Sandison AC Installation Services in Oakland and Macomb Counties
New AC installation and system replacement for homes and businesses throughout Oakland and Macomb Counties.
Sandison sizes, matches, and installs complete cooling systems — outdoor condenser, indoor coil, air handler or furnace, thermostat, electrical, and ductwork — correctly the first time. Michigan Mechanical License 7115733.
New AC Installation and System Replacement
Sandison installs central air conditioning systems, ductless mini-splits, and heat pumps for residential and commercial customers throughout Oakland and Macomb Counties. Whether the project is a new installation in a home without existing ductwork, a replacement of a failed system, or an upgrade to higher-efficiency equipment, the process begins with correct sizing.
Most AC replacements in Oakland and Macomb County involve a complete matched system — outdoor condenser, indoor evaporator coil, and the furnace or air handler that moves air across the coil. Replacing only the outdoor unit while retaining an old, mismatched coil reduces efficiency, may void the manufacturer warranty, and can cause reliability problems. Sandison evaluates the existing equipment and advises on what should be replaced together.
For homeowners weighing repair versus replacement, Sandison provides an honest evaluation based on the system's age, the cost of the repair relative to replacement, the efficiency of the existing equipment, and whether other components are likely to fail soon. See AC repair for more on that decision.
Equipment Sizing and Building Load
Correct equipment sizing is the most important factor in AC system performance and longevity. An oversized system short-cycles — it reaches setpoint quickly, shuts off, and restarts frequently. Short-cycling reduces dehumidification (the system does not run long enough to remove moisture from the air), increases compressor wear, and produces uneven temperatures. An undersized system runs continuously on hot days and cannot maintain setpoint.
Sandison performs a Manual J load calculation — or a thorough field assessment for replacement projects — that accounts for the home or building's square footage, insulation levels, window area and orientation, ceiling height, infiltration, and occupancy. The result determines the required cooling capacity in BTU/hour and the appropriate equipment tonnage.
Michigan's climate — hot, humid summers and cold winters — means that many homes benefit from equipment that handles both heating and cooling efficiently. Sandison evaluates heat pump options alongside traditional split systems when appropriate.
Matching System Components
A central air conditioning system is a matched assembly. Each component must be compatible with the others to achieve rated efficiency and reliability. Sandison evaluates and coordinates all of the following:
Outdoor condenser
The outdoor unit contains the compressor and condenser coil. It must be matched to the indoor coil by manufacturer and model for the system to achieve its rated SEER2 efficiency. Sandison selects equipment that meets current federal minimum efficiency standards and evaluates higher-efficiency options.
Indoor evaporator coil
The indoor coil sits in the supply plenum above the furnace or air handler. It must be matched to the outdoor unit and properly sized for the airflow the furnace or air handler delivers. An undersized or mismatched coil reduces efficiency and can cause freeze-up.
Furnace or air handler
The furnace or air handler moves conditioned air through the duct system. Its blower must deliver the correct airflow (CFM) for the coil and the duct system. Sandison verifies that the existing furnace or air handler is compatible with the new equipment or includes it in the replacement scope.
Thermostat and controls
Modern communicating thermostats and control systems allow precise staging, humidity control, and remote access. Sandison installs and configures thermostats that are compatible with the new equipment and the homeowner's preferences.
Electrical supply
A central AC system requires a dedicated 240V circuit, a properly sized disconnect at the outdoor unit, and a correctly rated breaker. Sandison handles the electrical work as part of the installation — including panel capacity evaluation and any required upgrades.
Ductwork and airflow
The duct system must deliver adequate airflow to every room and return sufficient air to the air handler. Sandison evaluates static pressure, duct sizing, and return-air capacity. Ductwork deficiencies that would reduce system performance are identified and addressed before or during installation.
Refrigerant Lines, Condensate, Electrical, and Controls
Beyond the major components, a correct AC installation requires attention to the connections between them:
- Refrigerant line sets must be properly sized, insulated, supported, and leak-tested. Oversized or undersized line sets affect system performance. Sandison pressure-tests and evacuates the refrigerant circuit before charging.
- Condensate drainage must be properly pitched, trapped, and terminated. A clogged or improperly installed condensate drain causes water damage and system shutdowns. Sandison installs a condensate safety switch on all new installations.
- Low-voltage control wiring connects the thermostat, furnace or air handler, and outdoor unit. Communicating systems require additional wiring. Sandison verifies all control connections and tests system operation before leaving the job.
- Refrigerant charge is set to manufacturer specifications using superheat and subcooling measurements — not by rule of thumb. Incorrect charge reduces efficiency and can damage the compressor.
Efficiency and Comfort Considerations
Current federal minimum efficiency standards for air conditioning equipment in Michigan are 14.3 SEER2 for split systems. Higher-efficiency equipment — 16 SEER2 and above — reduces operating costs and often provides better comfort through two-stage or variable-speed operation. Two-stage and variable-speed compressors run at reduced capacity most of the time, providing longer run cycles that improve dehumidification and temperature consistency.
Sandison explains the efficiency options available for each application and the realistic payback period for higher-efficiency equipment based on local utility rates and typical operating hours. The right choice depends on the home's existing ductwork, the homeowner's comfort priorities, and the budget for the project.
Sandison's Installation and Startup Process
Site assessment and proposal
Sandison evaluates the existing system, ductwork, electrical supply, and building load. A written proposal identifies the equipment, scope of work, and price before any work begins.
Installation
Equipment is installed to manufacturer specifications and local code requirements. Refrigerant lines are pressure-tested and evacuated. Electrical connections are verified. Condensate drainage is installed and tested.
Startup and commissioning
The system is charged to manufacturer specifications using superheat and subcooling measurements. Airflow is verified. The thermostat is configured and tested. Sandison walks through system operation with the homeowner before leaving.
Residential AC Installation
Sandison installs central air conditioning systems, ductless mini-splits, and heat pumps for homeowners throughout Oakland and Macomb Counties. Residential installations include new construction, replacement of failed systems, and upgrades to higher-efficiency equipment. Sandison handles the complete installation — equipment, refrigerant lines, condensate, electrical, and controls.
Commercial AC Installation
Sandison installs and replaces commercial cooling equipment for offices, retail, medical, and light industrial facilities throughout Oakland and Macomb Counties. Commercial installations include rooftop units, split systems, and ductless equipment. Sandison's mechanical engineering background is particularly useful for commercial projects with complex load requirements or equipment coordination needs.
Financing Available
Sandison offers financing options for qualifying AC installations and system replacements. Ask about current financing programs when requesting a quote.
AC Installation — Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sandison size an air conditioning system?
Does the entire system need to be replaced at once?
What electrical work is required for a new AC installation?
What is SEER2 and does it matter?
How long does an AC installation take?
Is emergency AC installation available?
Schedule AC Installation
Call Sandison at (248) 453-1227 or submit a service request online. Sandison serves Oakland and Macomb Counties, Michigan.