Panel Upgrades for Refrigerated Air Conversions
Switching from a swamp cooler to refrigerated air is one of the best upgrades you can make to an Albuquerque home, but a refrigerated AC system pulls a lot more power than the cooler it replaces. Many older homes need a 200-amp panel upgrade before the HVAC crew can hook up the new unit. We handle that electrical side so your conversion stays on schedule.
Why refrigerated air needs more panel capacity
A swamp cooler runs on a small fan motor and a water pump, almost nothing in electrical terms. A refrigerated air conditioner and condenser draw far more, and they run hard through long Albuquerque summers. An older 100-amp panel often does not have the spare capacity or open breaker slots to add that load safely, which is why HVAC installers frequently send homeowners to an electrician first.
Time it before peak season
Demand for both electricians and HVAC crews spikes once the first hot weeks hit, usually late spring. Planning the panel upgrade in the cooler months, or as soon as you decide to convert, means the electrical work is done and inspected before your HVAC install date. We coordinate timing so the panel is ready when the AC equipment arrives, not the other way around.
Coordinated with your HVAC install
We size the new service to the actual AC equipment you are installing, add the dedicated circuit and disconnect the condenser needs, pull the permit, and schedule inspection. We are happy to talk directly with your HVAC contractor so the electrical and mechanical work line up. Every home and every system is different, so we quote the upgrade after we see your panel and the equipment specs.
Common questions
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