Ask an Electrician in St. Albert: Is Your Home Ready for Central Air Conditioning?
As Alberta’s snowy horizons slowly thaw out after a long winter, we can’t help but dream of summer heatwaves. Almost as soon as we start thinking about those hot summer temperatures, we remember the discomfort of an overheated home and thoughts of air conditioning units monopolize our daydreams. If this is the year to install an AC unit in your home, we recommend doing a bit of homework to answer a few key questions before making any purchases. This will help make sure your home’s electrical system is fully equipped to handle your new air conditioning.
5 Questions to Ask Before Installing Air Conditioning
Central Air or Window Unit?
Before learning if your home’s electrical system can support the additional draw on electricity, it’s helpful to begin by outlining the type of AC unit you want to install. Do you want to install a central cooling system to reach your entire home, or do you want to install a small unit to help reduce the temperature on the upper floor of your home or one particular room? Knowing this will help your electrician confirm whether electrical upgrades are needed.
What is Your Amperage?
Installing air conditioning is an exciting prospect, but one key factor to determine before making any appointments is how much amperage your home electrical panel supplies. If you’re in an older home, adding central air or even a portable or window AC unit may require an electrical panel upgrade. If you’re not sure which amperage your electrical panel provides, you can call our expert electricians today to find out and get personalized recommendations. Failing to ensure the right amperage level is in place could cause serious damage to your new appliance and to your home’s electrical system.
How Many Large Appliances Do You Have?
One way to determine the supply of power required and available in your home is to make a list of the large appliances in your home. Large appliances to take note of can include a hot tub, electric range, refrigerator, washer and dryer, or electric vehicle charging station (EVC). An electrician can assess your home and determine the number of circuits that are present and their load capacities. This will determine whether or not your existing home electrical system has the capacity to supply an air conditioning system or whether you need an upgrade.
Load Calculations and Permitting
Before installing an air conditioning unit, you need to obtain an electrical permit in Alberta. This is a matter of ensuring safety code standards in residential buildings in the province. When you hire the trusted and professional electricians at MMi Electrical, we’ll make accurate load calculations to pre-plan your AC installation. We’ll also take care of the permitting requirements to meet the provincial codes and keep you safe.
What Are Your Options for Electrical Service?
So, you’ve determined that the best plan of action is to have an electrician assess your home’s electrical system first. You want to be able to enjoy the refreshing cool air without worrying about circuit overloads. Professional and knowledgeable electrical contractors will ensure all your questions are answered upfront. At MMi Electrical, we even have great connections with HVAC professionals who can help, and we’re always happy to work with your chosen HVAC professional or air conditioner installer.
Full-Service Electrical Assessments in St. Albert, AB
Remember, when you think about air conditioning, electrical panel considerations are a must! Before you install a new air condition system, call our electricians in St. Albert, AB and the greater Edmonton area. We’ll examine and diagnose your home electrical system, recommend panel upgrades when necessary, and ensure your electrical maintenance is up to date. We guarantee up-front and transparent pricing. If we find a problem or concern in your home, we’ll provide detailed recommendations along with a fair quote with no hidden fees. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities!