AC Installation in Detroit Metro

Most new central AC installations in Detroit Metro range from $3,500 to $8,500 depending on size, efficiency rating, and brand:

• Standard 14 SEER2 systems: $3,500–$5,000
• High-efficiency 16+ SEER2 variable-speed: $5,500–$8,500
• Heat pumps: Add $1,000–$2,000 to comparable AC pricing (but qualify for up to $2,000 federal tax credits)
• Ductless mini-splits: $3,000–$7,000 depending on zones

Every estimate is free and includes Manual J sizing, old unit removal, permits, and DTE rebate processing. No hidden fees, no upsells.

AC sizing isn’t just square footage — it depends on insulation, ceiling height, window count and orientation, sun exposure, and Michigan’s humid summer climate. A rough rule of thumb for the Detroit area is 1 ton (12,000 BTU) per 500–600 square feet of finished space, but proper sizing requires a Manual J load calculation.

We provide free Manual J calculations with every estimate. Oversized AC is just as bad as undersized — it short-cycles, doesn’t run long enough to dehumidify the air, and leaves your Detroit home clammy in July.

Yes. DTE Energy offers rebates on qualifying high-efficiency central AC and heat pump installations:

• 14 SEER2: Up to $200
• 16 SEER2: Up to $300
• 18+ SEER2 variable speed: Up to $500
• Qualifying heat pumps: Up to $600

We handle the DTE rebate paperwork directly with your install — you don’t have to chase it down or wait months. Rebate amounts and qualifications change periodically; we’ll confirm current programs when we provide your estimate.

Yes — the federal 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covers:

• Up to $600 on qualifying high-efficiency central AC systems (16+ SEER2)
• Up to $2,000 on qualifying heat pumps (this is huge for Detroit homeowners)
• Combined with DTE rebates, you can knock $2,600+ off a heat pump install

We provide the AHRI matching documentation required for the credit at no charge. The credit is claimed when you file your taxes — your accountant or tax software will use the docs we give you.

Most residential AC installations are completed in a single day — typically 6 to 8 hours of work. The job includes:

• Removing the old condenser unit and EPA-certified refrigerant recovery
• Installing the new outdoor condenser on a level pad
• Connecting refrigerant lines (line set replacement if needed)
• Installing the new indoor evaporator coil on top of your furnace
• Electrical hookups and circuit verification
• System startup, refrigerant charge verification, and performance test

An adult should be home during installation for system walkthrough and access. Commercial installations and full ductless mini-split jobs may take 1–3 days depending on zones.

SEER2 measures cooling efficiency — higher is better. 14 SEER2 is the current minimum for the Northern U.S. (including Michigan). 16-20 SEER2 systems use roughly 15–25% less electricity than 14 SEER2.

For Detroit’s roughly 90–100 cooling days per year, the energy savings typically pay back the upgrade cost in 5–7 years, faster if you qualify for DTE rebates and the federal tax credit. After payback, you’re keeping that money in your pocket every summer.

We give you both options on every estimate — no pressure either way.

If both systems are 15+ years old, replacing them together usually makes financial sense:

• Matched systems run more efficiently — the furnace blower and AC coil are designed to work as a pair
• Save on labor — most of the installation work overlaps
• Single warranty registration — both systems covered together
• Stacked rebates — DTE offers rebates on both furnace and AC efficiency upgrades

We offer bundle pricing when customers replace both at once. If only one needs replacement, we can install a new AC that pairs properly with your existing furnace — just make sure the blower can handle the new coil’s airflow.

Yes — most Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland County cities require a mechanical permit for new AC installation, including Detroit, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Livonia, Westland, Taylor, and surrounding cities.

We pull all required permits as part of every installation — it’s included in the quoted price, not an add-on. Big Mike’s is registered with all Wayne County cities for HVAC installations. We also handle final city inspections after the install.

Off-season (October through March) is the most affordable time to install a new AC in Detroit Metro:

• Lower demand means easier scheduling
• Avoid the late-July / August emergency rush
• More equipment options in stock
• Faster install dates (often same week)
• Pricing is generally the same year-round, but availability is better

DTE rebates and federal tax credits apply regardless of season. If your AC is failing now and Michigan is hitting 90°F, don’t wait — we run emergency installs too.

Three layers of warranty on every install:

1. Manufacturer parts warranty — Typically 10 years on Carrier, Lennox, Bryant, and Trane systems. We register your warranty with the manufacturer at install (most warranties require registration within 60–90 days or they default to 5 years).

2. Big Mike’s labor warranty — 1 year on installation workmanship. If anything we did during the install fails in year one, we come back at no charge.

3. Extended warranty options — Available at the time of purchase for 5- and 10-year labor coverage on top of the manufacturer warranty.

All major brands. We’re authorized dealers for Carrier, Lennox, and Bryant — which means access to the longest manufacturer warranties, best parts pricing, and dealer-exclusive equipment lines.

We also install Trane, Rheem, York, Goodman, American Standard, Heil, Amana, Ruud, Payne, and Coleman. On your estimate, we’ll recommend brands based on your budget, home size, and warranty preferences — no pressure on any specific manufacturer.

Yes — fully credentialed:

• Michigan Mechanical Licensed (required to install HVAC equipment in MI)
• EPA 608 Certified (required for refrigerant handling)
• BBB Accredited Business (Eastern Michigan)
• Fully insured — general liability + workers’ comp
• Registered with all Wayne County cities for permits and final inspections

License numbers available on request — we’ll show them when we arrive.