New AC Installation for Older Alpharetta Homes

Older homes in Alpharetta carry charm and solid bones. Many also carry 15 to 25-year-old air conditioners that struggle with North Georgia humidity. Before any talk of brands or rebates, the process starts with diagnostics. A smart replacement plan fixes weak airflow, poor dehumidification, and high utility bills without oversizing the new equipment.

Start with Technical Diagnostics

A veteran technician reads the home before touching the condenser. The assessment includes static pressure across the air handler, delta-T across the coil, refrigerant subcooling, and blower performance at multiple speeds. In older properties near Crabapple or Glen Abbey, duct leakage and undersized returns appear often. Rooms over garages in Windward and White Columns show heat gain spikes that cause short cycling and sticky air.

Humidity drives many failures. Alpharetta mornings can sit near 90 percent humidity in August. An older single-stage unit blasts cold air fast but leaves moisture behind. That moisture feeds dust mites, swells hardwood, and can nudge mold inside supply boots. If the AC cannot hold indoor relative humidity near 50 percent on mild, wet days, replacement with a variable-speed system is the right move.

Systems using R-22 refrigerant create another hard stop. R-22 is obsolete and costly to recharge. If a coil in a 2008 system leaks, the repair often costs more than the value left in the unit. Frequent repairs, uneven cooling, and rising bills point the same way. For AC Replacement Alpharetta, GA, a data-driven approach prevents repeat problems.

Why SEER2 and Variable-Speed Matter in North Fulton

SEER2 sets new test standards and real-world expectations. By 2026, Georgia’s minimum for split systems is 14.3 SEER2. Many homeowners near Avalon and Halcyon upgrade to 16 to 20+ SEER2 to lower load on the grid and cut costs. Moving from an old 10 SEER system to a 16 SEER2 heat pump can trim cooling costs by 30 to 40 percent based on usage and home size.

Variable-speed inverter compressors change the game in humidity. They run longer at low capacity to wring moisture from the air without overcooling. With an inverter drive, the system matches its output to the exact load. It reduces short cycling, quiets operation, and protects hardwood floors and trim. Paired with an ECM blower and an aluminum evaporator coil, the result is steady temperature, strong moisture control, and fewer repair calls.

Sizing for Older Homes: Manual J and Duct Reality

A proper replacement needs a Manual J load calculation. The team measures windows, orientation, insulation, infiltration, and internal gains. Many older Alpharetta homes were sized with rules of thumb. That leads to big tonnage and poor humidity control. A precise Manual J often supports a smaller yet smarter system that runs longer at low speed.

Ductwork decides if the new system can breathe. In 30004 and 30005, return air restrictions show up often in older renovations. Static pressure readings confirm whether a lineset replacement, additional return, or a plenum modification is needed. If the evaporator coil is upgraded, a secondary drain pan with a float switch protects ceilings. These details prevent flooded tray ceilings in Country Club of the South and saves repair costs later.

What the Equipment Package Looks Like Today

A high-performing package for older homes often includes a variable-speed heat pump, an aluminum coil, and a smart thermostat. Air-source heat pumps cover most cooling and shoulder-season heating. In homes with gas service, a hybrid dual-fuel system uses the heat pump above a set outdoor temperature and switches to gas heat when it gets cold. In tight lots near Avalon and Halcyon, a Daikin Fit side-discharge outdoor unit saves space and runs whisper-quiet.

Ductless multi-split systems help with additions and bonus rooms. They solve hot spots without tearing into finished spaces. For split systems, a new insulated lineset is best when accessible. If reuse is required, a proper flush and pressure test are mandatory. Every install includes nitrogen brazing, a deep vacuum under 500 microns, and a proper charge by weight and verified subcooling.

Humidity Control: The Alpharetta Pain Point

Humidity is not a comfort footnote in Fulton County. It is the main control battle. A single-stage, oversized unit will hit the setpoint fast and shut off. The indoor coil does not stay cold long enough to condense moisture. Residents then drop the thermostat lower, which increases costs and still fails to dry the air.

Variable-speed systems solve this with long, slow runtimes. Many offer dehumidification modes that lower blower speed while holding coil temperature. Pairing with a Nest or Ecobee allows finer scheduling and alerts. Smart thermostats also support staging logic that smooths temperature swings in large homes in Windward or Glen Abbey.

Local Codes, Permits, and Real-World Install Timing

Every replacement must follow City of Alpharetta and Fulton County code. That includes SEER2 equipment on matched coils, properly sized breakers, and line-set insulation. The team secures permits and schedules inspections. Typical changeouts take one day. If Have a peek here duct corrections, attic platform rebuilds, or return additions are needed, plan for one to two days more. Homes near the Big Creek Greenway and North Point Mall get rapid dispatch from our North Fulton base.

Brands That Perform in North Georgia Heat

As an authorized dealer for Trane and Carrier, the team installs systems that meet Southeast humidity demands and qualify for local rebates. Trane TruComfort inverter systems provide fine capacity modulation. Carrier variable-speed heat pumps pair well with tight load profiles in modern builds near Avalon. For high-end lots or noise-sensitive settings, Daikin Fit side-discharge units offer compact footprints and quiet operation that neighbors will appreciate. Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, and Mitsubishi Electric options are also available when the home’s needs match their strengths.

Rebates, Credits, and Warranty Protection

Homeowners can offset project costs. Qualifying heat pumps may receive up to a $2,000 Federal Tax Credit under Section 25C. Georgia Power offers up to $1,000 in rebates under its HEIP program for eligible upgrades. Program amounts vary by efficiency and equipment type, and funds can change by season. A Licensed Conditioned Air Contractor, Class II, manages the paperwork. NATE-certified installers handle the fieldwork. A 10-year workmanship warranty supports long-term confidence.

Special Focus on Alpharetta Neighborhoods

Older estates in Windward and Crabapple often need careful return upgrades and zoning checks. Historic properties near Milton demand discreet line-set AC replacement cost routing and trim-safe penetrations. Condos and townhomes near Avalon and Halcyon benefit from compact, quiet outdoor units and SEER2-compliant variable-speed systems. Homes near Wills Park and Glen Abbey often see high attic temperatures that demand better attic platforms, vapor barriers, and secondary drain protection.

What Homeowners in 30004, 30005, 30009, and 30022 Should Watch

Frequent repairs and refrigerant leaks on R-22 systems Humidity that hangs near 60 percent or higher indoors Short cycling with cold rooms and sticky hallways High summer bills that crept up over the last 2 to 3 seasons Noise complaints from neighbors or HOA limits on outdoor equipment

These signs point to a system near the end of its efficient lifespan. A measured replacement lowers bills, steadies indoor moisture, and improves air quality.

Smart-Home Integration and Monitoring

Most high-efficiency systems communicate with Nest or Ecobee. Technicians can enable staging logic and dehumidification modes. Leak sensors in secondary pans catch water events before they stain a ceiling. Remote monitoring can report high static pressure or coil freeze risks. Owners who travel appreciate alerts during storm season when power blips and clogged drains tend to appear.

Why Homeowners Choose One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning

The company brings deep experience with AC Replacement in Alpharetta, GA and the broader North Fulton area. As a Georgia State Licensed Class II contractor, it can handle residential and commercial scopes without limits. NATE-certified installers follow Manual J and industry best practices. As a Georgia Power rebate partner, the office guides clients through incentive paperwork. The team stands behind the work with a 10-year workmanship warranty.

A Calm, Reliable Process from Estimate to Final Inspection

A senior advisor meets on site, reviews pain points, and measures the home. The load calculation guides equipment size. The proposal shows good, better, and best options with clear SEER2 ratings and humidity features. Installers arrive on time, protect floors, and remove old equipment. They replace or flush the lineset, set a secondary pan with a float switch, pull a deep vacuum, and commission the system. A final walkthrough covers thermostat setup and filter sizes. The permit inspection follows.

Alpharetta AC Replacement FAQ

Do you assist with Georgia Power energy rebates?

Yes. The team handles HEIP paperwork and provides model numbers and AHRI certificates.

How long does a full AC replacement take?

Most single-system replacements finish in one day. Add one to two days for duct corrections or multiple systems.

What is the 2026 SEER2 minimum for Georgia?

For split systems, the minimum is 14.3 SEER2.

Can you improve humidity without freezing me out?

Yes. Variable-speed inverter systems and blower programming allow long, low-capacity runs that dry air without overcooling.

Do you service my area?

Yes. Service covers Alpharetta 30004, 30005, 30009, and 30022, plus Milton, Johns Creek, Roswell, Cumming, and parts of Forsyth County.

Ready for a System That Handles Alpharetta Humidity?

Request a free in-home estimate. Get a Manual J load calculation, a SEER2-compliant design, and clear options from Trane, Carrier, or Daikin Fit. Learn how to claim up to a $2,000 Federal Tax Credit and up to a $1,000 Georgia Power rebate on qualifying systems. Schedule today for fast dispatch from Avalon to the Big Creek Greenway and across Windward and Crabapple.