HVAC Repair vs. Replace & Texas AC Tonnage Calculator
Use our honest, repair-first calculators to see whether fixing your unit makes more financial sense than replacing it — and estimate your exact Texas AC tonnage and upfront installed bundle price.
Should I Repair or Replace My AC / Furnace?
Adjust your system's age and the repair quote you received to see an unbiased, non-commissioned recommendation.
At 9 years old and a $650 repair bill, you should get a $0 Free Second Opinion first to confirm whether a simpler repair is possible — and compare it side-by-side against our upfront installed bundles starting at $7,062.
What Size AC & Installed Price Do I Need?
Estimate your home's cooling tonnage for North & East Texas climate zones and see our real installed bundle price range.
Recommended for 1,800–2,350 sq. ft. homes exposed to 100°F+ Texas summer heat loads.
✓ Includes new outdoor condenser/heat pump, indoor coil & furnace/air handler, thermostat, float switch, labor, and 10-to-12-year parts warranty.
Texas AC Tonnage by Square Footage & Installed Price
Reference guide for single-zone cooling in DFW & East Texas. Every SunDollar installation includes an on-site Manual J load verification.
| Home Square Footage | Recommended Tonnage | Installed Bundle Price | Typical Texas Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600 – 1,000 sq. ft. | 1.5 Ton (18,000 BTU) | From $7,062 | Small homes, condos, apartments, or upstairs bonus zones |
| 1,000 – 1,350 sq. ft. | 2.0 Ton (24,000 BTU) | From $7,290 | Townhomes, smaller single-story homes, or dual-system split zones |
| 1,350 – 1,650 sq. ft. | 2.5 Ton (30,000 BTU) | From $7,540 | Mid-sized single-story homes with standard 8–9 ft ceilings |
| 1,650 – 1,950 sq. ft. | 3.0 Ton (36,000 BTU) | From $7,890 | Most common residential AC size across North Dallas & East Texas |
| 1,950 – 2,250 sq. ft. | 3.5 Ton (42,000 BTU) | From $8,490 | Larger single-story or well-insulated two-story homes |
| 2,250 – 2,650 sq. ft. | 4.0 Ton (48,000 BTU) | From $8,990 | High-ceiling homes with significant Texas afternoon solar heat gain |
| 2,650 – 3,200+ sq. ft. | 5.0 Ton (60,000 BTU) | From $9,650 | Maximum residential single-system capacity; requires proper duct static pressure |
Repair vs. Replace Frequently Asked Questions
What is the $5,000 Rule for HVAC repair vs. replacement?
Multiply the age of your AC or furnace (in years) by the quoted repair cost. If the result is under $5,000, repairing the unit is generally the smarter financial choice. If it exceeds $5,000 (for example, a 12-year-old unit needing a $1,200 repair = $14,400), comparing a replacement bundle alongside the repair quote makes sense — AFTER getting a $0 Free Second Opinion to ensure the repair quote wasn't artificially inflated.
How many square feet does 1 ton of AC cool in Texas?
In North Dallas, DFW, and East Texas (where summer design temperatures exceed 100°F–105°F and attic temperatures reach 140°F+), 1 ton of air conditioning (12,000 BTUs) typically cools 450 to 550 square feet depending on attic insulation, window orientation, ceiling height, and ductwork sealing. We perform a Manual J load calculation before every installation so your unit is neither undersized nor oversized.
Why is oversizing an AC unit bad in Texas?
An oversized AC cools the air temperature too quickly and shuts off (short-cycles) before removing indoor humidity. That leaves your Texas home feeling cold and clammy, increases mold risk on ductwork, and wears out the compressor prematurely.
What if another HVAC company told me my compressor or heat exchanger is bad?
Before you spend $10,000–$16,000 replacing your system, book a $0 Free Second Opinion with SunDollar. Over 60% of the 'dead compressors' we inspect turn out to be a failed capacitor, contactor, burnt terminal wire, or dirty condenser coil — with most common repairs ranging from $300 to $700.