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.

[@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?

[@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 . 😅😅😅😂😂😂😊😊😊

[@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.

[@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!

[@jprich7]

KZbin needs more of these videos. Great job.

[@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.

[@jeff4749]

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

[@liqianghua]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@davidwelty9763]

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

[@tedbell4416]

Absolutely

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@jake8882]

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

[@Pxsdaemon]

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

[@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!

[@eddiea3782]

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

[@kevinritchie9227]

What a great thing you both did!

[@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.

[@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!)

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

What an awesome collab! Nice work boys 👊

[@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.

[@bertruttan129]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@The_Bearded_Lady]

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

[@fishlanding2]

You two experts are pretty cool yourselves

[@dudeh9702]

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

[@erics9213]

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

[@dblomvo7732]

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

[@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.

[@djpeach3538]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@ahmedsabah787]

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

[@Boston_canon]

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

[@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.

[@KTPDAILY]

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

[@johnknox5692]

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

[@TractorBill]

Nice job guys and what a wonderful gift for her. I plan on doing the same for my sister in law one day soon and will use this very detailed and well done video as my guide. Thanks so, so much!

[@stevep8363]

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

[@kevinmaxwell6610]

One of the best videos I've watched in2024 👍

[@argotype8995]

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

[@dennissmithjr.5370]

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

[@dhurban]

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

[@TheDigitaldoug]

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

[@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

[@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 !!!!

[@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.

[@cefgil3905]

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

[@nephewsque6751]

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

[@frankiedoor515]

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

[@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!

[@AR-up4xe]

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

[@diyhvacguy]

Thanks brother!

[@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!

[@24kGanksta]

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

[@user-js3gs7du3h]

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.

[@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 .

[@esteva03]

Well... you do have your way with her daughter. Is not like you didn't take anything. 🤣🤣🤣 Such an awesome video! Love her reaction. Such stand up people are great. Ask for cookies or a stew. 😄👍

[@mrxclusive]

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!

[@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.

[@monohydrate2]

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

[@randallsimmons391]

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

[@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) 🥇

[@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!!

[@mtnest1226]

Dave is a wonderful person and a fatherly friend

[@diyhvacguy]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@anandadesilva6558]

What a lovely story! I wish you guys were in my neighborhood. Thanks for a great clip.

[@jasonelizanigel9381]

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

[@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.

[@johnnguyen685]

This is an Americans people do to each others… we love you all … god bless 🇺🇸 thank you 🙏 very much

[@TxRealtorSA]

Bless you gentlemen. It will return to you in other ways.

[@MononaTerrace-z4z]

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

[@klchu]

Great video but it stretches the concept of DIY quite a bit.

[@bigap5954]

I agree 100%. It's not as easy at they make it seem for the everyday person. I've done HVACR for 22 years.

[@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

[@emoneyblue]

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

[@stevemoening2205]

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

[@jpindahaus]

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

[@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

[@mar1video]

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

[@gilbertopatino2616]

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

[@macsterguy]

DIY HVAC GUY is my Hero!

[@diyhvacguy]

Haha thanks brother! 🙏🏻

[@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

[@hasssan1]

This was an awesome video. Great job guys.

[@tappenmom]

Ok, that got me in feels for sure! I love America. ❤❤❤

[@ben99873]

Cool collaboration between two great channels

[@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).

[@UDoIt2]

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

[@HughMyronM8]

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

[@MrNightpwner]

You think that man is gonna go home to his wife after taking $13k from her mother? Hell no! Lol Great video

[@homecraftsolutions3506]

Really cool (pun intended) story. Extremely informative and very nice and neat installation. I've seen another HVAC Guy on KZbin do work. He is sloppy and overcharges and does very little editing, almost no explanation of what he is doing wasting all us viewers' time so he can rack up more viewing minutes. Thanks to you and Dave for this awesome video.

[@9to5techs]

❤ nice to know their are good people still on this planet.

[@scottandsher]

Nothing but love ❤

[@jswede1]

Very cool ending. Good people all around.