Replace Your Old Heil Unit with a Modern Ductless Mini Split in Austin

Updated September 2026 · ATX Mini Split King, Austin and Central Texas

If your Heil air conditioner is not cooling, short cycling, or making loud noises, it may be time for a change. ATX Mini Split King installs new ductless mini split systems that match your home's needs. We remove the old equipment and provide flat pricing for one, two, or three indoor heads. Call us at (512) 297-7493.

ATX Mini Split King is an independent HVAC and electrical contractor. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a representative of Heil or any manufacturer. The Heil name appears here only to describe equipment that may already be installed in your home and that we can remove and replace. All manufacturer names are the property of their owners.

Flat pricing, everything included

Those are materials and labor together, wired to code by a TDLR licensed contractor. Anything non standard gets quoted first, before a single tool comes out of the truck: a very long line set, an electrical panel that needs work, a difficult mount, a roof or masonry penetration, disposal of the old equipment. You hear the number before we start, not after.

Common Signs Your Heil Unit Needs Replacement

Homeowners typically come to us when their Heil unit stops cooling properly. It may run but never reach the set temperature. Another common symptom is short cycling, where the unit turns on and off frequently without completing a full cooling cycle. Loud noises such as rattling, grinding, or screeching often signal internal problems. The unit may be old, perhaps 15 years or more, and starting to fail more often. Finally, a repair quote from another contractor came back high, making you wonder if replacement is a better investment. These are neutral signs that the system is struggling, not a reflection of any particular brand.

We do not make claims about how Heil equipment performs. We simply see that many older units, regardless of manufacturer, develop these issues over time. The central Texas climate with long hot summers puts extra strain on any air conditioner. If your unit is showing these signs, it is worth evaluating your options. We are here to help you understand what is happening and what your next steps could be.

Repair or Replace: How to Decide Honestly

When your Heil unit breaks down, the first question is whether to repair it or replace it. Repair is clearly the smarter money if the problem is simple and the unit is relatively young. For example, a faulty capacitor, a refrigerant leak that can be patched, or a clogged drain line are inexpensive fixes. If the unit is only a few years old and has been reliable, a repair may get you several more years of service. However, if the unit is older, the compressor has failed, or there are multiple simultaneous problems, replacement often makes more financial sense. You do not want to sink hundreds into a system that is likely to fail again soon.

We will give you an honest assessment. If a repair costs less than half the price of a new system and the unit has good years left, we will tell you to repair. But if the repair quote is high, or the unit is old and inefficient, we recommend replacement. There is no one size fits all answer. Your specific situation, the age of the equipment, and the cost of the repair all matter. We do not push replacement if a repair is the better choice. Our goal is to help you make the most practical decision for your home and budget.

What Carries Over to a New Ductless System

When replacing a Heil unit with a ductless mini split, some parts of the old installation can be reused, but many cannot. The outdoor concrete pad can often be reused if it is in good condition and level. The existing wall penetration where the refrigerant lines run can also be reused, though the hole may need to be enlarged or sealed properly. The old line set, however, usually must be replaced because mini splits use different connections and line sizes. The disconnect and circuit breaker may be reused if they are sized correctly for the new system. We will inspect and determine if the existing electrical supply is adequate. The mounting bracket for the outdoor unit may be reused if it is compatible, but often a new bracket is needed. The condensate drain route can sometimes be reused if the new indoor unit is placed in the same location.

It is important to note that every installation is unique. We will evaluate your existing setup and tell you exactly what can be kept and what must be replaced. Nothing is assumed. We do not cut corners. If a component is not up to current code, we replace it. The goal is a safe, reliable installation that meets all local requirements. The electrical circuit must be dedicated and properly sized. If your old Heil unit used a 30 amp circuit, the new mini split may require a different amperage. We handle all electrical work as part of the installation, including any necessary panel upgrades, which are quoted separately if needed.

What Happens on Replacement Day and What You Decide First

Before installation day, you need to decide where the indoor heads will go. Mini splits consist of one outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor heads. You choose how many zones you want and where each head is mounted, typically high on a wall. Common locations are living rooms, bedrooms, and converted garages. You also need to decide where the outdoor condenser will sit. It can go on a pad next to the house, on a wall bracket, or on a roof. We will help you consider factors like noise, airflow, and access for maintenance. The existing outdoor pad may work, but if it is damaged or in a poor location, we can install a new one.

On installation day, we arrive with the new equipment and all necessary materials. We remove the old Heil unit completely, including the outdoor condenser, indoor air handler, and line set. We then install the new outdoor unit and indoor heads, run new refrigerant lines, and connect the electrical. The system is pressure tested, evacuated, and charged with refrigerant. We then test operation, check for proper cooling and airflow, and show you how to use the system. The whole process typically takes one day for a single zone, longer for multiple zones. You need to be home to grant access and make final decisions. We work cleanly and leave your property tidy.

Flat Pricing for Mini Split Replacement

We offer straightforward flat pricing for standard installations. For a system with one indoor head, the price is $1,500 including all materials and labor. For two indoor heads, the price is $2,500. For three indoor heads, the price is $3,500. These prices cover the removal of your old Heil unit, the installation of the new ductless system, new line sets, electrical connections up to the unit, and all necessary hardware. We include the outdoor pad if the existing one is not usable, but that is rare. The price also includes a basic thermostat and remote control. There are no hidden fees.

Some situations require additional work that is not included in the flat price. These are quoted separately before any work begins. Examples include upgrading the electrical panel, running longer line sets beyond a standard length, installing a new concrete pad, or adding a wall bracket. Also, if you want a specialty thermostat or additional features, that is extra. We will provide a detailed quote for any non standard items before we start. You will know the total cost upfront. No surprises. This transparent approach helps you budget with confidence.

What to Ask Any Installer and When to Keep Your Old Unit

Before hiring any installer, ask about their license and insurance. In Texas, HVAC contractors must be licensed by TDLR. Ask if they pull permits for the work. Ask how many mini split installations they have done. Mini splits require specific skills, especially for proper refrigerant line installation and electrical connections. Ask what is included in the quoted price and what is extra. Get everything in writing. Also ask about the timeline and whether they handle all aspects, including electrical and any necessary carpentry. A good contractor will answer these questions clearly and provide references if asked.

There are cases where keeping your existing Heil unit is the better decision. If the unit is still relatively new and the repair is a minor issue, repair is often cheaper than replacement. If your home already has ductwork in good condition and you are comfortable with the existing system, a mini split may not be the right solution. Mini splits are best for homes without ducts, for additions, or for zoning. If you have a large home with existing ducts, a traditional central system might be more practical. We will help you weigh the options honestly. Sometimes the smartest move is to fix what you have. We never push a replacement that is not in your best interest.

Questions people actually ask

How long does a typical replacement take?

For a single zone system, the installation usually takes one full day. Two or three zones may take two days. We work efficiently and minimize disruption. You will have cooling by the end of the day. We handle all removal and cleanup so you can enjoy your new system right away.

Do you handle permits and inspections?

Yes, we pull all required permits for the work and schedule inspections. This ensures the installation meets local codes. Permits are included in our flat pricing for standard jobs. If any additional permits are needed due to non standard work, we will inform you beforehand.

Can I add more than three indoor heads?

Our flat pricing covers up to three heads. For four or more heads, we provide a custom quote. Multi zone systems can support up to eight heads depending on the outdoor unit. Contact us for a quote. We will help you design a system that fits your home.

Will you remove my old Heil unit?

Yes, we remove the old outdoor and indoor equipment and dispose of it properly. We also remove the old line set and any debris. Your property is left clean. You do not need to worry about hauling away heavy equipment.

What if my existing electrical panel is insufficient?

If your panel does not have space for a new breaker or cannot handle the load, we will quote an upgrade separately. We handle all electrical work. You will know the cost before we start. This ensures your new system has safe, reliable power.

Keep reading

Every replacement guide we have written is listed on the replacement guide hub. Next door to this page: replacing a failing tempstar unit in austin, replacing a failing american standard unit in austin. Pricing, service area and the quote form all live on the ATX Mini Split King home page, and the Austin mini split cost guide covers what the rest of the market charges.