Your HVAC system is one of the largest electrical loads in your Aiken home, drawing anywhere from 15 to 60 amps depending on the unit size and type. A new air conditioner, heat pump, or mini-split system requires dedicated electrical circuits, properly sized disconnect switches, and wiring that meets both NEC code and the manufacturer's specifications.
When your HVAC contractor installs a new system, they need a licensed electrician to handle the electrical connections. Undersized wiring, missing disconnect switches, or improper circuit protection can cause tripped breakers, compressor damage, and even fire hazards. Unity Power & Light works alongside HVAC contractors throughout the Aiken area to provide the electrical infrastructure your heating and cooling system needs to operate safely and efficiently.
What We Do
We handle every electrical requirement for HVAC installations, replacements, and upgrades in residential and commercial properties.
AC Disconnect Installation
NEC code requires a disconnect switch within sight of every air conditioning or heat pump outdoor unit. We install fusible and non-fusible disconnects at the proper height and distance from the equipment, providing a safe way to shut off power during maintenance and emergencies.
Dedicated HVAC Circuits
Air conditioners and heat pumps require dedicated circuits that serve no other loads. We run properly sized 240-volt circuits from your electrical panel to both the indoor air handler and outdoor condensing unit, with the correct wire gauge and breaker size for your specific equipment.
Thermostat Wiring
Modern thermostats -- especially smart thermostats like Nest and Ecobee -- often require a common wire (C-wire) that older HVAC systems may not have. We run new thermostat cable and make the proper connections at both the thermostat and the air handler so your system communicates correctly.
Mini-Split Electrical
Ductless mini-split systems require dedicated circuits with specific voltage and amperage ratings that vary by model. We install the dedicated circuit, disconnect switch, and whip connection for single-zone and multi-zone mini-split systems, following the manufacturer's electrical specifications exactly.
HVAC System Upgrades
Upgrading from a smaller to a larger HVAC system often requires heavier wiring and a larger breaker. If your panel is already near capacity, you may need a panel upgrade as well. We evaluate your existing electrical capacity and make the upgrades necessary to support your new equipment.
Startup & Troubleshooting
HVAC systems that trip breakers, blow fuses in the disconnect, or fail to start often have electrical issues rather than mechanical ones. We diagnose and repair electrical problems including loose connections, undersized wiring, faulty contactors, and capacitor failures.
Our Installation Process
Review Equipment Specifications
We start with the nameplate data from your HVAC equipment or the specifications provided by your HVAC contractor. This tells us the exact voltage, amperage, wire size, breaker size, and disconnect requirements for your specific system. Every manufacturer has different electrical requirements.
Evaluate Panel Capacity
Before running new circuits, we verify that your electrical panel has sufficient capacity for the new HVAC load. If your panel is full or undersized, we discuss upgrade options. Adding a 30 or 40-amp HVAC circuit to a panel that is already at capacity is a code violation and a fire risk.
Run Circuits and Install Disconnect
We run dedicated circuits from the panel to the indoor and outdoor units using properly sized wire. We install the disconnect switch near the outdoor unit at the correct height, connect the whip from the disconnect to the equipment, and make all connections per manufacturer specifications.
Test and Commission
We test voltage at the disconnect and equipment terminals, verify amperage draw during startup and running, confirm thermostat operation, and check that all safety controls are functioning. We coordinate with your HVAC contractor for the final system commissioning and startup.
Why Professional Installation Matters
HVAC electrical work requires matching the wiring precisely to the equipment specifications. Mistakes here are expensive and dangerous.
Manufacturer Warranty Protection
HVAC manufacturers require that electrical connections meet their specifications as a condition of warranty coverage. Undersized wiring, incorrect breaker sizes, or missing disconnects can void your equipment warranty. If a compressor fails due to improper electrical supply, the manufacturer will not cover the replacement.
Compressor Protection
HVAC compressors are sensitive to voltage drop and incorrect supply voltage. Wiring that is too small for the run length causes voltage drop at the unit, which makes the compressor work harder and run hotter. This shortens compressor life dramatically. We calculate voltage drop for every circuit to ensure your equipment receives proper voltage.
Code-Required Disconnect
The NEC requires a disconnect switch within sight and within 50 feet of every AC or heat pump outdoor unit. This disconnect allows HVAC technicians to safely shut off power before performing maintenance. Missing disconnects are a common code violation that we see and correct regularly in the Aiken area.
Proper Circuit Sizing
HVAC circuits must be sized based on the equipment's Minimum Circuit Ampacity (MCA) and protected by a breaker no larger than the Maximum Overcurrent Protection (MOP) rating. These numbers are on the equipment nameplate. Using the wrong breaker size either trips nuisance faults or fails to protect against overloads.
HVAC Electrical Pricing
Unity Power & Light provides flat-rate pricing for HVAC electrical work. You will know the exact cost before we begin -- no hourly billing and no surprise charges.
Factors that affect the final price include the distance from the panel to the equipment, wire gauge required, panel capacity, and whether the circuit is 120V or 240V. We provide an exact quote after reviewing your HVAC equipment specifications.
For a detailed breakdown of HVAC electrical considerations, read our blog post: Common HVAC Electrical Problems in Aiken, SC Homes
Why Choose Unity Power & Light
Need other electrical work done at the same time? We offer a full range of residential electrical services including panel upgrades, dedicated circuits, and more. Combining projects in a single visit saves you time and money.
Need HVAC Electrical Work?
Serving Aiken, SC and surrounding communities including North Augusta, Graniteville, New Ellenton, Jackson, and Clearwater. Get your flat-rate quote today.