By Chad Wiswall, Owner & Lead HVAC Technician, Alabama HVAC License #92244

A new AC system is a 10 to 20 year decision. Done right, you get even cooling, low humidity, predictable bills, and minimal service calls. Done wrong, you live with comfort problems and high bills until the next changeout. This guide pulls together every post we have written about AC sizing, equipment selection, install timelines, permits, cost, and financing so you can make the call with full information. For the broader picture of every HVAC topic we cover, the Alabama HVAC Guide is the master starting point.

Chad's AC Direct has installed AC systems in Central Alabama since 1993. Free in-home estimates, written Manual J load calculations with every quote, and no high-pressure sales. Call 334-264-6464 (Montgomery) or 334-478-1438 (Dadeville).

Manual J Load Calculation

This is the single most important step. A Manual J is a room-by-room calculation of how much heating and cooling your home actually needs based on insulation, window orientation, ductwork condition, air leakage, and local design temperatures. It is what separates a real engineering quote from a square-foot guess.

Why You Should Walk Away from Any Quote Without One

Oversizing is the most common cause of comfort and humidity problems in Alabama homes. Any contractor who sizes by square footage alone is guessing. Demand a written Manual J load calculation. If they will not provide one, find another contractor.

Equipment Selection

Beyond sizing, the major choices are: split system vs heat pump vs mini-split, SEER2 rating, single-stage vs two-stage vs variable-speed compressor, and matching indoor coil to outdoor unit. We help you make these decisions based on your home and budget, not what we have in inventory.

Brands and Warranty

We install Goodman, Trane, Bryant, Carrier, Mitsubishi, and Daikin. Each has trade-offs around price, warranty length, parts availability, and noise level. We will walk you through the differences in writing.

Install Timeline and Permits

A standard residential AC changeout is a one or two day job. Permits run two to five business days depending on jurisdiction. Ductwork changes, electrical upgrades, or refrigerant line replacement can add a day. We pull every permit and schedule every inspection ourselves.

Cost Ranges

A standard 3-ton residential AC install in Central Alabama runs $6,500 to $11,500 depending on brand, SEER2 rating, and ductwork condition. Heat pump installs land slightly higher. Premium variable-speed and high-SEER2 systems can push past $14,000. We publish honest cost ranges so you can compare quotes.

Financing Options

We finance through Wells Fargo, Goodleap, Microf, and Alabama Power. Promotional rates on qualified credit can beat credit-card 0 percent periods. Federal tax credits cover qualifying high-efficiency systems.

Day-of-Install Expectations

Most installs follow the same flow: protect floors, disconnect and remove old equipment, set new outdoor and indoor units, connect refrigerant lines (brazed and pressure-tested), wire control and high-voltage, charge with refrigerant by weight or subcooling, verify airflow, commission, and document. We leave the worksite cleaner than we found it.

Schedule Your Free Estimate

No charge. No pressure. Written Manual J with every quote.

  • Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka, Pike Road: 334-264-6464
  • Dadeville, Lake Martin, Auburn, Tallassee: 334-478-1438
  • BBB A+ rated, 1,247 reviews, 4.9 stars, 33 years in business
  • Alabama HVAC License #92244