AC Installation & Replacement in Milwaukee WI
Milwaukee summers are short, humid hold emergency. When your AC struggles to keep up or finally gives out after 15 or 20 years of service, you need a contractor you can trust to recommend the right system, size it correctly, install it cleanly, and back up the work for the long haul.
Burkhardt Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric has been doing exactly that since 1961. Three generations of trusted service and more than 2,100 verified reviews across the Milwaukee metro reflect a standard we protect on every job. Whether you're replacing a worn-out central air system, adding cooling to an older home that never had it, or exploring a heat pump that can handle both your summer and winter comfort needs, this guide covers everything Milwaukee homeowners need to know — from system types andSEER2 efficiency standards to available rebates and what to expect on installation day. We serve Milwaukee and more than 30 surrounding communities. If you're ready to talk equipment, call 414-206-3049 or schedule your free in-home estimate online.
Signs It's Time to Replace Your AC Unit
Most Milwaukee homeowners don't start researching new air conditioners until something goes wrong. But waiting for a complete failure — especially in July — puts you at the mercy of tight installation schedules and rush decisions. Knowing the warning signs lets you plan ahead, compare options thoughtfully, and potentially qualify for rebates before peak-season demand hits.
Your AC Is 15 Years Old or Older
Central air conditioning systems typically last 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance. Once a unit crosses the 15-year mark, efficiency starts declining, parts become harder to source, and the likelihood of a major repair rises sharply. If your system is approaching or past that window, a proactive replacement on your schedule is almost always smarter — and less expensive — than an emergency call in August.
Your Energy Bills Have Climbed Without Explanation
Air conditioners lose efficiency gradually as they age, but you may not notice until your utility bills tell the story. If your electric bill in July looks meaningfully higher than it did three or four summers ago and your usage habits haven't changed, your AC is working harder than it should. A modern high-efficiency unit rated at 17 or 18 SEER2 can reduce cooling operating costs significantly compared to a 10-year-oldsystem running at the equivalent of 12–13 SEER2.
Your System Uses R-22 (Freon) Refrigerant
If your AC was installed before approximately 2010, there's a good chance it uses R-22 refrigerant —commonly known by the DuPont brand name Freon. The federal government banned production and import of R-22 as of January 1, 2020, which means the limited remaining stockpile has become expensive and scarce. An R-22 system with a refrigerant leak today can cost significantly more to service than the repair itself would suggest. Replacement with a modern R-410A or newer low-GWP refrigerant system is often the only economical path forward.
You've Had Multiple Repairs in the Past Two or Three Years
Occasional repairs are normal. Repeated repairs are a pattern worth taking seriously. HVAC technician sometimes use a simple rule of thumb: multiply the repair estimate by the unit's age. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacement usually makes more financial sense than continuing to invest in an aging system. A new installation also resets your warranty clock and gives you the efficiency gains of modernSEER2-rated equipment
You're Dealing With Uneven Cooling or Persistent Humidity
An air conditioner that can't keep your second floor comfortable, that leaves certain rooms noticeably warmer, or that fails to manage Milwaukee's characteristic summer humidity may simply be undersized —or it may be a system that's losing capacity as it ages. Persistent humidity problems are a telltale sign of short-cycling: the unit isn't running long enough per cycle to pull moisture out of the air effectively. A properly sized replacement resolves this.
Not sure whether to repair or replace? Call 414-206-3049 for a free second opinion on any AC diagnosis.
AC Systems We Install in Milwaukee
There is no single right answer when it comes to choosing an air conditioning system. The best system for your home depends on whether you have existing ductwork, how many zones you want to control, how your home was originally built, and what efficiency level makes sense for your budget. Burkhardt installs all of the following system types throughout the Milwaukee metro.
Central Air Conditioning Systems
Central air conditioning is the standard choice for homes that already have forced-air ductwork from an existing furnace. A central AC system consists of an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor evaporator coil that mounts on or near your furnace air handler. Refrigerant circulates between the two, absorbing heat from your indoor air and releasing it outside.
For most Milwaukee homes, a central AC system in the 2-ton to 4-ton range provides whole-home comfort. (One ton equals 12,000 BTUs of cooling capacity.) The correct size for your specific home is determined by a Manual J load calculation — not by square footage alone — and Burkhardt performs this calculation on every installation.
SEER2 efficiency ratings for new central AC systems start at 13.4 SEER2 (the federal minimum for Wisconsin's North region, effective January 2023) and extend to 22+ SEER2 for premium variable-speed systems. We'll help you select the efficiency tier that makes the most sense for your home and how you use it.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless mini-split systems are the go-to solution for Milwaukee's large inventory of pre-1960 homes built with boilers, radiators, or steam heat — no forced-air ductwork at all. They're also ideal for additions, finished basements, garages, or any space where extending existing ductwork would be invasive or impractical.
A ductless system connects a compact outdoor condenser to one or more wall-mounted or ceiling-cassette indoor air handlers through a small conduit that passes through an exterior wall. Installation doesn't require tearing open walls or ceilings to run duct. Each indoor unit has its own thermostat, so you can set different temperatures in different rooms — or turn off zones that aren't occupied.
Cold-climate ductless mini-splits are built to operate efficiently through Wisconsin winters, making them a practical year-round comfort solution. Burkhardt installs ductless systems selected for cold-climate Wisconsin performance and long-term reliability.
Heat Pumps — Cooling and Heating in One System
A heat pump is an air conditioner that also runs in reverse: in summer it removes heat from your home; in winter it extracts heat from outdoor air and moves it inside. Modern cold-climate heat pumps maintain heating output even when outdoor temperatures drop below zero, making them a viable year-round system in Wisconsin.
For Milwaukee homeowners replacing an older central AC who are also thinking about their furnace's future, a heat pump can consolidate two pieces of equipment into one. Heat pump installations may qualify for Wisconsin Focus on Energy instant discounts and federal tax incentives (see the Rebates section below) that aren't available for standard central AC replacements.
Adding Central Air to a Home Without Ductwork
If your home was built without forced-air heating — common in Milwaukee's Bay View, River west, East Side, Shorewood, and West Allis neighborhoods where brick two-flats and craftsman bungalows were built for boiler heat — you have two practical options for adding cooling:
Option 1 — Add ductwork and install central AC. If your home has accessible attic space, a full basement, or a crawlspace, it may be feasible to run supply and return ducts and connect them to a new air handler and condenser. This is a larger project than a simple replacement but gives you a traditional whole-home system.
Option 2 — Install ductless mini-splits. For many Milwaukee bungalows and two-flats, ductless is the faster, less invasive path to whole-home cooling. A single outdoor unit can serve multiple indoor air handlers — one per room or zone — and the installation footprint is minimal compared to retro fitting ductwork.
Burkhardt's in-home assessment includes a frank evaluation of both options for your specific home, including what each approach would entail structurally and electrically. There's no single right answer, and we won't push you toward a more expensive option if a simpler one serves you just as well.
The AC Installation Process at Burkhardt
A new AC installation is a significant home investment, and the quality of the installation matters as muchas the quality of the equipment. Here's what the process looks like when you work with Burkhardt.
Free In-Home Assessment and Load Calculation
Every installation starts with a free in-home assessment. One of our comfort advisors visits your home to evaluate your current system, inspect your ductwork, and perform a Manual J load calculation — the ACCA-standard method for determining the precise cooling capacity your home requires.
Manual J accounts for your home's square footage, ceiling height, insulation levels, window size and orientation, number of occupants, and local climate data. It's the only accurate way to size an AC system. Contractors who size by square footage alone — the "one ton per 600 square feet" rule of thumb — frequently install equipment that's too large, leading to short-cycling, poor humidity control, and premature wear.
We also inspect your existing ductwork during this visit. Older Milwaukee homes often have duct work designed for lower-capacity systems that can become a bottleneck for a new, higher-output unit. If we find issues, we'll show you the problem and explain your options before quoting the job.
Equipment Selection and Rebate Review
Once we know the correct size and system type, we walk you through equipment options — efficiency tiers, brand choices, and any rebate-eligible models that may reduce your net cost. Burkhardt helps you identify which systems qualify for Focus on Energy incentives and federal tax credits before you make a decision, not after.
Burkhardt installs Armstrong, Concord, and other quality residential AC brands, and we don't steer customers toward any single brand based on margin. Our goal is to help you select the system that fits your home, your budget, and your long-term energy goals.
Professional Installation by Wisconsin-Licensed Technicians
Burkhardt's installation technicians are Wisconsin-licensed HVAC technicians with the training and hands-on experience to handle every aspect of a residential AC installation. Our team brings the knowledge and skill to manage system types, refrigerant handling, and installation best practices at the highest standard.
We pull all required permits on your behalf, including the City of Milwaukee mechanical permit and any electrical permits required for service upgrades or new circuits. Permitting matters: unpermitted HVAC installations can surface as a problem during a home sale and may void manufacturer warranties. We handle all of it.
Most straightforward AC replacements — swapping an old matched system for a new one — are complete in 4 to 8 hours. More complex jobs involving new ductwork, electrical panel work, or multiple mini-split zones may require a full day or two. Your installation team will give you a clear timeline before work begins.
System Testing and Customer Walkthrough
Before the crew leaves, every component is tested: refrigerant charge verified, airflow measured, thermostat calibrated, condensate drain checked. We don't consider the job finished until the system is running correctly and you understand how to operate it.
After installation, your Burkhardt technician walks you through the new system — thermostat operation, filter replacement schedule, what the system should sound like, and how to recognize anything that warrants a service call. You also receive documentation for your warranty registration and any permit inspection sign-offs.
Replacing Your Furnace and AC at the Same Time
If your central AC system is approaching the end of its service life, there's a good chance your furnace is in a similar window. Milwaukee homeowners with both systems installed in the same era — or even a few years apart — often find it makes practical and financial sense to replace both at the same time.
Why Matched Systems Matter
Your air conditioner and furnace are not independent pieces of equipment. The indoor evaporator coil that your AC uses to cool your home is mounted directly on or in your furnace's air handler, and the two components must be matched — meaning they're engineered to work together at a specific capacity and air flow. Installing a new outdoor condenser on an old, mismatched indoor coil can reduce the new system's efficiency rating, increase the likelihood of refrigerant problems, and affect warranty coverage.
When Burkhardt replaces both components at the same time, we install a factory-matched system that delivers the SEER2 rating you paid for, covered by the manufacturer's full warranty.
The Labor Savings Are Real
Replacing an AC system requires accessing and potentially moving the indoor air handler, disconnecting and reconnecting refrigerant lines, and working through the same spaces as a furnace replacement would. When both jobs happen on the same visit, you're paying for that labor once instead of twice. That difference can be meaningful, particularly if your installation involves any ductwork modifications..
Financing Can Cover Both
Rather than stretching your budget on two separate projects over two to three years, Burkhardt's financing options allow you to bundle both systems into a single monthly payment. Ask about available plans when scheduling your estimate.
For homeowners whose furnace is still in good working condition with several years of service life remaining, we'll say so — and explain why replacing the AC alone makes sense in your situation. We'd rather give you an honest recommendation you'll trust than push a bundle you don't need.
SEER2 Efficiency — What It Means for Your Milwaukee Home
If you've shopped for air conditioners recently, you've encountered the term SEER2. Here's what it means and why it matters when selecting a new system.
What SEER2 Is and Why It Replaced SEER
SEER2 stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2. It measures how much cooling a system produces per unit of electricity consumed over an entire cooling season. A higher SEER2 rating means more cooling output per dollar of electricity.
The "2" designation matters. The Department of Energy updated its efficiency testing standards effective January 1, 2023, using test conditions that more closely reflect real-world installation pressure drops. All air conditioning equipment manufactured after that date carries a SEER2 rating — not the older SEER rating. When comparing equipment, always confirm you're comparing SEER2 to SEER2, not mixing legacy and new ratings. For reference, the old 14 SEER minimum is roughly equivalent to 13.4 SEER2.
How to Think About Efficiency Tiers
Higher SEER2 costs more upfront and saves more on operating costs over time. The right tier depends on how long you expect to stay in the home, how many hours per year your cooling system runs, and whether you want to qualify for the best available rebates and tax credits.
Variable-Speed vs. Single-Stage — What Matters in Milwaukee's Climate
Milwaukee's humid continental climate means your AC has two jobs: removing heat and removing humidity. Single-stage systems run at full capacity or not at all, which means they frequently short-cycle on mild days — turning off before they've had time to adequately dehumidify the air.
Variable-speed compressors adjust their output continuously, running at lower capacity for longer periods on mild days. Longer run times mean better dehumidification, more even temperature distribution throughout the home, and lower noise levels. If humidity control is a priority — and in Milwaukee summers, it usually is — variable-speed equipment at 17 SEER2 or higher is worth considering.
Rebates, Incentives, and Financing
Replacing an air conditioner is a significant expense, and several programs exist to reduce the net cost.The right incentives for your project depend on which system type you install.
Wisconsin Focus on Energy — Heat Pump Instant Discounts
Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program offers instant discounts at the point of sale for qualifying heat pump installations. These are not rebates you apply for after the fact — they reduce your invoice upfront. As of mid-2026, heat pump discount tiers start at $400 and increase based on the system's efficiency rating. Higher-efficiency models qualifying at upper tiers can receive discounts of $600 to $700 or more, with additional amounts available for income-qualified households.
Important distinction: Focus on Energy's cooling incentives apply to heat pumps, not to standard central AC replacements. If you're replacing like-for-like central AC, the Focus on Energy cooling incentive does not apply — but federal incentives may.
Burkhardt is a Focus on Energy Trade Ally, which means we handle the rebate paperwork on your behalf. You don't need to submit anything separately.
Federal IRA 25C Tax Credit
The Inflation Reduction Act's Section 25C energy-efficient home improvement tax credit provides annual tax credits for qualifying HVAC equipment. For central AC installations, qualifying Energy Star-certified units may be eligible for a federal tax credit. For qualifying heat pump installations, a separate and higher credit tier applies.
Because tax credit amounts and eligibility rules can change, we recommend confirming specifics with a tax professional or at energystar.gov. Burkhardt will identify rebate-eligible equipment options during your estimate so you have that information before making a decision.
HEAR Program — Income-Qualified Households
The Home Energy Rebates (HEAR) program, administered through Focus on Energy in Wisconsin, provides additional incentives for income-qualified households (at or below 150% of area median income). Heat pump installations may qualify for significantly higher rebate amounts under this program. Ask your Burkhardt comfort advisor whether your household may be eligible during your estimate.
Financing Options
Burkhardt offers financing that allows you to spread installation costs over time. Financing is available for single-system replacements and can also cover furnace and AC replacement together in a single agreement. Ask about available plans — including promotional interest rate options — when scheduling your free estimate.
AC Brands We Install — and Service — Across the Milwaukee Area
Burkhardt installs Armstrong, Concord, and other quality central AC and ductless systems chosen for Wisconsin's variable climate and long-term reliability. Beyond what we install, our Wisconsin-licensed technicians service all major AC manufacturers — so if your existing system is a Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Goodman, Daikin, Rheem, Bryant, American Standard, Mitsubishi, or another brand, we keep it running and help you plan for eventual replacement.
Armstrong Air Central AC
Armstrong Air is a proven name in residential central air conditioning, with a full lineup of split-system central AC equipment built to meet or exceed Wisconsin's 13.4 SEER2 minimum. Armstrong's central AC systems are engineered for reliable performance across a wide range of efficiency tiers — from straight forward single-stage replacements to high-efficiency variable-speed models that deliver superior humidity control in Milwaukee's humid continental summers. Armstrong equipment is manufactured to tight tolerances, meaning the efficiency rating on the spec sheet reflects real-world performance over the system's service life. For Milwaukee homeowners replacing an aging central air system, Armstrong offers a strong combination of value, efficiency, and long-term durability. Burkhardt's trained, licensed technician sselect Armstrong equipment sized and matched to your home's specific load calculation, ensuring you get the system performance you're paying for — not just a box that fits the opening.
Concord Central AC
Concord is a respected residential HVAC brand offering central air conditioning systems designed for dependable whole-home cooling. Concord's central AC lineup covers the efficiency spectrum from entry-level 13.4 SEER2 replacements through higher-efficiency models well suited to Milwaukee's warm, humid summers. Concord systems are built with quality components and backed by solid manufacturer warranties, making them a sound choice for homeowners who want reliable performance without overreaching on budget. Like all equipment Burkhardt installs, Concord systems are selected based on a proper Manual J load calculation for your home — not a rule-of-thumb size estimate. Our Wisconsin-licensed technicians handle the full installation, from refrigerant line connections to system commissioning, to ensure your Concord system operates at its rated efficiency from day one and for the years that follow.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems We Install
Burkhardt installs ductless mini-split systems selected specifically for cold-climate Wisconsin performance. Ductless systems are an ideal solution for Milwaukee's large stock of pre-1960 homes built without forced-air ductwork — they require only a small penetration through an exterior wall and can condition individual rooms or entire homes through multiple indoor air handlers connected to a single outdoor unit. The cold-climate ductless models we install are engineered to operate efficiently through Wisconsin's full heating and cooling seasons, delivering reliable year-round comfort without the invasive work of adding ductwork to an older home. Each ductless installation by Burkhardt is sized and configured to your home's specific layout and load, with our trained, licensed technicians managing refrigerant handling, electrical connections, and system commissioning according to manufacturer specifications.
Other Quality Brands We Install
In addition to Armstrong and Concord, Burkhardt installs other quality central AC and ductless systems when they represent the right fit for a homeowner's needs, budget, and home configuration. Our comfort advisors evaluate your specific situation — existing ductwork, home size, efficiency goals, and rebate eligibility — and recommend accordingly. If you have a question about a specific brand or model you've been considering, ask your Burkhardt comfort advisor during your free in-home estimate and we'll give you a straightforward assessment.
Servicing the Brands Already in Milwaukee Homes
Milwaukee homes run every major AC brand on the market, and Burkhardt's Wisconsin-licensed technicians are equipped to service all of them. Whether your home has a Carrier, a Lennox, a Trane, a Goodman or Amana, a Rheem or Ruud, a Bryant, an American Standard, a York, a Daikin central AC or mini-split, a Mitsubishi, a Heil, a Tempstar, a Comfort maker, a Coleman, or virtually any other residential AC brand, our technicians can diagnose problems, source replacement parts, and perform repairs and maintenance to manufacturer specifications.
Servicing all brands matters in a market like Milwaukee, where homes span decades of equipment generations. Our technicians are trained on the diagnostic tools and refrigerant handling protocols required by current systems, including both older R-22 equipment (which we service, though we also counsel homeowners on replacement economics) and modern R-410A and low-GWP refrigerant systems. We stock commonly needed parts and have established supply relationships to source components for less common equipment efficiently.
Beyond repairs, our Wisconsin-licensed technicians can perform annual tune-ups and seasonal maintenance on any brand — cleaning coils, checking refrigerant charge, testing electrical components, and verifying airflow — to extend the life of your existing system and catch developing problems before they become emergency calls. When your existing system does reach the end of its service life, we'll help you evaluate replacement options from the brands we install, with honest guidance on what makes the most sense for your home and budget.
If you have an existing system from any manufacturer and need service, maintenance, or a second opinion on a repair quote, call 414-206-3049 to schedule with one of our Wisconsin-licensed technicians.
When you meet with a Burkhardt comfort advisor about a new installation, you'll receive recommendations based on your home's specific needs, your efficiency goals, and what systems best fit your budget. If you'd rather rely on our recommendation, we'll explain our reasoning.
Adding Central Air to an Older Milwaukee Home
Milwaukee's housing stock is older than most American cities'. Thousands of homes throughout Bay View, River west, the East Side, Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, West Allis, and surrounding neighborhoods were built between 1900 and 1960 — primarily with boilers, radiators, or steam heat. These homes have no forced-air ductwork and no history of central air conditioning.
That doesn't mean you're stuck.
Your Two Main Options
Ductwork installation with central AC: If your home has accessible attic space, a full basement, or a crawlspace, it may be feasible to design and install a duct system. This involves running supply and return ducts through the home's structure, installing an air handler, and connecting it to an outdoor condenser. The result is a traditional central air system that conditions every room through supply registers. It's a larger project, but for homes where ductwork is reasonably accessible, it can be the right long-term solution.
Ductless mini-split systems: For many older Milwaukee homes, running ductwork is impractical — the walls are plaster, the structure doesn't have attic access, or the home's layout makes duct routing prohibitively invasive. Ductless mini-splits solve this cleanly. Each indoor air handler is connected to the outdoor condenser through a small hole in the exterior wall and a refrigerant line set run along the exterior or through a modest chase. Installation is typically completed in one to two days with no major structural work.
Why Ductless Is Often the Better Fit in Milwaukee
For Milwaukee's classic bungalow and two-flat housing stock, ductless often wins on practicality. Beyond avoiding duct installation, ductless systems offer room-by-room temperature control, high-efficiency ratings, and — in cold-climate models — year-round operation. Cold-climate ductless models maintain full heating output at outdoor temperatures well below zero Fahrenheit, making them a viable furnace alternative in a home that currently has a boiler.
If you've always assumed your Milwaukee home "can't have central air," contact Burkhardt for a free in-home evaluation. The answer may be more straightforward than you expect.
Schedule Your Furnace Replacement Assessment
FAQ's
How do I know if my air conditioner needs to be replaced or repaired?
Consider replacing your AC if it's 15 years old or older, if it uses R-22 (Freon) refrigerant that's no longer manufactured, if it has needed multiple repairs in the past two to three years, or if the repair estimate multiplied by the unit's age exceeds $5,000. Newer systems also provide substantially lower operating costs — a unit rated at 18 SEER2 is significantly more efficient than an aging system running at the equivalent of 12–13 SEER2. If you've received a repair diagnosis and want a second opinion, Burkhardt offers free second opinions on HVAC diagnoses. Call 414-206-3049.
Should I replace my furnace and AC at the same time?
Often yes, especially if both are more than 12 to 15 years old. The indoor evaporator coil that connects your AC to your furnace air handler must be matched to the new condenser for proper efficiency and full warranty coverage. Installing both at once also saves on labor, since the ductwork and air handler are accessible for both jobs simultaneously. Financing can cover both systems in a single agreement. Ask your Burkhardt technician to evaluate your furnace when quoting AC replacement.
What size air conditioner do I need for my Milwaukee home?
Sizing depends on your home's square footage, insulation, ceiling height, window area, local climate, and other factors — not just floor area. A common rule of thumb is one ton of cooling per 400 to 600 square feet, but this varies widely based on how your home is built. Burkhardt performs a Manual J load calculation on every installation — the industry-standard method that accounts for all these variables —to ensure your new system is correctly sized without being oversized or undersized.
What is a good SEER2 rating for a new AC in Wisconsin?
A frozen AC coil is almost always caused by restricted airflow (dirty filter, closed or blocked vents), low refrigerant from a leak, or a malfunctioning blower motor that is not moving enough air across the evaporator coil. Running a frozen system risks compressor damage. Turn the system off, switch the fan to "on" to thaw the coil, and call a technician before restarting.
What rebates are available for a new AC in Wisconsin?
Rebate eligibility depends on system type. If you install a heat pump (which both heats and cools), you may qualify for Wisconsin Focus on Energy instant discounts, which reduce your invoice at the point of sale — tiers are based on efficiency rating. Federal tax credits under IRA Section 25C may also apply to qualifying equipment. Standard central AC replacements may be eligible for a federal tax credit for EnergyStar-certified units; heat pump installations qualify for a separate, higher credit tier. Income-qualified households may receive additional incentives through the HEAR program administered by Focus on Energy. Burkhardt is a Focus on Energy Trade Ally and handles rebate paperwork on your behalf. Consult a tax professional regarding federal credit eligibility.
Can you add central air to a Milwaukee home that has never had it?
Yes. Many Milwaukee homes were built with boiler heat and no ductwork, and adding cooling is absolutely possible. You have two main options: add ductwork and install a traditional central AC system (practical if your home has accessible attic or basement space), or install ductless mini-splits, which require only a small penetration through an exterior wall. For most of Milwaukee's pre-1960 housing stock, ductless is the faster, less invasive path. Contact Burkhardt for a free in-home assessment to determine which approach is right for your home.
Do I need to replace both the indoor and outdoor AC units at the same time?
Use the $5,000 Rule: multiply the system's age in years by the repair cost in dollars. If the result exceeds $5,000, replacement typically offers better long-term value. A 12-year-old system needing a $500 repair($6,000) leans toward replacement; a 5-year-old system with the same repair ($2,500) is worth fixing. The refrigerant type — especially R-22 systems — can accelerate this decision toward replacement.
How long does AC installation take?
A straightforward replacement — swapping an old matched system for new equipment — typically takes 4 to 8 hours. More complex installations involving new ductwork, electrical service upgrades, or multiple ductless mini-split zones may require a full day or occasionally two days. Burkhardt will give you a clear timeline before work begins, and we communicate any changes if unexpected conditions arise during the job.
Do you pull permits for AC installation in Milwaukee?
Yes. Burkhardt pulls all required permits on your behalf, including the City of Milwaukee mechanical permit and any electrical permits required for the work. This is non-negotiable from our side — unpermitted HVAC installations can create complications when selling your home and may void manufacturer warranties. We handle all permit paperwork so you don't have to.
Does Burkhardt offer financing for new AC systems?
Yes. Burkhardt offers financing options that allow you to spread installation costs over time. Financing is available for single-system AC replacements as well as combined AC and furnace replacement projects. Ask about available plans — including promotional interest rate options — when you schedule your free in-home estimate.
What should I do to prepare for AC installation day?
Clear a path to your furnace, utility room, and attic access if applicable. Secure pets away from the work area. Make sure your thermostat is accessible. If the installation involves an outdoor condenser pad, confirm the area is accessible and any plantings or obstacles have been cleared. Your Burkhardt installation team will walk you through any specific prep when they confirm your appointment.
Is ductless mini-split AC a good option for Milwaukee homes?
For many Milwaukee homes — especially those built before 1960 without existing ductwork — ductless mini-splits are the most practical and efficient cooling option available. They install without ductwork, provide room-by-room temperature control, and in cold-climate models operate effectively as both cooling and heating systems through Wisconsin winters. Burkhardt's trained, licensed technicians install and service ductless systems throughout the Milwaukee metro.
My AC uses R-22 refrigerant. Should I replace it?
R-22 (Freon) refrigerant was banned from new production and import in the United States as of January 1,2020. Remaining stockpiles are limited and expensive. If your R-22 system develops a refrigerant leak, repair costs can be disproportionately high compared to what the repair is worth. For most Milwaukee home owners with R-22 equipment, replacement with a modern system using current refrigerants is the economically sound decision, especially if the unit is already 15 or more years old.
Ready to Schedule Your AC Repair?