have similar questions. My current HVAC company did my install, and it has eventually worked out after repeated trips. They clearly did not know what they were doing initially. Finally, their head tech came over and gone on a call with the manufacturer tech-support and was walk-through what needed to be done.

My company has close to a five star review rating on Google, also. How is the consumer able to do any kind of vetting on an HVAC company?

Manufacturers will have preferred installers for an area listed on their website and usually identify those with additional training through the manufacturer. Also look for NATE certification. Chuck in a truck isn't going to have these.

Do your research on variable speed systems so that you can ask the salesman intelligent questions when they make their house call. Ask them how many variable speed systems they installed in 2025. Ask the name of the lead technician that will do your install, how many years he has worked for your contractor, and his experience with variable speed installs. Request referrals for other variable speed customers. Ask if they plan to run a Manual J and Manual S when sizing and selecting the equipment, and if they will provide you a copy. Ask if you have adequate return air, and know the answer before you ask. Ask about what thermostat they recommend and customer satisfaction with that product. Again, do your own research first. If the salesman is not candid or cannot answer to your satisfaction, I'd keep looking. If the technician is not who you were lead to believe it would be, I would insist to the salesman that you get the promised lead tech or no install.

Thanks, P. H. Excellent questions!

PH went into much more detail than I was gonna. But I agree with everything he said.

I was going to suggest calling Carrier (or whoever the manufacturer is) and ask them directly who their preferred installers are. We unfortunately did that AFTER the fact and bad install. They did give us a preferred company, we called them, and that company has come out and fixed everthing the install company did wrong. It's plainly obvious the new company knows exactly what they're talking about with regards to our Carrier Infinity. He logs into the thermostat, reviews settings, knows what changes to make, etc. The QUALITY MANAGER from install company came out and literally had to ask me how to use the Infinity thermostat. The thermostat is key for the Infinity system, bc that's where you do all the air flow tests, damper tests, set length of copper line, change CFM outputs, etc. And the guy didn't even know how to get into the tech menu. I had to show him how.

I'm in a similar boat. My guys didn't install a smart thermostat, so my system couldn't take advantage of the variable speeds. Everyone I talked to kept saying "that's the way it's supposed to be." I finally talked to the company GM and he quickly realized that the thermostat was wrong and sent some guys out to replace it.

They were the two stooges. They had to fish an extra wire down to the thermostat but didn't bring anything to fish with (fortunately, I had something and loaned it to them). Then, they didn't know how to set the jumpers or the thermostat so they got the manufacturer's tech support on the line who walked them through everything. It's worked fine since then until yesterday, when a youngster came out for my regular seasonal maintenance.

When he finished up, the AC didn't work at all! The fan would blow but the compressor wouldn't run. He had to call his boss who came out and figured out that he had somehow broken the disconnect near the compressor which had to be replaced.

I think that I'll follow PH's advice and try to find the manufacturer's preferred vendor for all future work.

I'm surprised. I just followed PH's advice and checked my manufacturer's website. My current HVAC company is the only one listed for my zip code.

Call Tru Service and talk to Caleb. He is head and shoulders in knowledge above most companies. You will thank everyone who recommended him later.

KingofHazor said:

---

I'm surprised. I just followed PH's advice and checked my manufacturer's website. My current HVAC company is the only one listed for my zip code.

---

You got me really curious who you HVAC company is. Hope it's not ARS.

Nope, I live in Arkansas.

Im sure you have already narrowed down your choice, but I did respond to your post on the metroplex board.

HVAC Home Supply can help