Yes. You can replace your own HVAC system, and end up with a higher level of satisfaction, not to mention saving THOUSANDS of dollars. Replacing your HVAC system can be a lot of work, but most homeowners have something at their disposal that contractors don’t have and its TIME. You can work on your own schedule, and do things properly, with a great outcome. However, if you don’t have the mechanical knowledge of how electricity and refrigerant works, I’d advise leaving this to the professionals. But with that being said, we have helped DOZENS of homeowners replace their system successfully, so it’s simply a matter of your confidence level. And as always, please be safe. The last thing we want is for you to get injured or cause any property damage!

Absolutely not. Lets think about this for a minute. R22 was around for a long time, and back in 2008, it was decided to phase that refrigerant out. TO THIS DAY, there is r22 systems that are still running, and r22 refrigerant is still accessible. So don’t let people bully you into getting a new system because r410a is being phased out. The reality is that r410a will be around for a long time to come, and has less components, so if you had the choice between installing r410a equipment or r32, I’d go with the r410a equipment.

Absolutely. Lets do a hypothetical here. You need a new hvac system, so you get some bids from different companies and they range from $12,000 to $15,000. Now you go to alpinehomeair.com and find all the hvac equipment you need for $4,500 including shipping (they will deliver it with a liftgate and even bring it in your garage if you’d like). Now you go to our amazon store (amazon.com/shop/thediyhvacguy) and you purchase every tool needed for this installation. I have averaged this price our, including an hvac manifold gauges, vacuum pump, Schrader core removal tool, ductwork tools, soldering tools, micron gauge and other items, and it averages out to be about $1,200. So if we factor in another 500 for accessories like a disconnect, a pad, an electrical whip, we are in this project $6,200. That is a total savings of between $5,800 and $8,800!!!! So yes you will absolutely save money even though you’ll need to buy some tools.

This is something that most people don’t know and is still relatively new. We offer remote support for your system replacement. So if you have questions, or just want some guidance to boost your confidence, we are here for you. With that, our remote support includes equipment warranty registration! So we collect the equipment information, along with the information you’d like to be tied to the warranty, and you get the same warranty as any professional company! Our remote support can be found at Patreon.com/diyhvacguy. This remote support can be signed up and cancelled at any time, so even if you only need it for one month, we have you covered.

A good rule of thumb for this is every 3 months. However, you should definitely take into consideration your particular health needs. Do you have bad allergies, do you have asthma, do you have pets that shed? All of these things should be taken into consideration. Something that takes all of the guesswork out of this is setting up your filters on a subscription plan with Filterbuy. Filterbuy Is where I get all my filters, and they ship right to your door and offer discounts when you set up a subscription so you don’t have to make an emergency run when your system isn’t working correctly because the filter is plugged up. This will also help you to get the most life out of your HVAC system!

In my honest opinion, “service plans” are an opportunity for HVAC technicians to come and sell you something you simply don’t need. Just like when you bring your car to the dealership and they give you an exhaustive list of repairs it needs. I’m not saying that all hvac companies are out to get you, but unfortunately, many of them are. I’d say if you want to get an hvac service done, its not needed every year, much less twice a year. Schedule them maybe every couple to three years, and in between, simply keep your air filter replaced, and give your outside unit a good rinse from time to time.

You will hear differing opinions on this, but my advice is no. The outdoor unit is designed to be in the elements. Will the paint fade a bit faster, sure. But at the end of the day, covering your unit will not improve the functionality of it. With that being said, you could also be providing a nice warm home for rodents, which could end up costing you more in repairs, then you are saving by covering it. I will also mention that if you have a heat pump system then absolutely do not cover it, as it will run year round, summer and winter time.

I have seen systems last between 15-30 years. Much of this is dependent on two things. How the system was originally installed, and how it has been maintained. Now when I say maintained, I don’t mean you need to have it serviced two times a year. I simply mean, keep your air filters replaced, (also make sure that you have a good seal so no air is bypassing the filter) Your money is better spent having the filter rack upgraded, then paying to have it serviced. Also, just rinse off your outside unit from time to time with a water hose. Its really that easy.