AC Installation & Replacement in Berkley, MI
New Central Air Sized for the Way Your Home Holds Heat
Since January 1, 2025, new residential split air conditioners have been manufactured for lower-GWP refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32, so a replacement today is a bigger decision than swapping one box for another. Charest Heating and Cooling handles AC installation and replacement in Berkley, MI, along with Royal Oak, MI, Clawson, MI, and Huntington Woods, MI. We match condensers, indoor coils, and line sets, then confirm the new system meets the 13.4 SEER2 northern minimum.
Our crew brings 25+ years of cooling work to every job, and we start each one with a load calculation instead of a guess based on the old unit's label. We install Goodman, Amana, Daikin, and Rheem equipment, explain the manufacturer warranty in plain terms, and walk you through every thermostat setting before we leave. New system estimates are free, and our schedule stays open 24/7. Request your AC installation estimate through our contact page today.
AC Systems We Install and Replace
For more information about lorem ipsum or to schedule service, call us at 586-480-5060 or click the button to fill out the form!
Central Air Conditioner Installation
A first-time central air install starts with the ductwork, the electrical supply, and where the outdoor condenser will sit. We set the pad, run the line set, mount the evaporator coil on your furnace, and commission the system before handing it over.
AC Replacement for Aging Systems
Units past 15 years, systems still charged with R-22, and condensers that need a major repair every summer are strong candidates for replacement. We remove the old equipment, recover the refrigerant properly, and install a matched system built for current efficiency standards.
Load Calculation and Equipment Sizing
Oversized air conditioners cool quickly but shut off before pulling moisture from the air, leaving rooms clammy. We measure windows, insulation, orientation, and square footage to calculate the tonnage your home actually needs, so the new system runs long enough to dehumidify.
Refrigerant Line Set Replacement
Old copper lines can hold oil and debris that contaminate a new compressor, and many were sized for a different refrigerant. We evaluate the existing set, replace it when reuse would risk the new equipment, and pressure test every connection before charging.
Indoor Coil and Furnace Matching
Efficiency ratings only hold when the outdoor condenser is paired with a compatible indoor coil. We check the coil against the manufacturer's matched combinations, confirm your furnace blower moves enough air, and adjust fan speeds so rated performance shows up at home.
Condenser Placement and Pad Setting
Where the outdoor unit sits affects noise, airflow, and service access for years. We choose a level spot with proper clearance from walls, shrubs, and dryer vents, set a stable pad, and position the disconnect so future maintenance stays quick and safe.
See Our Work
Explore our recent HVAC projects and see the quality workmanship Charleston Heating & Cooling brings to every job. From installations to repairs and maintenance, we take pride in delivering reliable heating and cooling solutions.
FAQ's
How do I know if my AC should be replaced instead of repaired?
Replacement usually makes sense when the system is over 15 years old, uses R-22 refrigerant, or needs costly repairs back to back. A technician can compare the repair quote against remaining lifespan and help you weigh which option truly pays off.
What size air conditioner does my home need?
The right size comes from a load calculation, not square footage alone. Insulation, window area, ceiling height, and sun exposure all change the answer, which is why two homes with identical floor plans can need systems that differ by a full ton.
What does SEER2 mean on a new air conditioner?
SEER2 measures cooling efficiency under testing conditions that better reflect real ductwork than the older SEER standard. A higher number means less electricity per unit of cooling, and new split systems sold in the northern United States must reach at least 13.4.
How long does AC installation take?
Most straightforward replacements are finished in a single day. Charest Heating and Cooling schedules first-time installs in Berkley, MI with extra time when new ductwork, electrical changes, or a relocated condenser is part of the project, and we confirm the timeline during your estimate.
Can I replace only the outdoor unit?
Replacing just the condenser is rarely a good idea with today's refrigerant changes. A new outdoor unit paired with an older indoor coil can lose efficiency, shorten compressor life, and void manufacturer coverage, so we typically recommend replacing both halves together.
Why are new air conditioners using different refrigerants?
Federal rules under the AIM Act are phasing down high global warming potential refrigerants like R-410A. Newer systems use A2L refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32, which require updated installation practices, leak detection, and technicians trained to handle them correctly.
Should I replace my furnace at the same time as my AC?
Pairing both replacements can make sense when the furnace is also aging, since a matched system improves airflow and efficiency. If your furnace is still fairly young and running well, we can install a compatible coil and keep it in service.
How long should a new central air system last?
A properly sized and maintained central air conditioner typically lasts around 15 to 20 years. At Charest Heating and Cooling, we find that Berkley, MI homeowners who schedule yearly tune-ups and change filters on time tend to reach the upper end of that range.
Why Choose Us for AC Installation & Replacement
Free Estimates on New Systems
Pricing a replacement should not cost you anything before you decide. We visit, measure, and explain your options in writing at no charge, so you can compare equipment tiers and make a confident choice without pressure or a ticking clock.
Trusted Equipment Brands
Choosing the right manufacturer protects your investment for the long haul. We install Goodman, Amana, Daikin, and Rheem systems, which gives you a range of efficiency levels and price points backed by established parts networks and manufacturer warranty programs.
Sizing Backed by Math
Tonnage pulled from an old nameplate often repeats a mistake made decades ago. Our load calculations account for the insulation upgrades, window replacements, and finished spaces your home has gained since then, which means steadier temperatures and lower humidity all summer.
Clean, Careful Installs
Nobody wants a new air conditioner that leaves scuffed floors and loose debris behind. Our technicians protect walkways, haul away the old equipment, and clean the work area before the final walk-through, so the only change you notice is cooler air.
A Walk-Through Before We Leave
A new system comes with new controls, filter sizes, and maintenance habits. Before our technicians pack up, we show you how to set the thermostat, where the filter goes, and what the outdoor unit needs, so nothing feels unfamiliar afterward.
Help Around the Clock
A new system rarely has problems, but when a question comes up on a holiday weekend, waiting until Monday feels endless. Our phones stay staffed 24/7, so you reach a person who can troubleshoot or send a technician quickly.
Cool Summers Start With the Right Installation
A new air conditioner is only as good as the day it goes in, and the choices made during installation decide how it runs for the next 15 years. Charest Heating and Cooling brings careful sizing, matched equipment, and tidy work to homeowners across Berkley, MI and the surrounding Oakland County communities. You get clear options, written pricing, and a crew that treats your home with respect from the first measurement to the final walk-through. There is no obligation and no rush, just honest guidance on what fits your home and budget. When you are ready to compare systems, request a free estimate through our contact page and we will schedule a visit.
Why Choose Us
Comprehensive HVAC Services
I provide a full range of heating and cooling services, from installations and replacements to maintenance, repairs, air quality, and zoning solutions. This allows me to meet a wide variety of residential and light commercial HVAC needs.
Year-Round Comfort
I help keep homes comfortable through every season with dependable heating and cooling solutions. From furnace and heat pump services to A/C maintenance and mini split systems, I have solutions for changing comfort needs.
Focus on System Efficiency
I offer services designed to support efficient HVAC performance, including air duct services, home zoning, air filtration, humidifiers, UV lights, and surge protection. I help customers get the most from their heating and cooling systems.
Reliable Local Service
I proudly serve Berkley, MI and surrounding areas with personalized HVAC service tailored to each property. I take the time to understand each customer’s needs and provide solutions suited to their home or business.
Areas We Served
Berkley, MI
Detroit, MI
Warren, MI
Sterling Heights, MI
Dearborn, MI
Livonia, MI
Troy, MI
Westland, MI
Farmington Hills, MI
Southfield, MI
Rochester Hills, MI
Novi, MI
Taylor, MI
Dearborn Heights, MI
Pontiac, MI
St. Clair Shores, MI
Royal Oak, MI
Roseville, MI
Lincoln Park, MI
Southgate, MI
Madison Heights, MI