AC Replacement
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Port Huron AC Replacement
Installing New AC Units in Fort Gratiot and Port Huron Since 1959
Coping with summer in Port Huron requires a dependable and functioning central AC system. It’s even better if that cooling unit is also clean and energy efficient. After all, no one likes throwing money out the window. But it’s difficult for an AC unit to perform its best when its original installation was flawed. That’s where VHP comes in.
Our customer-focused HVAC company is deeply dedicated to providing comfort in the Port Huron area—a fact easily correlated by our 65 years of service. In that time, we’ve replaced hundreds of old air conditioners with new, more-efficient ones. Through this, we’ve helped your friends and neighbors shave hundreds off their utility bills. In other words, if you’re in the market for an AC replacement in Fort Gratiot, we’re the local HVAC company you can trust.
We get the job done right the first time, and it’s not done until you’re five-star satisfied. If you receive anything less than perfect service, we invite you to call us at 810.985.7103. We’ll set things right.
Signs That It’s Time for a New AC
We understand the urge to put off AC replacement. It’s expensive and inconvenient. It's also not something most people in Port Huron bother to budget for it. The idea of helping your air conditioner hobble along a little longer is tempting. But, eventually, it’ll have to be replaced. Below are a few signs that your current AC unit is nearing the end of its service life:
- Skyrocketing Utility Bills: Older air conditioning systems in Port Huron are inefficient and often struggle to reach peak efficiency. As time goes on, it’ll take more and more money to cool your home. If you notice a sudden uptick in cost, a major system breakdown is often on the horizon.
- Old Refrigerants: Older refrigerants damage the climate and have been replaced with newer, more eco-friendly ones. Due to this, though that old AC in Port Huron may still be working, replacing the refrigerant in case of a leak may no longer be a cost-effective option. In some cases, you might not be able to find a refill at all.
- The Unit Never Shuts Off: Though it’s normal for your AC unit to run more during hot weather, failing air conditioners often struggle to reach target temperatures. This often leads to them constantly running, even during mild weather. If you notice your air conditioner in Port Huron staying on longer than usual, it's a good sign that AC maintenance or replacement is necessary.
- We're on a First-Name Basis: Even though we love our customers, those who make more than one repair call a season may be better off replacing their air conditioner. Like dominoes, components tend to fail in sequence. This often ends with a catastrophic failure or a recommendation for total AC replacement. Since quotes are free, there's no reason not to call for a quote on new air conditioner installation in Fort Gratiot or Port Huron.
- Age: With proper maintenance, the average air conditioner can last over 15 years. But if yours is nearing that age, it’s often more economical to replace it. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates utility savings of between 20 and 40 percent after replacing an old unit.
If you notice any of these symptoms, place a call to 810.985.7103 right away! Tackling the issue head on can mean you end up with a bill for AC repair in Port Huron and can put off getting a new unit a little longer. Waiting, meanwhile, is likely to lead to snowballing and worse issues down the road.
How We Determine and Install the Proper AC Unit
One of the biggest causes of wasteful air conditioners is improper sizing and installation. A lot of AC repair calls in Port Huron could have been prevented with a little bit of forethought. That's why VHP takes time to properly determine your home's specific needs. This includes determining the correct size of your new air conditioner. We also will recommend things like air handlers, air filtration systems, ductwork repairs, and zoning up front to save you money on overall installation and operating costs.
After we're done, we'll present you with a quote on AC replacement in Port Huron. In it, we list the prices of everything from new condensers to updated drain lines and new thermostats. We will also take time to discuss your budget and explore rebate, financing, and promotional options.
When done, we’ll have a proposal that ensures the installed air conditioning system meets you and your family’s needs. After all the paperwork is signed, our HVAC expert will take down your appointment preferences and get you scheduled. We look forward to adding you to our list of satisfied customers in the Port Huron area.
Exploring the AC Replacement Process
The time has arrived to replace or install your new air conditioning system. It's a big day. Many homeowners aren’t sure what to expect on AC installation day. How long will it take? Is there anything you need to do to prepare for AC replacement in Port Huron? To help ease your concerns, here is how VHP gets the job done:
- We provide an initial quote on new AC installation
- We’ll call to remind you of the appointment and request that your pets be contained
- Our technician takes steps to ensure your home's cleanliness
- Any items in the way will be moved to prevent potential damage
- The AC installer will measure everything a second time
- We break down your old equipment and load it up for recycling
- Our technician will bring in your new air conditioner
- Refrigerant lines are attached to your main power source
- The power switch is flipped and the unit tested
After the initial test, our HVAC technician will do a few temperature checks to make sure everything is performing as expected. When diagnostics are complete, they’ll pick up their tools and remove the floor coverings. Then you, in renewed comfort, can flop back in the armchair.
What if I Need AC in a Newly Built Home?
First, let’s start with a congratulations! We hope your new home is everything you dreamed of. Our local HVAC company is proud to work with a number of home builders and remodelers in the Port Huron area. So, we're often called upon to design and install new-build systems.
The process for installing a new AC system in Port Huron is similar to replacing one. The same calculations are made and the same steps taken to prevent safety issues. The main difference comes during the set-up process. When a clean installation happens, we’ll also be responsible for designing a properly functioning system of ductwork. Because it’s a new build, there’s open access and no old air conditioner requiring disposal.
Why VHP is the Right Choice for AC Installation in Port Huron
When you’re investing thousands into installing a new air conditioner, it’s important that you get it right. The first step in doing so is finding a great local HVAC company. And, if you call Port Huron or Fort Gratiot home, you can’t go wrong with Vincent's Heating & Plumbing.
We’ve been promoting comfortable living in Port Huron for over 65 years. In that time, we’ve installed thousands of new air conditioners in homes just like yours. When you work with our HVAC company, you get an AC unit designed to reach the end of its lifespan. Our timely responses, dedication to customer support, and simplified installation process make new air conditioner installation in Port Huron stress-free.
AC Maintenance FAQs
Will Adding an AC Unit Increase the Value of My Home?
It usually does! Installing a new air conditioner in Port Huron or replacing an old one can increase your home’s value by up to 10 percent. Where you fall on this profit line depends on the features and efficiency rating of the new AC unit. In some markets, homes aren’t eligible for resale without a functioning air conditioner. So, even if you’re looking to sell soon, it can be worth it to foot the bill for AC replacement in Port Huron.
Shouldn't I Buy the Biggest Air Conditioner Possible?
A lot of homeowners in Port Huron believe that a bigger air conditioner is a better one. But that’s not quite true. Though an oversized AC unit will cool your home more quickly, it’ll waste electricity doing so. It also won’t have enough running time to remove excess humidity from your air. Though the noise of an air conditioner running for hours isn’t pleasant, long cooling cycles are actually better for your home and wallet. To ensure proper sizing, always leave AC system calculations to a licensed HVAC professional.
What SEER Rating Should My New HVAC System Be?
Though the typical AC unit in Port Huron is rated at SEER 14, it’s worth considering one with a higher rating. Anything higher than 16 SEER is considered environmentally friendly and offers potential savings on long-term cooling costs. Numerous rebates are available to help reduce the cost differential between lower SEER units and newer, more efficient ones. For additional information on discounts for which you may be eligible, give our Fort Gratiot AC company a call at 810.985.7103.
Can I Save Money by Just Replacing My Outdoor Unit?
Air conditioners are comprised of both exterior and interior components. Some Port Huron homeowners believe replacing only one of these will halve the cost of new AC installation in Port Huron. It won’t. Mismatched components actually result in higher energy bills, more frequent repairs, and lowered system efficiency. Though the price tag for a new AC installation in Port Huron might seem scary, doing everything at once will save you money in the long-run.
How Do I Know Your AC Installation Quote Is Fair?
We always recommend getting multiple quotes on AC replacement in Marysville or Port Huron. This is the best way to ensure a reasonable price. Do be aware, however, that not all companies provide the same benefits as VHP. Is the other business’s warranty as good as ours? How long have they been operating in Michigan? You’ll want to keep these items in mind as you make a decision. We invite you to check out our financing and Special Offers page for potential saving opportunities.
Can I Install the New Air Conditioner Myself?
Though you might be tempted to install your own AC unit in Fort Gratiot, we don’t advise it. Testing, sizing, and replacing an air conditioner is a complicated process. Beneath that metal shell, there are many chemical and electronic components. Improper handling of these can result in injuries, system failure, and even death. So, unless you’re certified to do HVAC work in Port Huron, we suggest leaving air conditioning work to the professionals.
I Know I Need a New AC in Port Huron. What's the Best Time to Get a Replacement?
The typical air conditioner in Michigan lasts between 10 and 15 years. After that time, you’ll want to start budgeting for a new AC unit. Like with many other items, HVAC equipment costs are cyclical. For the best deals on air conditioning systems, we suggest shopping prior to summer. When winter temperatures fade, a lot of Port Huron HVAC companies slow down and are eager for sales opportunities. It’s also a time when many financing deals are offered.
What AC Unit is Best for My Home?
Picking up a new blender on Amazon is one thing. Trying to buy a new AC unit online is another. When it comes time for air conditioning installation in Port Huron, you’ll want to get a quote from a licensed HVAC contractor. Only they have the knowledge necessary to properly determine what equipment is right for your home. We do have a few recommendations for shopping, however:
- Make sure the contractor installs equipment from a well-regarded brand
- If you're not selling your home, invest in something more energy-efficient
- Ask about included warranties
What's the Best Place to Install My New AC?
There’s no universal answer to this question. Every home is different. Things like homeowner association rules, square footage, and building materials can impact the installation area. But there are a few universal recommendations. In Port Huron, these guidelines include:
What's the Best Place to Install My New AC?
Picking up a new blender on Amazon is one thing. Trying to buy a new AC unit online is another. When it comes time for air conditioning installation in Port Huron, you’ll want to get a quote from a licensed HVAC contractor. Only they have the knowledge necessary to properly determine what equipment is right for your home. We do have a few recommendations for shopping, however:
There’s no universal answer to this question. Every home is different. Things like homeowner association rules, square footage, and building materials can impact the installation area. But there are a few universal recommendations. In Port Huron, these guidelines include:
- Looking for Shady Areas: Air conditioners in Port Huron have to keep themselves cool as well. For that reason, we typically place it on the north or east side of your home. If that isn't an option, it can also be placed under a deciduous tree.
- Keeping the Unit Away from Pets: Some animals like to chew and pee on HVAC equipment. This isn’t just annoying but potentially deadly as well. This is because refrigerants and electrical components can be harmful to your pets. As urine can eat away at your fan blades, we recommend hosing it off regularly.
- Installing It Somewhere with Mulch or Grass: A lot of air conditioners in Marysville are installed on a concrete or PVC slab. These bounce heat back up toward the air conditioner. This added heat can make the unit work harder to cool your home. We recommend placing the unit in an area with mulch or grass instead. These do not hold temperature as well, making it easier for your new air conditioner to maintain temperature.
In reality, however, the best way to find the ideal spot for your new air conditioner is to reach out to Marysville's AC service experts—Vincent's Heating & Plumbing.
How Long Does It Take to Install a New AC Unit?
Your standard AC installation or replacement in Port Huron will take between four and six hours. The time required may be longer if the team needs to install brackets, run electrical lines, or flush the unit. If you want a more accurate estimate, just ask our HVAC technicians. They’ll be happy to walk you through the AC installation process.
Can My Home Have Central Air?
If you’re willing to invest in design adjustments and ductwork, any Port Huron home can enjoy the advantages of central air. But, don’t call a general contractor yet! Give 810.985.7103 a jingle first! We’ll help you explore alternative options like evaporative (swamp) coolers, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and whole-house fans. In some cases, one of these might be a better, more economical fit.