Replacing an air conditioner in the Twin Cities
Most central air in the metro was added to houses that were built for heat first. The furnace, the ductwork and the return air were sized for winter, and the air conditioner was fitted into that system later. That is why so many homes here have a cool first floor and a stuffy second one. When we quote a replacement, we look at the whole path the air takes, not just the box outside, and we tell you whether a two-stage or variable-speed unit, a blower upgrade or a duct correction will fix the upstairs.
Equipment choices, without the jargon
A single-stage air conditioner is either on or off. It is the least expensive, works fine in a well-ducted single-story home, and is what most homeowners replace like for like. A two-stage unit runs at a lower speed most of the time, which means longer cycles, quieter operation and better humidity control. A variable-speed unit adjusts continuously and is the quietest and most comfortable option, at a higher price. We explain where each one makes sense for your house and your budget, and we never push the top model when the middle one is the right fit.
Installation day
The crew removes the old condenser and coil, recovers the refrigerant properly, sets the new pad and unit, installs the new coil on the furnace, runs or flushes the refrigerant lines, replaces the disconnect and whip, pulls a vacuum on the system, charges it to the manufacturer’s specification and tests it under load. Most jobs are finished the same day. The old equipment leaves with us.
Permits, inspections and rebates
Air conditioner replacements require a mechanical permit and often an electrical permit in the cities we serve. We file both and schedule the inspection. Utility rebates for higher-efficiency units are common; your comfort advisor will identify what your system qualifies for.
Quiet matters in close neighborhoods
Lots in Richfield, Bloomington and South Minneapolis are narrow, and the condenser often sits a few feet from a neighbor’s bedroom window. We pay attention to placement, use a composite pad on a level base, and recommend the quieter equipment tiers where the unit will sit close to the house or the lot line.