The 5 Truths Every Austin Homeowner Should Know Before Replacing Their HVAC System

Replacing your HVAC system is a major investment — one that affects your comfort, safety, energy bills, and even your home’s resale value. Yet, most Austin homeowners make this decision based on marketing, online reviews, or word of mouth.

But what if we told you there’s real, public data that reveals which HVAC contractors are doing the job right — and which are cutting corners?

At McCullough Heating & Air Conditioning, we believe in full transparency. That’s why we’re breaking down five essential truths every Austin homeowner should know before signing a contract for HVAC replacement.

1. Permits Don’t Lie

In Austin, every residential HVAC replacement is required by law to have a mechanical permit and a final inspection. These aren’t red tape — they’re protections for you. A closed permit means your system was inspected and passed; an expired one means it wasn’t.

Between 2020 and 2025, McCullough pulled 2,409 permits and closed every single one. No expired permits. No skipped inspections. That’s not something most major contractors in Austin can say.

Some of the biggest names in town left behind hundreds, if not thousands, of expired permits.

2. Rebates Belong to You — Not the Contractor

Austin Energy offers up to $1,100+ in rebates per system for qualifying high-efficiency equipment. But here’s the catch: you only get that money if your contractor handles the paperwork correctly.

McCullough has the highest rebate success rate in the city, earning rebates for over 90% of our customers. Compare that to other major contractors with success rates as low as 14%!

These aren’t discounts — they’re real cash you could be leaving on the table.

3. Community Impact Matters

When you choose McCullough, you’re not just choosing comfort — you’re supporting Austin. Over the past eight years, we’ve donated nearly $1 million to local causes and nonprofits like:

• Family Eldercare’s Summer Fan Drive
  
• Central Texas Food Bank
  
• Casa Marianella
  
• Florence’s Comfort House
  
• Mobile Loaves & Fishes
  
• Trinity Center
  
• Service Dogs Inc.
  

We also support local schools, youth robotics programs, scouting troops, and more. Why? Because Austin is our home, too.

4. Ownership Tells You Who Really Cares

Here’s a truth most contractors won’t advertise: Many aren’t locally owned anymore. Over the past few years, most of the major HVAC brands in Austin have been sold to private equity firms in New York, Boston, California, and Florida.

McCullough? We’ve been family-owned since day one — right here in Austin. We’ve never been sold, and we never answer to shareholders. Our only priority is doing right by our customers and our community.

5. Excellence Isn’t Claimed — It’s Earned

McCullough is proud to be a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, a designation held by fewer than 5% of contractors nationwide. And we’ve taken it even further — we’ve won the prestigious Carrier President’s Award 8 times, an honor less than 1% of contractors ever achieve.

That award recognizes:

• Outstanding customer satisfaction
  
• Technical excellence
  
• Transparent business operations
  
• Strong local leadership
  

5 Questions You Should Always Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor

Before you commit to a contractor, ask these:

1. Will you close the permit?
   
2. Will I get my full rebate?
   
3. Who owns your company, and where are they located?
   
4. What have you given back to the Austin community?
   
5. How do you prove your commitment to excellence and customer service?
   

At McCullough Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re proud to answer all five with facts, not fluff.

The Data Is Public. The Difference Is Clear.

We’re not just another HVAC company — we’re Austin’s most trusted HVAC partner. With zero expired permits, a 90% rebate success rate, nearly $1 million donated to the community, and a legacy of family ownership and national recognition, McCullough sets the bar higher.

If you’re replacing your HVAC system in Austin, don’t leave it up to chance.

Schedule your free estimate today at www.coolmenow.com or call 512-548-8655.