Expert Heater Installation & Replacement in Austin
Upgrade Your Comfort with High-Efficiency Heating Solutions
When your heating system fails or becomes too costly to run, you need a solution that fits your home, not just a high-pressure sales pitch. At Lantz Home Services, we provide professional heater installation and replacement in Austin and the Hill Country, backing every job with over 50 years of local experience. We assess your home’s unique layout and insulation to recommend the most efficient system for your budget, ensuring reliable warmth for years to come.
We understand that replacing a heater is a significant investment, which is why we prioritize technical precision and transparency over quick sales. Whether you need a modern heat pump, a gas furnace, or a ductless system, our licensed technicians handle the entire process—from safely removing your old unit to the final safety check of the new one. Call us today to schedule your free estimate and get the honest answers you deserve.
Experience the difference of 50+ years of experience—contact us online or call (512) 710-1032.
Why Hire Lantz Home Services for Your New Heater in Austin?
When you’re investing in a new heating system, the quality of the installation matters just as much as the equipment itself. A poor install can lead to energy waste, uneven heat, and early breakdowns—none of which you want to deal with in the middle of winter. That’s where we come in.
Our team has been serving in Austin since 1972, with a reputation built on trust, transparency, and long-term reliability. We take time to understand your goals, walk you through your options, and explain the installation process in plain language. You’ll get honest advice, fair pricing, and a system that’s designed to work for your home—not just the one we want to sell.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Licensed, insured HVAC technicians
- Free estimates and second opinions
- Financing available through Greensky
- Same-day availability when possible
- Se habla español
- Clean, respectful work on every visit
Choosing the Right Heating System for your Austin home
One of the biggest advantages of working with Lantz Home Services is our deep understanding of the local climate. Austin and the Hill Country present unique challenges—we have mild winters punctuated by sharp, freezing cold fronts. The "right" system depends entirely on your home’s fuel access (natural gas vs. electric/propane) and your insulation. We don’t just install boxes; we engineer comfort.
🔹Gas and Electric Furnaces
For homes in Austin with access to natural gas, a modern gas furnace remains one of the most powerful ways to heat a home quickly. Today’s furnaces are vastly more efficient than those from a decade ago, with AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings often exceeding 90% or even 96%.
- Pros: rapid heating capability; lower monthly fuel costs (for gas); works independently of outdoor temperatures.
- Best For: Homes with existing gas lines who want maximum warmth during deep freezes.
🔹High-Efficiency Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are becoming the gold standard for efficiency in the Austin area. Unlike a furnace that generates heat by burning fuel, a heat pump moves heat. In the winter, it extracts latent heat from the outdoor air (even when it’s cold) and moves it inside. In the summer, it reverses the process to act as an air conditioner.
- Pros: Extremely energy efficient; handles both heating and cooling; runs quietly.
- Best For: All-electric homes or homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and monthly energy bills.
🔹Dual-Fuel "Hybrid" Systems
For the ultimate peace of mind in the Hill Country, we often recommend dual-fuel systems. This setup pairs an electric heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles the heating duties during our mild 40-50°F days (maximizing efficiency), while the gas furnace kicks in automatically during sub-freezing temperatures when you need high-capacity heat.
- Pros: The "best of both worlds" efficiency and power.
🔹Ductless Mini-Split Systems
If you have added a home office, a garage apartment, or a sunroom that isn’t connected to your central ductwork, a ductless mini-split is the perfect solution. These wall-mounted units provide targeted heating (and cooling) without the energy loss associated with ductwork.
- Best For: Historic homes in Austin with limited space for ducts, or specific "problem rooms" that never stay warm.
Not sure which is right for you? Call (512) 710-1032 to speak with a specialist about your specific home setup. Or contact us online.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Heater
Deciding between another repair bill and a full system replacement is a dilemma every homeowner in Austin faces. While we always aim to repair manageable issues, there comes a tipping point where continuing to patch up an aging unit becomes throwing good money after bad. In the variable climate of Central Texas, where winter nights can drop unexpectedly low, you cannot afford a system that fails when you need it most.
If your system is showing the following signs, replacement is often the safer and more financially smart choice:
- Age of the Unit (15–20 Years): Most furnaces and heat pumps have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. Even if your older unit is still running, it has likely lost significant efficiency. A furnace from 2005 uses far more fuel to generate the same amount of heat as a modern Energy Star-rated model, leading to higher utility bills every winter.
- Rising Repair Costs: We recommend the "50% Rule." If the cost of a necessary repair approaches 50% of the value of a new system, it is financially wiser to invest in a new unit with a warranty rather than risking another breakdown in a few months.
- Cracked Heat Exchanger: This is a critical safety issue for gas furnaces. A crack in the heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide into your home. If our technicians detect this, the unit must be replaced immediately for your family's safety.
- Uneven Heating and Comfort Issues: If some rooms in your Austin home are freezing while others are stifling hot, or if your unit runs constantly without satisfying the thermostat, your system is likely undersized or wearing out.
- Strange Noises or Smells: persistent banging, rattling, or squealing sounds often indicate serious internal mechanical failure. Likewise, burning smells that persist past the initial "first run of the season" can signal wiring or motor issues.
Our Professional Installation Process in Austin: What to Expect
A new heater is only as good as its installation. Industry data suggests that nearly half of all HVAC equipment is installed incorrectly, leading to efficiency losses of up to 30%. At Lantz Home Services, we follow a rigorous, technical installation protocol to ensure your system performs exactly as the manufacturer intended.
🔷 1. Accurate Load Calculation (Manual J) We never guess or simply "swap out" the old unit size for the same size. Home updates (like new windows or insulation) change your heating needs. We perform a load calculation to ensure your new heater is sized perfectly—neither too big (which causes short-cycling) nor too small (which runs forever).
🔷 2. Ductwork and Airflow Inspection Before installing the new unit, we inspect your existing ductwork. Leaky or collapsed ducts will cripple even the most expensive new furnace. We identify necessary repairs or modifications to ensure the heat actually reaches your living spaces.
🔷 3. Safe Removal and Disposal Our team protects your floors and Austin home during the removal of the old unit. We follow all EPA regulations regarding refrigerant handling (if replacing a heat pump) and ensure the old equipment is disposed of or recycled properly, keeping your property clean.
🔷 4. Precision Installation & Commissioning We install the new equipment to code, sealing connections to prevent air leaks. Once installed, we don't just turn it on and leave. We "commission" the system—measuring static pressure, gas pressure, and temperature rise to verify the unit is operating within the specific engineering parameters.
🔷 5. Post-Install Walkthrough We take the time to show you how to use your new thermostat, how to change the filter, and what to expect regarding maintenance. We want you to feel confident in operating your new system.
Secure your home's comfort this winter by calling us at (512) 710-1032, or schedule your estimate and contact us online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heater Installation in Austin
How much does a new heating system cost in Austin?
The cost of a new heating system varies significantly based on several key factors, including the size of your home, the type of unit you choose (gas furnace, heat pump, or dual-fuel), and the energy efficiency rating (SEER2/AFUE) of the model. In the area, prices can range depending on whether ductwork modifications or electrical upgrades are needed to support the new unit. At Lantz Home Services, we provide transparent, upfront estimates after a thorough home assessment so you never face surprise fees. We also offer financing options through Greensky to help make high-efficiency systems more affordable for your monthly budget.
Should I repair my old heater or replace it entirely?
This is the most common question we hear. As a general rule, we recommend the "50% Rule": if the cost of the repair is 50% or more of the cost of a new system, replacement is the better financial investment. Additionally, consider the age of the unit; if your furnace or heat pump is over 15 years old and requires frequent repairs, it has likely lost its efficiency. Replacing it now can save you money on monthly utility bills and prevent a sudden breakdown during the next Central Texas freeze.