Installing my own AC system

[IHateMyJob2004]

I know fow to do plumbing and electrical. I would do AC own my own also (running ductwork, etc), but getting the parts seems to be difficult with all but one major brand.

So, my question is, how hard is it to become certified to install AC systems and thus be able to buy products by the likes of Trane, whom all distributors seem to require that you be a certified tech? Could i just become a General Contractor and get access to the equipment?

I know I have to learn about designing a blanced system, but I'm not that worried about that aspect. That can be learned.

For the raw material costs, I can probably save $10K on labor. That's my motivation.

Anyone?

Thanks

 

[drnickriviera]

Go to your local A/C supply house and see if they have the EPA test. They will give/sell you a study guide, then you just take the test and you are certified. Then you can buy all the equipment and refridgerant you want.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Originally posted by: drnickriviera
Go to your local A/C supply house and see if they have the EPA test. They will give/sell you a study guide, then you just take the test and you are certified. Then you can buy all the equipment and refridgerant you want.

Oh, it's that easy????

WOW! I'm going to do it. I'll save a bundle.

THANKS!!!!!

EDIT: I actually get it now ... they are restrictive over selling equipment for environmental reasons. I thought thre was more to it though. Couldn't I just buy the equipment, then have an HVAC company do the refridgerant later? Iguess my question is why canI not buy the equipment up front? What EPA requlations would prevent the sale to me?

Will AC supply places help design my system in the same manner a kitchen cabinet store will help design my kitchen cabinet plan?

Now I am getting excited.

 

[KK]

how about ebay. I noticed they have some systems on there, I don't think you gotta be certified to buy.

 

[franksta]

As far as I know you can buy the equipment but for stupid reasons I will not elaborate on the refridgerant requires a license to obtain/handle.

For example, these guys will sell you the equipment. I will however state I've never done business with them or know anybody who has so you're on your own in that regard.

 

[PAB]

Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
I know fow to do plumbing and electrical. I would do AC own my own also (running ductwork, etc), but getting the parts seems to be difficult with all but one major brand.

So, my question is, how hard is it to become certified to install AC systems and thus be able to buy products by the likes of Trane, whom all distributors seem to require that you be a certified tech? Could i just become a General Contractor and get access to the equipment?

I know I have to learn about designing a blanced system, but I'm not that worried about that aspect. That can be learned.

For the raw material costs, I can probably save $10K on labor. That's my motivation.

Anyone?

Thanks

How can you save $10k on labor?

I had the entire house reducted - about 1800 SF for $4000
I had a new heat pump put in - labor was around $500

I'm curious to see where the other $6500 comes from.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
I know fow to do plumbing and electrical. I would do AC own my own also (running ductwork, etc), but getting the parts seems to be difficult with all but one major brand.

So, my question is, how hard is it to become certified to install AC systems and thus be able to buy products by the likes of Trane, whom all distributors seem to require that you be a certified tech? Could i just become a General Contractor and get access to the equipment?

I know I have to learn about designing a blanced system, but I'm not that worried about that aspect. That can be learned.

For the raw material costs, I can probably save $10K on labor. That's my motivation.

Anyone?

Thanks

How can you save $10k on labor?

I had the entire house reducted - about 1800 SF for $4000
I had a new heat pump put in - labor was around $500

I'm curious to see where the other $6500 comes from.

LABOR:
2-3 cemeent platforms for the condensors
Run electrical
Run plumbing
run ductwork
Pentrate floor/ceiling as needed.

Raw materials ....

I have no ducts, I have hot water baseboard heat. I need to do all the ductowork and I am not doing that high velocity stuff as it's to noisy. I keep forgetting about one thing though ... new tech probably does make running hte ductowrk much faster. I forget that they make flexible products in long lengths now to do that.

I will be getting esitmates, but to do 2500 sqft and knowing I require 3 blowers and 3 condensors, I am expecting numbers i nthe $15K range to do everything. I can do the pads and electricalI suppose .... I guess I should jsut start with estiamtes.

If labor costs come in at $5K though (I live in CT ... so things are more costly) I will figure out how to do all the labor on my own.

THanks for all the tips!!!

 

[woowoo]

Just have a few minisplits put in.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Originally posted by: woowoo
Just have a few minisplits put in.

minisplits???


----

Oh, and on antoher topic, Idecidedto do AC after I tiled my kitchen floor. This should result in an interesting vent system for hte kitchen. I might come in through the framing for my breakfast bar which is framed about 7" wide. Should be doable. Not to concerned about uniformity as much as simply keeping things cool. The home is well insulated thanks to brand new windows that hte previous owners put in.

 

[drnickriviera]

I should also tell you that some A/C supply houses won't even talk to you if you do not have a license to do contract work. Some times i'll call for parts and they won't even give me a price. Other companies will sell you anything you need as long as you have the EPA cert.

 

[IGBT]

..you have to become EPA certified in the handling of and servicing of devices containing freon and it's equivalents.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

you shouldn't use flex duct for anything over 10 feet.

and these types of things fall under the category of "if you have to ask how, you have no business doing it"

I meet people all the time that think they are going to be their own GC or do their own work when they have no clue what they are doing, and without fail, they always screw it up and have to hire someone to fix it, or determine that after all the mistakes they made they should have just had someone else do it.

 

[KLin]

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
I know fow to do plumbing and electrical. I would do AC own my own also (running ductwork, etc), but getting the parts seems to be difficult with all but one major brand.

So, my question is, how hard is it to become certified to install AC systems and thus be able to buy products by the likes of Trane, whom all distributors seem to require that you be a certified tech? Could i just become a General Contractor and get access to the equipment?

I know I have to learn about designing a blanced system, but I'm not that worried about that aspect. That can be learned.

For the raw material costs, I can probably save $10K on labor. That's my motivation.

Anyone?

Thanks

How can you save $10k on labor?

I had the entire house reducted - about 1800 SF for $4000
I had a new heat pump put in - labor was around $500

I'm curious to see where the other $6500 comes from.

I'd like to know where that extra 1000 came from.