v10rick said:
Please tell me more.
What brand did you install?
HTP
v10rick said:
Did you get a bid from a HVAC contractor before deciding on the DIY project?
I looked at the project several times over a 3 year period and had bids from 3,500 to 10,500. During the bid process one of the high end contractors asked me why I didn't just do the work myself. The same contractor agreed to do the final setup checkout.
v10rick said:
-$5,000 Yup, that's right negative 5K. I "lost" money if I consider my time. I spent about 4 grand on equipment, parts, supplies, and tools. I really didn't do the project to save money. I took it as a challenge and an opportunity to see if I could design and install a system. Some people climb mountains, run marathons, or collect butterflys, I like building mechanical things. The system I installed is in compliance with the manufacturer's requirements and has good access for maintenance. Most importantly, it works!
v10rick said:
My brother-in-law (excellent mechanic but knows nothing about HVAC) intalled his AC system. He purchased the equipment from a local contractor and when the work was completed the contractor checked it and charged the system.
Working with the contractor before starting the project should alleviate most of Jimbo's concerns. Find a contractor that understands customer's are not just an ATM and things should go fine.
v10rick said:
I have experienced the "get er done" syndrome. Fortunately this project is seperated from the existing living space so if it sits there is no harm done.
Keep in mind that HVAC may not be as simple as it appears on the surface. Your comment about using someone online to do the sizing is a little concerning. I did my own heat load calcs and looked at pressure drops in the piping enough to know that things would work. I'm an engineer so the design aspect was no big deal. I work with natural gas and crude oil systems so I knew I could do things safely and that the resultant installation would be safe. In my opinion, in order to do the job right you've got to educate yourself to at least have a solid basic understanding of the design and application process. HVAC might be "insert tab A into slot B" when putting things together but ya gotta know why and when tab A goes into slot B or you might not understand if it's right and safe.
I probably should have written some form of the following two paragraphs with my first reply:
DIY HVAC is generally not advised. That said, there are many folks that have the training and experience to handle the task. Your brother-in-law doing his own AC is an example of someone who works with tools everyday, has to be safety concious, and had a contractor do the startup. That is a reasonable combination.
On the other hand, if the prospective DIY sells insurance or used cars with a paper cut or spilled coffee as their worst on-the-job hazards and their problem solving skills amount to shuffling paper, well, they better be real careful about taking on a DIY HVAC project. I'm not saying insurance or used car salesmen are bad people. I am using those jobs as examples of positions where one isn't required to be focused on working safely and turning out a product that is safe for other people to use.