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Started By
Message
Worth it to DIY central AC install?
Posted on 6/18/24 at 11:05 am
Posted on 6/18/24 at 11:05 am
Need to replace a 25+yo R22 3-ton unit that leaked all the refrigerant. I would like to replace the condenser and evaporator myself, including all electrical, then hire out connecting the lines and charging it up. I'm confident in my ability to do it, and time is not a factor as the house is not occupied. The evaporator is easy to access, and nobody will have to even go in the attic unless I change the line set too.
Any guesses on how much I could save? I think I can do it in a weekend, and if I can save $2k+ then I'll do it.
Any guesses on how much I could save? I think I can do it in a weekend, and if I can save $2k+ then I'll do it.
10
Posted on 6/18/24 at 11:35 am to Korkstand
let me put it this way
I am a commercial contractor. I am aware of the how as far as installation of HVAC equipment goes, I’ve seen it done hundreds of times and I know exactly what goes where and why. I just had to replace my equipment at home (2 split systems). I did not consider for even a single second doing it myself
I am a commercial contractor. I am aware of the how as far as installation of HVAC equipment goes, I’ve seen it done hundreds of times and I know exactly what goes where and why. I just had to replace my equipment at home (2 split systems). I did not consider for even a single second doing it myself
Posted on 6/18/24 at 11:38 am to Korkstand
Find some DIY Youtube videos. Theres a handful that are done really well.
Posted on 6/18/24 at 11:53 am to Korkstand
It's certainly not complicated, especially if the line set and sizing are equal to what you have now. This doesn't consider if the line set is contaminated by the R22, etc. You using the same ductwork? Is it essentially plug and play?
The nuts and bolts of it are relatively straight forward.
i say this as having recently done a ton (pun intended) of research on air conditioning install and am in the middle of a mini split install (i know it's not the same but the concepts are similar).
The nuts and bolts of it are relatively straight forward.
i say this as having recently done a ton (pun intended) of research on air conditioning install and am in the middle of a mini split install (i know it's not the same but the concepts are similar).
Posted on 6/18/24 at 12:07 pm to Korkstand
I would have if I didn’t get a great deal from a contractor on a February. 3x 3-3.5 tons full furnace sets for $4k each installed like 4 years ago.
I would probably get the full set with handler and furnace or whatever and upgrade to full backup water pan.
Looks like you can still DIY full 3T sets for $3k or so plus a few hundred for tagging old unit, connecting lines, vac, and open. Few hundred more for heat pump. Few hundred less for AC parts only. Price out some independent contractors though. You might find a deal. Never know until you try.
If you change a gas furnace and have a steep roof, you may need a taller or relocated chimney to meet code if you’re licensing your work which you may not have the legal authority to do since the house is vacant and not your primary dwelling.
I would probably get the full set with handler and furnace or whatever and upgrade to full backup water pan.
Looks like you can still DIY full 3T sets for $3k or so plus a few hundred for tagging old unit, connecting lines, vac, and open. Few hundred more for heat pump. Few hundred less for AC parts only. Price out some independent contractors though. You might find a deal. Never know until you try.
If you change a gas furnace and have a steep roof, you may need a taller or relocated chimney to meet code if you’re licensing your work which you may not have the legal authority to do since the house is vacant and not your primary dwelling.
This post was edited on 6/18/24 at 12:14 pm
Posted on 6/18/24 at 12:29 pm to Korkstand
its doable if handy and don't mind spending 500 or so in tools. Be advised the 10 year manufacture warranty will be void if not done by a licensed installer. Whoever you get may sign off on it for you but I doubt they will want to put their name on something they didn't install.
Posted on 6/18/24 at 12:40 pm to cgrand
quote:I guess there are 2 types of people in the world, and you and I are different types!
let me put it this way
I am a commercial contractor. I am aware of the how as far as installation of HVAC equipment goes, I’ve seen it done hundreds of times and I know exactly what goes where and why. I just had to replace my equipment at home (2 split systems). I did not consider for even a single second doing it myself
Posted on 6/18/24 at 12:42 pm to Turnblad85
quote:
500 or so in tools.
What tools? He isn’t considering brazing, vacuuming, or even measuring liquid or suction pressures.
Hell, I have everything I would need here except adapters just from owning a home and working on car AC. The only tricky part is correctly clearing the old refrigerant if that is to be done properly.
Posted on 6/18/24 at 12:48 pm to poochie
quote:I will probably just replace the line set too. Same ductwork, should be plug and play mostly.
It's certainly not complicated, especially if the line set and sizing are equal to what you have now. This doesn't consider if the line set is contaminated by the R22, etc. You using the same ductwork? Is it essentially plug and play?
quote:I think so too, just unsure how much I will save by doing it.
The nuts and bolts of it are relatively straight forward.
Posted on 6/18/24 at 1:00 pm to Dallaswho
quote:That sounds like a hell of a deal. If it was that cheap no way I would do it myself.
I would have if I didn’t get a great deal from a contractor on a February. 3x 3-3.5 tons full furnace sets for $4k each installed like 4 years ago.
quote:That's what I'm seeing.
Looks like you can still DIY full 3T sets for $3k or so plus a few hundred for tagging old unit, connecting lines, vac, and open.
quote:I would love to switch from the gas furnace to a heat pump. I haven't taken a deep dive into them yet. Do you think I'd have to do some additional electrical work for the heating element? Know if there are ones that don't need that supplemental heat?
Few hundred more for heat pump.
Posted on 6/18/24 at 1:10 pm to Turnblad85
quote:I think I have everything I'd need for the work I'm considering.
its doable if handy and don't mind spending 500 or so in tools.
That said, I have also thought about doing the whole job. I'm always up for acquiring new skills (and tools!), and in addition to my personal hvac systems there are more than a dozen hvac systems, coolers, freezers, and ice makers in my work world that I *could* manage. It's expensive calling someone out for all that.
Posted on 6/18/24 at 1:10 pm to Korkstand
if i was an ac contractor, i wouldn't want to touch your install job and then they'd be assuming liability for anything that goes wrong later on from a unit not even installed by them or purchased from.
This post was edited on 6/18/24 at 1:24 pm
Posted on 6/18/24 at 1:23 pm to Chad504boy
quote:I've called plenty of AC guys over the years and none of them had a problem working on a system they didn't install or sell to me.
if i was an ac contractor, i wouldn't want to touch your install job and then they'd be assuming liability for anything that goes wrong later on from a unit not even installed by them.
This post was edited on 6/18/24 at 1:35 pm
Posted on 6/18/24 at 1:40 pm to Korkstand
quote:
Do you think I'd have to do some additional electrical work for the heating element? Know if there are ones that don't need that supplemental heat?
Definitely an additional 240 circuit. I don’t know the in and outs of what climates are best suited for them. Resistive heat option would always be required IMO but I could be wrong.
Posted on 6/18/24 at 2:08 pm to Chad504boy
quote:
if i was an ac contractor, i wouldn't want to touch your install job and then they'd be assuming liability for anything that goes wrong later on from a unit not even installed by them or purchased from.
But you’re not an ac contractor. People always post this type of stuff “if I was so and so I wouldn’t touch your work”. Ok, you’re not. Move on.
I guarantee small mom and pop outfits would welcome what he asked. A few hundred bucks to make connections, vacuum, and charge. That’s easy money.
Posted on 6/18/24 at 2:43 pm to Korkstand
If memory serves, depending on the brand, the biggest issue would probably revolve around the warranty. Many brands require an authorized installer to put the system in for the warranty to be valid or at least fully valid. I think that some (like Goodman, if I recall correctly) do not so you may want to check on that when making a decision for which unit to install.
And I could have that all wrong in my old brain
but check on it before you pull the trigger..
And I could have that all wrong in my old brain
but check on it before you pull the trigger..Posted on 6/18/24 at 3:02 pm to Korkstand
I'm considering 2 systems this year but I won't be installing.
The new refrigerant, which is flammable is coming out next year and installers have a year to get rid of inventory. Prices are about to increase 25% for the new systems.
The new refrigerant, which is flammable is coming out next year and installers have a year to get rid of inventory. Prices are about to increase 25% for the new systems.
Posted on 6/18/24 at 3:38 pm to Chad504boy
quote:You had such a problem with me asking about a DIY job here on the Home & Garden board that you decided to mock me in another thread on another board?
Chad504boy
Posted on 6/18/24 at 4:54 pm to Dallaswho
quote:
What tools? He isn’t considering brazing, vacuuming, or even measuring liquid or suction pressures.
Hell, I have everything I would need here except adapters just from owning a home and working on car AC. The only tricky part is correctly clearing the old refrigerant if that is to be done properly.
tools i would say you need:
copper flaring tool ($30 amazon)
copper tube bender ($70 amazon)
feeling froggy, vacuum and gauges (probably $100 on amazon)
honestly, every diy mechanic should have a set of gauges and vacuum. I bought a set to work on my wife's car and learned how to use them on youtube, paid for themselves many times over...
Posted on 6/18/24 at 6:10 pm to Korkstand
You'll easily save $2,000. I had to replace a leaking evaporator coil a few years ago. I was quoted $3,000. I replaced it myself for $600.
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