EV Chargers, AC & Modern Home Upgrades FAQ

FAQ From Calgary Homeowners

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common questions people ask

Popular Questions

Can my home support an EV charger?

The short answer is: it depends. With the right planning, many Calgary homes can support an EV charger.

Whether your home can handle an EV charger comes down to a few key factors: the size of your electrical service and panel, how much power your home already uses, and where you want the charger installed. Older Calgary homes or homes with 100A service can be closer to their limit depending on other major loads like air conditioning, hot tubs, electric ranges, and dryers.

Having those appliances doesn’t automatically mean “no charger.” It just means the right next step is checking the overall picture. After a load calculation, we can tell you what’s possible and what the best path forward looks like. The good news: many homeowners are pleasantly surprised. With modern load management or smart chargers, a full system upgrade is often not necessary.

Related: EV Charger Installation

Do you install Tesla and Level 2 EV chargers?

Yes. Crew Electrical Services installs Level 2 EV chargers for all major brands, including Tesla.

Level 2 chargers are the most common choice for Calgary homeowners because they charge significantly faster than standard outlets and are designed for daily use. The best charger for you depends on your vehicle, how much you drive, where you park, and your home’s electrical capacity.

Installation is more than “mount it and wire it.” A proper install can include a load calculation, permits, coordinating inspections, and ensuring everything meets Alberta Electrical Code. We help you choose the right setup and complete the installation safely and correctly.

Related: EV Charger Installation

Do I need a load calculation for an EV charger in Calgary?

Yes. In Calgary, a load calculation is required before installing an EV charger.

This isn’t just paperwork. The purpose is to confirm your current electrical system has enough capacity to safely handle the extra demand. Alberta Electrical Code requires electricians to verify capacity before adding high-demand equipment like a Level 2 charger.

Crew Electrical Services handles the full process. We complete the load calculation, explain the results in plain language, and submit what’s required to the City of Calgary. If upgrades are needed, we’ll walk you through options and help you choose the most practical solution for your home and budget.

Related: EV Charger Installation

What happens if my home doesn’t have enough capacity?

If your home is short on capacity, you still have options. The best solution depends on how close to the limit your system is and what equipment you’re adding.

In many cases, a load shedding or load management device can be installed. This allows a high-demand device (like an EV charger) to pause temporarily when other major appliances are running, preventing overload. These systems are automatic and can often avoid the need for a full panel upgrade.

If your capacity is very limited, a panel upgrade may be the recommended long-term solution. Either way, the goal is the same: safe, code-compliant power without guessing.

Related: Electrical Panel Upgrades in Calgary and EV Charger Installation

Can you install an EV charger in a garage or parkade?

Yes. Crew Electrical Services can install EV chargers in attached garages, detached garages, and parkades, including many townhomes and some multi-unit residential buildings.

The installation process varies depending on ownership, access, and how the electrical system is set up. Single-family homes are usually the most straightforward. Condos and parkades can require additional steps like coordination with property management, load calculations for shared electrical systems, and sometimes board approval.

If you’re in a condo or parkade, the key is planning: verifying power availability, mapping the route for wiring, and confirming what approvals are needed before work starts.

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Can you install electrical for air conditioning or heat pumps?

Yes. While Crew Electrical Services doesn’t install the HVAC equipment itself, we install the electrical components required to power an AC unit or heat pump safely and correctly.

That can include running the correct circuit, installing disconnects, verifying capacity, and coordinating with your HVAC contractor so everything is compliant and reliable. Having an electrician and HVAC contractor working together helps avoid problems like undersized wiring, incorrect breakers, or equipment that can’t operate as designed.

If you’re adding AC or a heat pump and you’re not sure whether your service can handle it, a load calculation is often the smartest first step.

Related: Get an Online Estimate or Contact Crew Electrical Services

Will adding AC or an EV charger affect my insurance or resale value?

Yes, and usually in a good way, when it’s installed properly.

Adding AC or an EV charger can improve resale value if the work is done correctly and you have the right documentation. From an insurance standpoint, what matters is that the work is completed by a licensed electrician and inspected when required.

Being able to provide documentation for load calculations, inspections, and panel upgrades (if applicable) gives buyers peace of mind that the home is modern, safe, and code-compliant. Properly installed upgrades are an investment in comfort and convenience, but they also help protect long-term value.

Related: EV Charger Installation and Electrical Panel Upgrades in Calgary