Thinking about adding a new AC installation to your home or business in Troy, MI? A new air conditioner is a significant investment, and it’s important you make the right choice for your property.
There are many options on the market, but the best choice depends on the size of your property, budget, and load capacity of your electrical system. Understanding what factors to consider can help you make an informed decision.
At Oak Electric, we’re experts in AC installation in Troy, MI, and the surrounding areas. With over 50 years of experience in the HVAC industry, we’re the best choice to help with your air conditioning installation.
5 Factors to Consider Before Adding a New AC Installation
Load Calculation
When it comes to central AC installation, you might think a bigger unit is better because it provides stronger power. However, it isn’t as simple as choosing a larger AC. Instead, the right size for your AC unit installation depends on a specific load calculation, called a Manual J calculation. This calculation evaluates several factors to determine the amount of heating and cooling your property needs, such as:
Square footage
Insulation
Windows
Climate in your location
A Manual J calculation is a thermodynamic calculation, and the results tell you what size of HVAC is right for you.
Separately, an HVAC technician will likely perform an electrical load calculation to make sure your new AC unit doesn’t exceed the capacity of your electrical grid. This is crucial to avoid safety hazards and ensure smooth operation of your HVAC system.
Energy Efficiency
The other top factor you should consider for AC installation is energy efficiency. Most air conditioners receive a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. This rating measures how efficient an AC unit is at cooling over a typical season. The higher the rating, the less electricity the AC uses.
While energy-efficient systems sometimes have a higher upfront cost, they usually make up for it with savings on utility bills. For this reason, they’re a great long-term investment, especially if you want to lower your energy bills.
Sometimes, rebates or tax incentives are available for energy efficient AC units through utility companies and government programs.
AC System Type
Next, consider what type of AC installation you want. For example, do you want a central air conditioning unit that cools the entire building through its existing ductwork? Or do you want a mini-split system to cool a certain room?
Central AC units are the most common option for cooling an entire area. Mini-split systems, on the other hand, are a better fit for properties without ducts or for cooling a specific room.
Budget
The financial investment required for AC installation is another consideration. When the contractor performs a load calculation to determine what size of AC you need, they’ll also give you a detailed estimate.
This estimate should break down all the expenses involved in the AC installation, including equipment, labor, and the cost of getting necessary permits.
Contractor Experience
The AC installation expert you choose to work with is a big factor in the success of setting up your new unit. Look for a contractor who is licensed, insured, and certified. Ideally, they should also have years of experience in the industry.
It’s also a good sign when a contractor is an official dealer or partner with an HVAC brand. Manufacturer partnerships indicate a high level of expertise in professional AC installation. It also means that installations, repairs, and maintenance performed by the contractor won’t void the manufacturer warranty.
At Oak Electric, our technicians are North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certified, showing that we have a high level of expertise. We’re also a Lennox Premier Dealer.
Need AC Installation in Troy, MI? Contact Oak Electric Now
Need expert AC installation in Troy, MI, or the surrounding areas? At Oak Electric, we have 50+ years of experience in AC installation. Whether you’re replacing your old AC or just want to add on an additional mini-split unit, we can do it all.
We’re also a Lennox Premier Dealer, meaning we have specialized knowledge of Lennox AC units and installation techniques.
Ready for your new AC unit? Call (800) 964-7070 or contact us online for our expert AC installation.
