HVAC replacement/swap out. Cost for labor? Doable by myself?

Question

So, I just got an offer accepted on my first home, super excited. Anywho, this crappy sellers market kinda forced me to go the fixer/pretty-upper route. The home has a probably 10-15 yr old HVAC system, obviously I'm gonna get an inspection and see what they say and go from there. But, was just browsing online and stumbled upon a guy selling a decent trane 3 ton unit close to me that he apparently bought for a home he lived in temporarily or something and only used for 1.5-2 years. Anywho, as odd as that sounds the unit looks great, comes with everything and he is only asking 500 bux OBO. Apparently he's just sick of it taking up space. This got me to thinking, with ductwork/wiring/etc already done is simply swapping out/upgrading the unit doable by a moderately handy person such as myself? My dad is an electrical contractor, so could use his help for semantics, but my main ? is do I have to have a license to do this? I'm assuming probably so, which leads me to my next question. If I have the unit and all the stuff needed, how much will an HVAC guy charge me to simply pull out the old unit and put my "new" one in and get it set up?

Thanks so much in advance,

Jeff

Thanks so much in advance,

Jeff

Mark Fries · Answer

@Jeffrey Douglas

Why change out the existing unit if it is running?? I have HVAC units in rentals that are 35 years old and still running great...if it isnt broke dont fix it..

Billy Smith · Answer

This is a easy one ,you need a pro to run test on the unit to see if it will pass.Now you will rack up cost to see if it works . I never buy Trane out of the box overpriced big time .

Matthew Paul · Answer

You will need someone to charge the unit who has a license

Kenneth Bullock · Answer

My apologies, I didn’t mean to quote the other poster.

If an AC unit is 20-35 years old, it’s past it’s useful life, very inefficient, and driving up the utility cost due to it’s EER/SEER, those terms mean more or less, depending on your region and weather. It also contains R-22 (refrigerant), which has been phased out by the Montreal Protocol (they don’t make it any more, and it’s absurdly expensive) . Ten to fifteen is still pushing it, without know the maintenance history of the unit. Just my thoughts on existing equipment, in a property you intend to keep.

On the other hand, if you are selling, which you are, and just want a newer system, as the poster above stated, there are several factors to consider.

1.Is this unit the same size as my existing unit?

2.Does this unit use the same refrigerant that my systems evaporator coil is designed for?

3.Are the indoor unit and coil properly matched, to the existing condenser?

4.Do I own a vacuum pump, oxy& acetylene torches, recovery machine, micron gauge, to properly install the unit.........

With out a seasoned HVAC-R tech checking the windings of the compressor, and fan motor, I would never trust a used unit, not to mention the possibility of the coil having a leak, which you won’t even be able to test, until after the purchase. Just my two pennies.

George W. · Answer

When you say HVAC system do you mean just the furnace or the evaporator and condenser too? Three tons may be under or oversized depending on duct size and tonnage refers to air conditioning not heating. So assuming you want to do the air conditioning yourself. That being said do you have a epa certification? Because you're not supposed to be able to buy/handle freon without one. Next does the area you live in allow home owners to preform work themselves? Also would you even have the proper tools to install the unit?

Frank Wong · Answer

Hi Jeff,

If you are selling the house and the heater is running you don't have to replace it.  Just because it's at the end of the life expectancy doesn't mean change.   In my market, no one asks for a running heater to be changed bc its 20yrs old but still running.

Now if this is your rental you can just repair it.  As for price that varies greatly from area to area.  My area for a new replacement system of AC and Heater for a 1100sqft house it was 10-12k. In TX its 4-5k.

Kelvin Tam · Answer

@Jeffrey Douglas It would be advisable to get someone competent to help you take a look at the HVAC. The sizing of the unit may not be compatible to your duct size. Furthermore, you may not get to claim insurance in the event that the HVAC causes fire to your house.

This is my personal experience as I was handling one of my client's property.

HVAC replacement/swap out. Cost for labor? Doable by myself?

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