DIY Central Air Install for $3300 (Including Tools!)

[@eldoradoboy]

former HVAC pro here.. I LOVE to see people learn how to properly install and maintain their own equipment.. I help people out for free all the time.. yes there are special tools that the average homeowner would probably never use again.. but the vast majority of an install, a savvy homeowner can complete themselves and then just have a pro do the vac down, leak test, and startup / test.. same wit ha furnace.. the pro can test the furnace combustion and adjust gas pressure as necessary for spec...

[@claire4974]

Are you in Pennsylvania by any chance? 😇

[@fredvanderwerff973]

Thanks for this Nils. I know what it meant to my mother to get this done. I think we’re all happy we don’t have to worry about (deal with) her swamp cooler anymore. 😅 I hope this gets 50 million+ views. You guys are great.

[@LRN2DIY]

Glad to do it. I only wish we could have gotten to it sooner.

[@fredvanderwerff973]

@@LRN2DIY True...but now it's done. So that's all that matters.

[@rlwoodlief]

You're a good son in law. This world needs more men of character like yourself and the AC guy! God bless you both.

[@billygilbert7911]

For sure. Very sweet.

[@jprich7]

KZbin needs more of these videos. Great job.

[@bobberndt9744]

I NEVER would have considered this a DIY project, but I can easily see doing 85-90% of this work to save a lot of money for a similar installation.

[@planesandbikes7353]

It is intimidating. I'd be keen to do it at my main home (but I did a Mini Split, which is easier). At my vacation house 1500 miles away I don;t have my workshop full of tools and the 3 ton central AC is going to need replacement in the next few years. But saving $6k is a huge lump of money justifying rebuying all the tools and even vacuum pump, guages valves etc needed to do this absolutely by the book.

[@rickbarnett9729]

If you just buy the unit itself and whatever you mite need like line set if you don’t have any yes you can reuse line set if it’s ok you can hire ac person to hook it up for you and still save lot of money

[@---ny4ys]

@@planesandbikes7353 buy the tools from a pawn shop. youll save at least another 500 to 1000 in the end. gauges can be had for 20 bucks or so. torch and pump will be a bit more but you can probably get each for 100 or 150 ish

[@chadmarkley]

Heck yeah you can do it!!! Love that channels like this are encouraging DIYers like us to take on bigger and bigger projects.

[@davidsanders6957]

Go ahead, then pay ME even more MONEY to come & correct mistakes . 😅😅😅😂😂😂😊😊😊

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

What an awesome collab! Nice work boys 👊

[@BrittCHelmsSr]

So sweet to see her reaction when you told her the cost. Love her Baby Boomer attitude of wanting to do her part. Your mother-in-law seems like a great lady who deserves your best.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

Yup. She's family whether she likes it or not.🤣 This is a great part of what made this worth watching and a totally professional job too.

[@BigDawg369]

AWESOME!!!! The reaction of your Mother-in-Law was priceless!!!! Good job, guys!

[@chazcov08]

The fact that she was crying tears of embarrassment was a priceless reaction?

[@jeff4749]

You got my "like". What you and Dave did to her was just 😢. Great job! The society needs more people like you both

[@LOGDOG5375]

Awesome job guys..... It's a great thing to give to, and take care of the elderly and not expect something in return. While I'm here, I have to give a big thank you to The DIY HVAC GUY and his channel, for his free advice and help here on KZbin. I have fixed my 25 year old A/C system myself .... over and over.... after multiple HVAC guys came out and said it needed to be replaced and couldn't be fixed. My wife and I chuckle and high five each other when our A/C comes on during our 90-100 degree days and this old A/C unit keeps cranking out that beautiful, cool air. >;-D I appreciate both of you, your channels, and content!

[@liqianghua]

Sweet collaboration. Only makes sense that you both got together here in Utah. Thanks to you both.

[@davidwelty9763]

In many parts of the southern US and desert southwest a/c is actually a life support system.

[@tedbell4416]

Absolutely

[@fidgetshouse]

Wow, Nils and Dave. Your generosity is amazing. Your gift goes beyond mom, but also to your audience who may need to DYI to afford the upgrade. For me, it was fascinating to learn how this works, even though I have air conditioning. Terrific video.

[@goingagainstthegrain]

It's unfortunate that there are contractors that take advantage of people by either overcharging or not doing the job properly. We watch you two, independently, when we have the time. You two knocked this out of the park! The look on her face said it all. ❤ 👍

[@MetalDetectingwithCZkidd]

I’ve been in the business over 30+ years. Never once did I consider taking advantage, overcharging people or installing a system improperly. I didn’t learn the trade to do those things.

[@sichen2631]

In my area, contractor charge the customers based on 1:1.5 ratio for the system installation. What that mean is if the system is $10k, the total would be $25k. While some system is like $5k, they will charge 13k only. Like WTF, the labor cost is fixed, they are just being so greedy to charge customer more because they choose better systems. I hate HVAC in states.

[@Bryan-Hensley]

You are mentioning overcharging and they are spending $3,300 for a diy??? I just installed a 4 ton for $3,200. Installed..

[@havespacesuitwilltravel9607]

I had a contractor come out to work on my ac unit and he told me I would have to replace the entire thing. I asked if there was any explanation or reason and he said no you just have to replace it for thousands of dollars. I got a few other opinions and eventually someone just replaced a capacitor and fixed some wiring that was done backwards (lol) and the thing is still running two years later. I still get mad about that first guy.

[@Bryan-Hensley]

@@havespacesuitwilltravel9607 we've got a very popular company in our town that was recently bought out, keeping the same name. They condemned a mobile home furnace recently, said everything inside was burnt up. Price just the airhandler and evaporator coil for $4,400. The landlord called me for a second opinion and estimate, I replaced the blower relay and it works perfectly. I called the landlord and told him it's fixed. He was very surprised. He was getting an estimate mainly.

[@greggcoulter6008]

Great video and a wonderful, generous gift for a lovely woman. It’s nice to see you guys doing something nice for the joy it brings when helping others. Your MIL will be mentioning just how cool it gets in her house constantly now. She’ll be covered in blankets watching TV with the thermostat set to 78 lol.

[@eddiea3782]

I just want to give her such a big hug. She's so sweet.

[@Bunkysworkshop]

The gift of LOVE goes a long way. Keep up the good quality work. It will pay off in the long run. I promise.

[@jake8882]

Holy smokes. What a beautiful mother in law. So awesome. Good job guys. Those moments are so good to have.

[@DrJuan-ev8lu]

This is a terrific DIY training video. And DIY can save a lot! My AC would not run at the start of the cooling season. Just had the "hum of death" with no start of fan or compressor. Broke out the Fluke multimeter with capacitance measuring capability and removed the service panel from the outside unit. Found proper voltages in and out the main AC relay on both sides and across. Removed the safety disconnect and pulled slip-on terminals off the big capacitor to test it. Fluke indicated both fan side and compressor side were way low so needed replacing. Bought an American made replacement for around 50 bucks instead of the Import at less than half. Reason: I've found a handful of bad capacitors (electrolytics) on my imported front load washing machine so don't yet totally trust imported replacements. That brought the AC back to life. My total cost was only 50 dollars and a round trip to the AC supply store.

[@killer5846]

You guys are absolutely awesome, make me tear up a little! It's not so unusual to have an older person with no AC. I remember my partners grandmother in Oklahoma living in a house with an AC and she never used it because they were raised without AC and she didn't like the electric bill!

[@spencero6774]

I love watching your videos for the knowledge of DIY but the mother-in-law's reaction at the end made it even better! Keep up the great work and the awesome videos!

[@markdrayton4281]

God bless you Nils and Dave! What an awesome gift to your mother-in-law! I am getting ready to upgrade my whole house system and to supplement our addition with a mini-split. Your videos and have been inspiring and provided me with a ton of tips for when I eventually add a mini-split to my shed/workshop! Keep up the great work! You have a new subscriber!

[@Pxsdaemon]

Her reaction was icing on the cake the cake. Well done guys!!!

[@The_Bearded_Lady]

Thanks for showing us it is DIYable. And thanks for helping her out. We all need support.

[@billygilbert7911]

I didn't see that end coming. Thanks for the tears. Great video explaining all the details involved in a project of this scope. This isn't for everyone but even if you get the job 80% there and have to hire a trust worthy HVAC guy to knock out the commissioning. You can save a ton of money.

[@WhiteVaille]

Hell yeah, big thanks to Dave for the collab! Love both of your channels. Though I'm not an HVAC tech or pro sparky, there were two or three small details I'd change, but overall really fantastic insight. Huge confidence boost that I could figure this all out, though my specialty is general automotive. To be fair, at the very start, I was worried we'd have to install duct work, which I imagine is another big hassle in its own regard, but I was quickly relieved to realize that these homes still usually have central heating, lol. Thanks again guys! Really appreciate the detailed journey! I hope you're both able to recoup costs from the video monetization!

[@WhiteVaille]

(Of course, if I had to do something I was particularly uncomfortable with, such as duct work, or worse with old boiler systems or something, I'd certainly call on the right industry professionals to make sure things are done right!)

[@dudeh9702]

Bravo you two. This was fun to watch. Still a big DIY job. Glad she can enjoy her new A/C!

[@Dennis-mq6or]

Thank you guys! You made my day a lot brighter... Besides doing such a nice thing for that lady, the video was the best DIY one that I have ever seen!

[@mrbmp09]

I was installing an electrical outlet for an elderly woman , it was over 100 degrees in her house. She had an HVAC guy come out 3 months ago he told her she needed a new unit and quoted $7000. I checked it and only needed a $10 capacitor. I replaced it for free. I made that "tech" appologize to her.

[@eldoradoboy]

yeppers.. a neighbor of mine who has their original 22 year old system was told it needed replaced.. we are having a hot summer this year(the l;ast 3 summers were cold and wet..).. turns out the wiring terminals from the condenser fan motor corroded and burned up.. so I re-terminated the wires and replaced the cap (burnt up terminal) asnd she is good to go.. but was told by TWO companies the whole system (furnace and A/C) needed replaced.. I ran the furnace.. it works great with no CO issues... companies had weak years the last 3 now they are jacking the prices and taking advantage of people this summer because its hot

[@Rio-by1eh]

Just had a annual look at my 20 year old condenser - was told need to replace refrigerant @$90 per lb x 5lb … then told me I need a breaker , but I have a disconnect …not sure here if a breaker is a code ..? Curious … basically he came up with $5,500 to “service” this unit , adding filter as well . In the end he said wasn’t worth it … because to replace it it’s $13,000 …… pretty sure he was up selling because he came up with just about “halfway” to $5,000 in order to convince me to go extra mile to $13,000

[@phxdubr]

@@abel4776 Goettl, right up there with Parker & Sons for biggest ripoffs in the valley.

[@jeremyd-pk3tf]

​@@eldoradoboy A 22 year old system is nearing the end of its useful life. Keeping systems too long can cost a person money in repairs that could have gone towards a new system. Technicians are not trying to screw anyone over suggesting replacement over a repair.

[@Nunya.Bidness]

@@Rio-by1ehdefinitely get 3 quotes. Sounds like a ripoff to me.

[@coreyk2998]

Damn that HVaC guy is a baller, gonna watch all his videos , super nice guy and helping a ton of people

[@geoffap0]

I feel much more confident to do my own install seeing DIV HVAC Guy’s videos. Awesome Collaboration Video! Thank you as always, for making these great videos!

[@ItsKarenReyes]

Great video the explanation is great but the best is helping your mother in law. Honestly we need more people who would help our elders from not getting scammed and honoring their life's work!

[@erics9213]

Kudos to you guys! Mother-In-Laws are very special.

[@AR-up4xe]

The end of the video was the best :) Shout out to you and Dave, Nice Job!

[@diyhvacguy]

Thanks brother!

[@bertruttan129]

GOOD FOR YOU GUYS............Luv doing these kind of things for ppl!! Glad u hooked up your MiLaw!

[@kevinritchie9227]

What a great thing you both did!

[@KPVFarmer]

I never thought that this would be something I could do myself. Thank you for showing that it’s easier than most would think and all of the details.

[@wispy-wizard47scottschara]

Man this was awsome to see this. I thought this stuff didn't exist.... I got hurt at work and list my job while getting medical treatment and my ac/heat pump went down we have to go without because I simply can't afford a new to be installed. You guys did a great thing. It's nice to know humanity still exists!!!!!!!!!!

[@dhillman7522]

Beautiful you guys are men after my own heart. Thanks for the video. I'm trying to install my own complete HVAC system in an 1891 house I remodeled. I am installing a 3 ton rebranded york in Guardian skins 95% efficient. I just got the furnace and AC coil in the attic today. Still have to figure out the ducting. I have done everything from complete foundation, electrical, all plumbing, insulation, flooring, siding and paint by myself. I contracted the windows and rain gutters. Going through KZbin HVAC download now LOL. I love it Thanks

[@djpeach3538]

💕💕💕💕Made me cry tears of joy, y’all are awesome young men, such integrity and honesty!

[@GreyRockOne]

Thanks Gentlemen! What a good gesture! Real easy, I'm no stranger to sweating pipes or plumbing in general, this is the way to go. You just need to posses some common sense, patience, a decent electrical and mechanical aptitude and above all good safety. I've been doing my own car AC work for decades, this isn't much different, just the PROPER tools! Thanks again.

[@jayjones7783]

Heart of gold bro x! Awesome you did this for your family, and show DIY'ers what's involved (whether we take the diy or pro install route) 🥇

[@cefgil3905]

Love her! It’s always good to give back.

[@argotype8995]

I love it. God bless you guys for working on this for her. She is so sweet.

[@fishlanding2]

You two experts are pretty cool yourselves

[@randallsimmons391]

Well done, gents. What you did was more than a DIY vid for we masses at home.

[@hardcoretrout]

Well done. I believe the comfort of AC, which is wonderful, pales in comparison to the way her heart feels for the generous effort both you put forth.

[@jrpritchard1622]

HEy guys my hat is off to both of yall you two have big hearts very nice thing yall did for the home owner keep sharing videos be safe have a great week

[@TheDigitaldoug]

It's amazing what two guys who know their stuff can do.

[@KenMagee]

I do things like this for my mother in law as well. I never charge her for anything and when she is struggling with anything I will always step in and take care of any expenses she needs help with. She is the exact same way, she always wants to pay for her own things but the way I see it, she has been a great mother to my wife and honestly to myself after I lost my own mother. She gets mad at my wife when we load up her freezer or her pantry and gets really upset but my wife will just tell her call your son in law, and she stops because she knows she can't stop me. She has said many many times that she prayed for something to come along and help with her struggles. I just tell her that I am the answer to her prayers. Y'all keep doing what you're doing. It is life changing to a lot of people who can do things but can't afford to pay insanely high rates.

[@johnknox5692]

very nice of you guys, make old lady cry for all the right reasons

[@testtesting2868]

I learned a trick many years ago that a soldiered line-set fitting only needs the equivalent soldier of the size of the fitting. For example, 7/8" line-set would use 7/8" of 1/8" diameter soldier. I bend the length needed, which makes it easy to know when I have sufficient soldier in a joint. Too much soldier and you risk potential "ball bearings" in your line-set that can move to the compressor. This has never failed me. As well, I use a trap on the condensate line to avoid negative pressure at the coil outlet. The negative pressure will pull / trap condensate back into the coil, while running. A trap will avoid this negative pressure and the condensate will properly flow down stream. This reduces humidity from being reintroduced into the air stream. VERY important in humid environments!

[@dhurban]

I do really thank you for going through this installation in such great detail...not to mention doing it for free.

[@stevep8363]

What a sweet lady, god bless yall for doing that for her.

[@ahmedsabah787]

Guys that is the best gift. Really proud of both of you. Money comes and goes.

[@KTPDAILY]

WE NEED MORE PEOPLE LIKE THIS IN OUR LIVES -- WHAT SWEETNESS!!!!

[@nephewsque6751]

You definitely have the right guy helping you out.. great job

[@dc-wp8oc]

Love it when a DIYer demonstrates how straightforward and easy an condenser install can be. Some of the (I'm an EXPERT) hater comments below are laughable. The HVAC industry as a whole are doing everything they can everyday to increase the cost for house occupants. Nice to see there are still folks who will do something for somebody just because they can. Rare.

[@davidsanders6957]

@@dc-wp8oc Tee, hee, hee hee Hee Hee Haw Haw Hawww HAWWWW !!!!

[@dblomvo7732]

Love this. Still good human beings sharing their love. My prayers for you guys, gentlemen, God multiply your blessings. Stay safe. Peace ✌️

[@anandadesilva6558]

What a lovely story! I wish you guys were in my neighborhood. Thanks for a great clip. For this price, it will be worthwhile to send you a plane ticket to come to my house and install a new system!

[@jasonelizanigel9381]

Amazing video. This was a great watch and I commend yall on all the hard work.

[@1957cajun]

You guys just did a great thing! I have always been interested in doing this myself and I’m going to do it now. Thanks!!

[@Boston_canon]

the final part make me cry. you guys are the sprit of usa .

[@Monster-o1q]

Wow, 2 of the guys who make a lot of the videos I watch doing a joint video. Pretty awesome! It's weird cause I'm a CNC machinist who make parts for aerospace and have nothing to do with HVAC at all other than owning a house but for some reason I love HVAC videos. I think it's just that I appreciate seeing true craftsmen do their work and offer their knowledge to others.

[@markdenney3903]

That was very god of you. I am so happy for all of you. It is as good to be the giver as the receiver. You will get your reward in the end.

[@pollydor07]

I agree with your ideas decision for set up out door unit and location as easy as possible. Good thinking . I’m retired HVAC service tech .

[@stevemoening2205]

A perfect ending to a great installation. Great work guys!

[@emoneyblue]

Beautiful guys this was such a special video and what a blessing for your mother in law.

[@dennissmithjr.5370]

Nice job guys, God Bless you for doing that for free.

[@fatLPfan]

Great video! love the ending, as son to lovely mother I think more and more of us need to step up and more for our parents! god bless your good heart

[@wanynyc]

I think its amazing that you provided MIL free of charge! its nice to help those who deserve it. This is a DIY but definitely not beginner level! there were so many steps and I'm afraid of what happens when i misstep or solder incorrectly!

[@mengchhornchhun2783]

I follow your instructions on installing mini split and already did two installation so far, this really make me want to change my house ac system as it going in its 20+ years of using now.

[@shonhaines1995]

That was awesome! I just kept thinking, as the cost was being updated throughout the video, there is no way the guy with nearly 1M KZbin subs was going to charge his mother-in-law, of all people, for a simple AC install. Very nice ending.

[@mtnest1226]

Dave is a wonderful person and a fatherly friend

[@diyhvacguy]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@jpindahaus]

Dang it. You made me cry. What a nice gift.

[@0num4]

I won't use wire nuts, if possible, after watching an old video of yours, probably a couple of years ago. Once you showed off those Wagos, I was instantly a believer! Thanks again for the excellent DIY tips. If I need to replace my condenser (it's over 30 years old!), I'll consider doing it myself.

[@elcapitan3300]

Gents,…I never would have thought an HVAC installation video would make me tear up…well it did…😁 This is AWESOME!,…she is very grateful to you guys. A lot of businesses take advantage of folks, especially our elders with limited finances. Let’s assist our people/community that are in need, not take away what they need to put food on the table, or make you a good lunch with lots of love. Excellent video!

[@MononaTerrace-z4z]

I luv the DIY teaching and work. Teaches in the way u could follow.

[@RockinM72]

As per electrical code, unit needs to be 36” clearance to the side of a meter/and or panel. 30” clearance in front of disconnect

[@christianperales7253]

I only can say Bravo Guys!! Excellent job

[@ben99873]

Cool collaboration between two great channels

[@russmartin4189]

I never lived in a house or apartment with air until I was 43 and I installed a through the wall air conditioner myself. Well, three places I lived in said there was air, but it came out about the temperature as the outside air and they wouldn't fix it. My parent's houses never had air. In the 50's and 60's only the rich people had it. We used to ride around in the car to get some breeze, but at night you had to sleep in the heat and humidity. It was all just a part of life and people lived with it.

[@Stepclimb]

It’s good to see the filter-dryer inside, next to the evap coil. Most lazy contractors put it outside, next to the condenser where it eventually rusts.

[@TexasMade-c7q]

God Bless these young men!

[@mar1video]

This is crazy ! Thank you so much for posting !!! ❤️

[@UDoIt2]

Awesome - just started watching this now. I've been watching Dave for some time. - John

[@gilbertopatino2616]

Wow, awesome guys. May God bless you, another awesome video.🙇🙏👏

[@macsterguy]

DIY HVAC GUY is my Hero!

[@diyhvacguy]

Haha thanks brother! 🙏🏻

[@HughMyronM8]

37 years with the house at 85 degrees in the summer had to be hot. Good jobs guys.

[@frankiedoor515]

You guys are great you made my day. God bless you both hearts of gold.

[@raywagner8075]

Fantastic job guys! I hope this video gets a ton of views!

[@deankay4434]

There are things to know! A/C purchased online often get no warranty unless checked and turn on by a certified contractor. Copper line sets are required as heavy wall, alloys designed to expand like a ballon at 400PSI. Nitrogen tanks full have a rental/lease fee given back when returned. Solder must have a "Silver" content of 2%, 5% or 7% as required by the manufacturer or code. Two wire controls are 15 years old and state of the art as (AKA=CAN) controller area networks for communications and Bluetooth is good for 60ft, depending on building materials. Vacuum pumps are air powered, electric refrigerator compressors or designed for HVAC. Pulling a high vacuum can only be confirmed by an accurate gauge (As Shown In Video). Yes, they come with R134a, but if more is needed, a license is required! Note; if you have male dogs, they will urinate on the outside condenser damage the tiny copper coil inside. Fence it off leaving room for service. Also, if creeks are nearby, cotton wood trees produce seeds that float in the air and gather on the outside condenser unit. Wash off with low power garden hose. If you have mature trees and leaves can fall inside unit in the fall, cover this with plastic, shower curtain or other. Anchor with grommets and bungee cords. Just remove in spring otherwise it can damage unit. Lots to remember but run your home like a small business. Make a list, plan in advance, get a professional heat gain chart assessment at facing south, lots of windows, R13 2X4" walls can gain solar heat. Instead of 2.5 tons, you may need 3 tons. Very good info, subscribed and saved for quick access! Great. DK, ASE Master Tech, retired!

[@kevinmaxwell6610]

One of the best videos I've watched in2024 👍

[@24kGanksta]

Wasn’t expecting the emotional ROLLERCOASTER at the end! Thats awesome

[@hasssan1]

This was an awesome video. Great job guys.

[@CedroCron]

Look at the hackery the previous HVAC contractor did with the flexible exhaust on the furnace and the fleible gas lines... Like "take the quick and cheap/easy way out" or what... Also great job giving this lady A/C after 37 years... Not sure how anyone lives without that any more. It's gross in the summers without it.

[@planesandbikes7353]

yep. At my clinic the landlord had HAVC company put in a new AC system a couple years ago. Then last summer the first heat wave hit and here we were trying to do dentistry sweating onto patients at 85F inside. Fudging HVAC pro who charged $12k did not adequately seal the connections and all the refrigerant was lost. Glad I installed my own ductless heat pump at home - 3 years of flawless heating and cooling for my house and the unit was $1,500cdn, plus about $1000 for electrical etc, coming fro oil heat it paid for itself fully in 2 years. Neighbour paid HVAC $10k for the same and it would take 12 years to pay for itself. LOL

[@CedroCron]

@@planesandbikes7353 I’m due for furnace and A/C replacement in the next 5 years or so as my units are getting up there in age. I think I’m going to go replace the furnace myself (had a gas fitter license in the past so I’m well versed in it), but I think this time I’m going to do a couple of Mini-Split heat pumps because my house is really old and has no insulation in the walls. The high efficiency 96% furnace we have does really well up here in Canada with our cold winters and then in the summer just cool the section of house we are in rather than the whole house which isn’t very efficient because of our homes insulation issues and because electricity in my area is really expensive so running the condensing unit all day long is expensive cooling the whole house when we use the bed rooms upstairs for sleeping only a part of the time and the living room/kitchen the other part of the day. (I’m home all day as I’m disabled with a chronic health issue).

[@hieptruong4197]

I think at 20:54 you should remove the valve core b4 welding, just my opinion.

[@MrTaylorfenoglio]

whats crazy is ive followed you for years and i just starting watching diy hvac guy last week and was telling the father inlaw about him

[@monohydrate2]

Where's your wife? Would love to see her reaction as well. Such a wonderful gift, especially with these heat waves!

[@_SurferGeek_]

I'm not a HVAC pro, nor will I pretend to be one... However, I would suggest putting in a p-trap on the condensate line.