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Air conditioner replacement is certainly a big project, and many homeowners are eager to reduce the costs involved as much as possible. That’s certainly understandable, but there are several important corners that you simply can’t cut.
For example, you must rely on a team of licensed HVAC professionals to carry out the installation work. That’s the only way to ensure your new AC unit will be installed properly and provide trouble-free comfort for years. It’s also important that you obtain all the necessary permits.
But are permits necessary when you replace an air conditioner? What if you’re installing a ductless mini-split system? What about window units?
We’ll answer all of these questions below.
Do You Need a Permit to Replace an Air Conditioner in Oakland County?
Yes, you will have to obtain a mechanical permit for most AC replacement projects in Oakland County, with one basic exception (more on this in a moment). However, the regulatory system in place is a bit complex.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) requires that homeowners and commercial property owners (or someone working on their behalf) obtain a mechanical permit for any AC installation or replacement project. In fact, most mechanical projects require a permit, except those involving only minor repairs.
The department lays this all out very clearly on their webpage, explaining that:
“Except for replacement of minor parts, mechanical work shall not be started until a permit for such work has been issued by the appropriate enforcing agency. A homeowner must secure a permit for work they are performing at their residence, and mechanical contractors are responsible for permits on work they are performing on behalf of an owner.”
However, LARA doesn’t issue permits or enforce these requirements directly. Instead, these tasks are left to the individual cities, townships, and villages in the state. But all 62 local municipalities in Oakland County require a permit for this kind of work, so you can consider it a county-wide requirement.
You can find more information about the permit requirements and overall permitting process at some of the links below:
- City of Novi
- City of Farmington Hills
- City of Southfield
- Orion Township
- Independence Township
- City of Rochester Hills
- City of Royal Oak
- City of Troy
One AC Permitting Exception in Oakland County: Window Units
While you’ll need a permit to install a central AC or ductless mini-split system in Michigan, you don’t need a permit to install a self-contained window unit. These units are sealed and don’t require any contact with coolants or electrical work. So, they’re largely treated like refrigerators.
You can simply purchase one and install it without any further action required.
How Do You Obtain an AC Replacement Permit in Oakland County?
Obtaining a mechanical permit is easy in most Oakland County municipalities. Most local cities and townships allow you to download an application and submit your payment online through the city’s website, though a few may require you to visit city hall in person.
However, the easiest way to obtain an AC replacement permit is by having a professional HVAC contractor — like the experts at Dynamic HVAC — complete the work. We’ll be happy to obtain the necessary permits on your behalf.
How Much Is an AC Replacement Permit in Oakland County?
The prices associated with mechanical permits in Oakland County municipalities vary quite a bit from one town and city to the next. However, the fees charged by most cities are relatively affordable and range between $25 and $200.
It is worth noting that some cities and towns charge different fees for different kinds of AC replacement work, based on the size or type of unit being installed, or the complexity of the job.
What Happens If You Don’t Get an AC Replacement Permit in Oakland County?
We understand that it can be tempting to consider having your AC replaced without obtaining a permit, but that’s never a good idea. In fact, doing so may cause you to face pretty significant fines and penalties.
Most cities, towns, and villages will impose administrative fees on homeowners who fail to obtain the necessary permits. For example, the City of Troy imposes a $125 administrative fee for failing to secure a permit, while Bloomfield Township charges twice as much as you’d have paid to obtain the permit before work began.
Additionally, if you’re discovered having your AC replaced without a permit, the local municipality may issue a stop-work order. To have it removed, you’ll need to pay all of the permit and administrative fees and carry out any work necessary to ensure the installation is being completed in code-compliant fashion.
But it can get even worse; you could even be charged with criminal penalties in some cases. Both the State of Michigan and most local municipalities consider the failure to obtain a permit a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Given all of these potential headaches, it simply makes good sense to obtain all of the permits you need for an AC replacement project.
Two More Reasons It’s Wise to Obtain a Permit for AC Replacement in Oakland County
In addition to the fines and other penalties you may face for failing to obtain a mechanical permit in Oakland County, there are two other reasons to follow the regulations:
- When you attempt to sell your home in the future, a home inspector may discover that you failed to obtain the necessary permits. This may result in you having to pay the penalties explained earlier, and it may also complicate the entire home-selling process.
- Your insurance company may not cover damage caused by an AC that was installed without a permit. If, for example, your drain lines don’t work properly, gallons of water could end up spilling into your home, causing thousands of dollars of uncovered damage.
AC Replacement Permits: FAQ
Have additional questions about AC permits in Oakland County? We’ve rounded up a few of the questions we hear from our customers and answered them below.
Do you need a permit to install an AC in Michigan?
Yes, in most cases, you will need a mechanical permit to legally install an AC unit in Michigan. The only exception is for self-contained, plug-and-play window AC units. Those do not require a permit.
How long does it take to get a permit for AC?
It can vary from one town or city to the next, and it can also vary depending on the specifics of your AC replacement project. With that said, it generally takes between a few days and a few weeks.
Can a homeowner install their own AC unit?
There are some systems designed specifically for homeowner installation, but generally speaking, AC installation should be left to the professionals. It’s also important to note that these types of projects will still require a permit.
Who is responsible for pulling permits in Michigan?
Ultimately, the homeowner or property owner is responsible for obtaining any necessary permits. However, professional, licensed HVAC contractors will generally do this for you.
Trust Dynamic HVAC for All Your AC Repair and Replacement Needs!
Whether you need a new AC installed or help with an existing system, the professionals at Dynamic HVAC are ready to help. We serve Farmington Hills, Pontiac, West Bloomfield Township, and throughout Oakland County.
Contact us today for a free estimate.
Sources and References
- State of Michigan – “Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)”
The official state department that handles professional licensing, construction permit review (through the Bureau of Construction Codes), regulated business oversight, and licensing/permit applications and renewals for many professions and industries in Michigan.
https://www.michigan.gov/lara - Oakland County, Michigan – “Home”
The official county site offers access to many services: property records, permits, contact information, service finder tools, and directories for various departments.
https://www.oakgov.com
