RISKING OUR LIVES to Install a $20,000 AC UNIT

Hey Gang in today's video we start on a short project we got called out to do. This old house had a leaking AC Unit and we didn't know where or what was leaking. So instead of spending all of the time and money to find the leak and then refill the unit with a banned substance, we decided it would be best to replace the unit as a whole and take a step towards updating this house! There were a few ways we could have gone but in the end the scaffolding was the best play for us. Now it's important to remember we are not professionals when it comes to scaffolding, and any tips would be greatly appreciated! All of our prep and thought made for a smooth job and we didn't have a single hiccup. Love to see it. Thanks so much watching and thanks for all the support, and we'll see ya on the next one!
Contact: [e-mail]

[@tycobb8621]

I’m a remodeler and licensed HVAC contractor. Great episode! Combined so much of what I do in a single show! 👍 I also have a young son, I hope this is what me and my boy are doing some day!!!

[@DingleFlop]

This channel is honestly my favorite construction/installation, handywork and DIY home improvement channel on KZbin. Jordan and pop's dynamic is so great. I love it!

[@fisqual]

It is truly the best. Better production quality than HGTV ever was.

[@brettwilson1169]

Same here brotha 🤙🏼 when I was on back to back to back deployments a few years back I had just found stud pack I binged so many of their videos when I had internet connection 🙏

[@Eugene_Connor]

Loved the scaffolding assembly footage! That was hard work for two.

[@gqborges]

Thank you for the footage of putting the scaffolding together! You guys have the best videos on how real world people do things and get things done.

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

Including the mistake - setting too close to the house - and how to solve it without tearing down and starting over.

[@tagreen9790]

You guys are awesome, always remember, safety first and foremost, no matter what people say about how you do things, if you feel you are safe, don't let them get under your skin, as always, keep up the good work!!!!

[@JohnnyUmphress]

Being a retired AC tech, that was a very good video. I had to do that once through the vent of a very old two story. But we had to do it on a ladder without scaffolding. We hoisted the equipment up with ropes by hand.

[@Novagunner]

dang, for $200 bucks it seams like a no brainer to get the scaffolding i couldnt imagine doing it on a ladder

[@JohnnyUmphress]

@@Novagunner I had a real tightwad boss. He didn't have to do the work.

[@rupe53]

@@Novagunner ... very true, but you have to weigh in the added cost of the trailer, and 2 men for what amounts to a full day's pay or more to get the stuff and set it up. Now we're pushing $1000, which is enough to make you think of other options. For that kind of money maybe a Lull material handler could be the answer in some cases.

[@milesharlan1]

StudPack Fridays are the best day of the week!! A new Video & it is Friday!! Keep up the good work!

[@StudPack]

Thx Miles 👊

[@atogi82]

As a big dude working at those heights gravity tends to mess with your head a bit lol. Huge respect to you guys. Your workmanship and integrity says it all! Keep up the great work!

[@brianb7141]

Excellent video as usual guys! I never miss an upload. Just FYI, those "ladybugs" were Asian Beetles. They look similar to the harmless red ladybugs, but these orange critters are a nuisance. They can be addressed when they are kept outside the home, but once they get in they are a pain to eliminate. They don't respond to traditional pesticides, and set up an infestation in less than 24 hours. It's best to have an exterminator stop by if you come across them nesting outside the home like that, before they gain access to the interior of the home. Keep bringing the great construction/repair info!

[@Drewcifer1972]

I am hooked on your videos for many reasons. 1 You give me confidence to do some of these things myself. 2 you show me what I should look for in a contractor to to do the things I cant and 3 you show me what to do to save money if I hire a contractor or at least make them not hate me when they show up. You hit a lot of points no other channel does. Your channel approaches the viewer as a homeowner not as a customer. That is all the difference. I'd hire you in a heartbeat.

[@Nicetrybrobro]

You guys elevated your game to a whole different level, great work guys!!

[@StudPack]

Thx Bro 👊

[@benny85361983]

@@StudPack I emailed yall did yall get it

[@redmatrix]

Love the pun.

[@AlAmantea]

Fantastic job, Y'all! Watching you assemble that scaffolding was great, and the idea for access was brilliant! not only did it give you full access, it also kept all of the mess and the people out of the house completely! From the video, you can definitely tell this is an old house... even see some remnants of knob and tube up there! Holler at me when you need those return air grills... We'll make you something custom to match the rooms!

[@sine125]

Great video. I really enjoy the way you explain the scenario. The conflicts and all the steps you take to come up with a solution. It’s great that you guys are able to work so well together. As a father, I can appreciate the benefit of having your son side by side with you in the trenches.

[@franklong6269]

The opening is an attic vent, therefore you have to keep it as a vent by code. What would work is if you can use a removable vent that has weather stripping around the edges. It probably could either clip in with pressure clips or you could use exterior screw attachments. That would allow the vent to easily be removed in the future. Probably would have been the better solution is to install a drop-down attic staircase in the closet. This would have you a 54" x 30" opening to get your equipment through and it would have provided future attic access. The cost would have been around $1500.00 - $2,000.00 for a high quality attic stair case and the new ones are insulated. If you think about it, going through the gable vent every time you want to get into the attic is not the ideal solution. You may still want to offer this option to the owner.

[@truthdefenders-]

They have attic access in the closet, the opening at the vent was just to get the unit in, they probably won’t need to do that again for 10-15 years.

[@franklong6269]

@@truthdefenders- Okay, that makes more sense. Thanks for the clarification. I still believe that a drop-down attic staircase would provide the most serviceable solution. It's far cheaper than ripping the gable apart every time you need to replace a major component in the attic. I installed a drop-down wood ladder that is 30" x 54" (opening size) at my house. The convenience accessing the attic is night and day. I just replaced my AC and the air handler/furnace (it is a gas split system) is attic mounted and quit large. It easily fit through my attic staircase opening. The complete installation took about six hours. This included running new 20" ductwork for the air return vent (about 10' of 20" flex duct). The contractor told me "We never get done in six hours," and he thanked me for providing such easy access for his crew. BTW, installing the wood access ladder scuttle was a bitch, and I am a journeyman carpenter. The trusses were not straight and so to have the access panel set flat when it was closed took me about three hours to get right. However, the finished product is quite beautiful and very easy to use.

[@truthdefenders-]

@@franklong6269 Yeah, easy access makes a world of difference in how the day goes. I worked installing units during the summer in Texas a few years ago, from the start of summer till the end, 2-3 units a day the entire summer, do the math (close to or over 200 units). So we saw everything, old houses, new, one story, multiple stories etc. forget about it.

[@franklong6269]

@@truthdefenders- Bless your heart - I feel your pain. I am a licensed general contractor and I have many stories about installing AC units in attics. With my own house, I was up in the attic helping my AC contractors install my own unit. It was difficult and my attic mechanical space has good access and a plywood floor to work on. It is hard work, no two ways about it.

[@keithmcmahan5649]

Thank you and God bless you all. I'm a retired union carpenter. I worked at a local power plant, building " pipe scaffolds " and " work platforms " to maintain the equipment. I really enjoyed this video.

[@markarita3]

Great job guys! For the (future) access, I would mount those clappers on a separate frame that could be removed from the inside.

[@andrewlisenby9693]

Great content and shooting, Paul and Jordan. I like to see you working together as partners, but also the father-son interaction too. I've especially enjoyed your electrical videos as that is what most interests me. Thank you for all the work you put into your videos and for sharing them with us.

[@royfast8439]

First off I really enjoy your channel. I'm from southern Ontario, Canada and one of my lives was a home inspector. The majority of homes here have a basement where the HVAC units are. In my 5 yrs. as a home inspector I had one home with the HVAC in the attic with a small hatch to access the units (2 units, large home). Luckily the only problem found was the condensate discharge line plugged. Keep up the great techniques and work. Roy

[@shanechis]

Another great video. It is good that you show the challenges you encounter on the job and the problem solving steps to overcome them. It is keeping it real and that is what makes your Channel great. Thanks.

[@StudPack]

Thx bud 👍👊

[@kennethritter7791]

Well done fellas!! I admire the ingenuity used in getting that job done!!

[@jerrymay3806]

Really enjoyed this one!! I've watched many of your videos and have learned a lot but this was one of the best for me! Much appreciated! Keep on keeping on!

[@scvic2006]

Gotta say, I did HVAC installs for a few years in SC. Brings back some good memories. "If you ain't bleeding, you ain't workin (with sheetmetal)" and "As soon as you open the bucket of mastic, just smear some on ya and get it out of the way." lol

[@TheMoonSeesMe]

Thanks Jordan for those "beautiful shots" that you take in your videos - they are really enjoyable to watch!

[@janetdupree6353]

Holy-Moly! That was intense and fun. You continue to amaze me with your creative approach to obstacles in your paths!

[@Oompa_Lampuh]

My new favorite DIY channel! Love the father son dynamic! Keep the episodes coming!

[@Wolfburns]

You two are amazing to watch. Thank you for the content!

[@z06doc86]

Very smart way to access the mechanical room in the attic! Brilliant. Love your videos and can’t wait for the next one. Thanks guys.

[@StudPack]

Thank you Doc 👊

[@Eddy63]

Great vid guy's ... Love how you explain and demonstrate ... Nice job ... AC guy's were awesome as well 👏👍👍

[@Robert8455]

Very interesting. Got the deal of the century on the scaffolding I think. Glad is was heavy duty too. I'm sure the owners are happy with the solution and your work!

[@gavinnewscum]

Creative solutions at their finest. Great work

[@Titantitan001]

I hope I get a helper like Jordan someday when I start gaining some steam in the flooring game. He’s a freakin hustler and reminds me a lot of myself. You guys never cease to amaze me. Cheers from Chicago!

[@richardreyes2278]

as we are new homeowners with a 1959 redone home there are some things to finish I appreciate your videos thanks PACK

[@JJE2010MO]

What a great job you guys did! You inspire me! Keep up the fantastic projects!

[@derrickyoung7449]

Yet another amazing video..absolutely amazing job

[@b.powell3480]

Looks like you guys are having fun !!! Lol 😆

[@TheAlvinHuang]

I grew up in Alexandria, Louisiana. Your channel is the best in home improvement on KZbin. I missed the good old Louisiana… gumbo and crawfish

[@RobBastien]

WoW! What a job.

[@larryroyovitz7829]

That looks like nice weather, as I cry in cold Canada. Love your vids!

[@moonz6992]

There are doers and there are talkers in this world. Doer's do the work without fear of what the over analyzing, over criticizing talkers would say. I love the father son team here also. Enjoying my subscription to this channel. Looking forward to more content, thanks boys!

[@AlexeiTetenov]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kellyx57]

Beautiful sunset! It's amazing that the rental of that scaffolding is so cheap! I would've thought it would cost WAY more than that. I'll have to keep that in mind for projects in the future.

[@johntamulonis4626]

Amazing work! This is the ultimate in can-do attitude.

[@rugguy9838]

What a HUGE undertaking… Great job 👍🏻

[@StudPack]

Thx 👊👍

[@brianwood5220]

Loved the video guys, thanks for sharing. I'm suprised that loft supported the weight of all that geat and 9 people. WoW.

[@StudPack]

Thx Brian 👊

[@fourbyfour4]

I can't get enough of your videos, Great job thanks.

[@StudPack]

Thank you Gary 👍👊

[@gregzamora9]

You guys are awesome!! Great videos.

[@MagSgt21]

gosh coming from an industrial refrigeration background makes this give me an aneurism. While I am slightly unfamiliar with residential refrigeration I wont complain much; However those connections done with channel locks bug me. I'm getting visions of construction quality, pressure drop, superheat, head pressure, and other things in my mind lol. All that aside STUD PACK you did a great job I wish I had you as my GC on any of my jobs. Seem honest wholesome and understanding.

[@phonedave]

A few years back I bought two full sections of masons scaffolding (2 5×7 sets with decking) for $300 on Craigslist. I don't use it all that often, but when I do - man that stuff is handy.

[@phatcowboy76]

"Wow, my son is cool". Lol. I saw that. I love the way you guys work.

[@htownblue11]

The ego based KZbin safety officers are absolutely the worst commenters. Not everything can be done by some dream world safety textbook. Being safe is smart, and wise, but not every action can be deemed risk free in reality. Great to see you guys tackling a newer style project.

[@cdurkinz]

No joke.

[@nwodmf]

the thing about having a "cant always be safe" attitude is its a slipery slope if you end up slacking or becoming too lax while you are in a "dangerous" job the more actual danger you end up being in... more deadly injuries come from people thinking they "know better and wont get hurt" than rookie mistakes. unfun little story...an ex electrician i know worked for 35 years without a major shock... year after he retired he zapped himself on his own garage fuse box and lost 80% of use in his left arm and all feeling in his leg comfort kills.

[@cdurkinz]

@@nwodmf Nobody is saying to not be safe. But to have people who have no experience in the field whatsoever, sitting on a chair in the comfort of their home watching a video dissecting everything you do and giving you crap over perceived dangers, is dumb.

[@absolutelynonameslef]

@@nwodmf the point is that you can't eliminate 100% of risk, and risk is inherent in everything. You mitigate it the best you can, while still getting the job done.

[@freddietheone8067]

What a really good, useful, informative and fun video to watch. Keep doing what YOU think is best, so far… very good! 👍

[@tmactheplumber4966]

Top notch, next level stuff !

[@jerrylittle7797]

That's the cajuns I remember! "Thow it rite to me...I'll catch it!"

[@StudPack]

😂👊🦞⚜️

[@felipemendoza9462]

Thank you guys for this great video, I miss this kid of work and environment. Stay safe at all times, like always. Stockton, Ca.

[@StudPack]

Much appreciated Felipe 👊

[@overseas_demogod]

Layher scaffolding. German made and had tons upon tons on the last job. Good stuff

[@funkygawy]

Here in the NL scaffolding is put up for EVERYTHING - almost any outdoor paint job has scaffolding put up, with safety netting all around it, even for small jobs. Our neighbors had the windows & eaves done (brick house), the longest part of the job was putting up all the scaffolding. On the other hand no one dies falling off a ladder 10 meters up.

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

My friend was going to build a fireplace & chimney himself, and asked a mason friend where's the best place to rent scaffolding? The mason said "oh, just borrow some of mine." My friend didn't want to tie up scaffolding that the mason might need; mason said "You know that new Walmart in NextTownOver? Yeah, we built that. I have $100,000 worth of scaffolding just sitting in my barn, you can borrow whatever you need and we'll never miss it." 😁

[@jerryminyard7460]

Good job guys

[@jeremywarren647]

Paul, if I know you, I'm sure it has to be killing you looking at the flaking paint on that fascia board. Great video guys!

[@StudPack]

I’m over it 😂

[@joshuaelliot2915]

Wish I got time like that for an install. Good job guys.

[@artursmihelsons415]

This is great project with nice decisions! Love to see next part! 👍😉 Excellent video, as always!

[@StudPack]

Much appreciated 👍👊

[@billsmith9249]

I LOVE a good challenge. This whole episode is right up my alley!!! Nice job!

[@StudPack]

Thanks Bill!

[@nellynell5021]

You guys are freaking awesome!…

[@anthonyacosta7208]

Fantastic job boys!!!

[@hmg8915]

Stud pack deserves a million subs.. appreciate the videos and the work you guys put in.. keep em coming also that scalffing is a deal, 28 days 👌 😏

[@Steveshiflet]

Great work guys! I need you to come do my kitchen in Texas! Thanks for the education and entertainment.

[@mattman7773]

I’ve been around scaffolding my entire life and I never saw any like that! Usually there’s two frames and cross braces to go in between. You have to put a lot of trust in scaffolding and the people who installed it. God job guys

[@StudPack]

Thx Matthew 👊👍

[@ericfraser7543]

I was thinking minisplit but I would have to agree your solution is far superior. Its clean safe and not a ton of work.

[@jtalias]

Don’t sweat the naysayers, Stud Pack. You’re doing a great job. 👍🏻

[@donreinholz8121]

Wow that was a big job!

[@dkosawa]

Great video, full of interesting content!

[@Sapnek]

Good job guys. Stay safe

[@StudPack]

Thx 👊

[@mackfisher4487]

Well planned and executed.

[@richb4099]

Hell of a project and a lot of work. All went pretty well and reasonably safe. Way over my pay grade !

[@migvinu8620]

I say it again No job too big or small . You guys are Pro Level!!

[@StudPack]

Thx 👊

[@rob6464]

I came to comment that you didn’t yell HEADACHE! Before you dropped that duct, then I heard a guy yell it before the unit went over! Absolute trade term that needs to be yelled before dropping things!! Haha nice work fellas

[@carolinaeric8500]

Awesome video, watched the whole thing even though I’m never going to build scaffolding or own a house as unique as this where an HVAC installation is going be as insane as this lol Interesting to see how it’s all coming together and how you guys figured out to make this happen!

[@absolutelynonameslef]

Don't ever say "never". Or "always"...

[@bazanexpress100]

Can’t wait to see what kind of access point idea you guys come up with.

[@HBSuccess]

Studpack that was a genius solution to a very difficult situation. And as always you punished it. You guys rock.

[@StudPack]

Much appreciated 👍

[@SqueakyHinge]

Of course I have not been on that site but next time you run into a system replacement with restricted areas look into a type of system call a space pack. There are a few manufacturers out there and they work in applications such as this. R22 in not really outlawed except for the new product market. And there are a number of drop in refrigerants on the market for service and repair in homes/businesses and the price is very reasonable. I've used the drop ins and have not had one bit of problem. Thanks for keeping up the good work.

[@paulgilliland2992]

Impressive work. Surprisingly they didn’t offer you the tower bracing arms to fasten to the house. They really help with the stability.

[@lifechanges4097]

Looking forward to part 2

[@briankowald6465]

Great video. Shows how versatile Paul and Jordon are. Can't believe you got over 2000 comments on the extension chord and way less on videos like this and how to build a shower.

[@jantemie]

Great video, can’t wait until “the next guy” or “don’t forget the next guy” merch comes out!

[@Jack_of_1_Trade]

You guys are great. Remind men of when I used to work with my dad. Make triangle hatch door. Drop down to act as a walkway and door. Good luck

[@john.french]

Excellent plan of attack and always is awesome to see Studpack go ABOVE and beyond!

[@StudPack]

Thx John 👍

[@jeremyzaloum3443]

Wow amazing

[@keenxxx1]

21:55 - Oh big boy you done bent the cover! Made me laugh.

[@chrism9037]

This channel is awesome, great job guys

[@lamontacoff4529]

Another fantastic video. Showing the different phases is very interesting and informative. The contractors tossing the old equipment of the 30 foot scaffolding was unprofessional and damaging to the lawn.

[@therealdojj]

For the access to the loft space I'd think about building a dedicated ledge you could lean a ladder against and then have some slotted louvers you could easily move out of the way to get into the loft Much easier to think the idea that put it into practice though so hope you get it sorted easily 👍 Lots of the gang in todays video too 🤣

[@nhbilly]

Good stuff guys! I'm about to add a return to my 2010 built house. Master bedroom is to far and doesn't cool down fast enough.

[@davidmcnally8400]

Nice work I'm licensed hvac mechanic with over 25yrs of experience and I have to say that was genius putting up staging and going through the side of the house keep up the good work

[@StudPack]

Super appreciate that David 👊👍

[@MsDaddyrabbit1]

Awesome as usual 😊

[@jasonlunn8530]

Hinged faux triangle gable vent door maybe? Id say just put it back the way it was. But I guess its up to the homeowner... Another great video guys!

[@firsttimeforeverything941]

This was so effing cool!

[@Kralphrn]

Really enjoy your videos

[@Striker9]

Just found yalls channel, been binging for like 10 videos lol. Dad reminds me of my dad when I was a kid lol. Scaffolding scares the heck out of me lol. It's not the heights, it's the little moving of the thing holding me up everytime i move lol

[@alexanderdeppa8044]

My dad was a scaffold erector for his entire life. My grandpa did shoring before starting his scaffold company. They both swore by tube and clamp. It's a lot more adaptable. Otherwise we just use good old frames and plank. I always hated ringlock scaffold, but we never used it much.

[@oldnstillworkin5709]

I missed you boys. You guys Rock.

[@antoniojustodasilva3260]

Great job 👍👍👍 I love you guys and your channel.

[@StudPack]

Thanks Antonio 👊