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Owned by David
Welcome! This community is a great place to get answers to your DIY HVAC questions, see other peoples success stories, and just learn more about HVAC!
24 contributions to The DIY HVAC Community
3d •
Colorado AC replacement
Have a Condo that was built in 2017 that I moved in a few years ago in Greeley, CO. A few weeks ago, the compressor blew out (see pictures), and on my very limited single dad budget, been trying to find a solution while the mid-90's temps continue here in Colorado. I've been in construction a long time as a PM, and do some very light handyman work on the side, so when I started receiving quotes to replace just the compressor at around $5-6k and know that full system replacements are more like $15k, I knew I needed to find another way. Thankful to find the DIY HVAC YouTube channel which gave me hope that I can do this... The only things I'm unsure of is handling the refrigerant (I don't have the EPA 608 cert), and finding the correct info on sizing. The existing unit is a Lennox system that was installed when the place was built in 2017 (yes I checked warranties and supposedly there was only a 5 year warranty on it). The current outside condensing unit is a 1.5 ton unit and the inside air handler that is above the gas furnace is a 2 ton air handler with R-410A. It appears as though my gas furnace could go up to 3 ton with it's blower capacity. My condo is a 2 story with an unfinished basement (that I had planned on finishing before this happened), current finished space is around 1500 sq ft and total area is around 2300 sq ft. Using basic online calculators it is suggesting like a 4-5 ton, but I don't want to upgrade the furnace so I was thinking of doing a 2.5 to 3 ton unit. With the sales this weekend I am really tempted to jump on the HVACDirect deals on the ACiQ 3 Ton 15.6 SEER2 High Efficiency Air Conditioner with 17.5" Multi-Positional Cased Coil | Inverter - R454B. Maybe I'm going to far with doing a full replace and can somehow just find a compressor and replace it? Any thoughts? If I do go forward with the full AC replace, is that above system a good choice? Should I clean out my existing line set and reuse or just order and run a new one? It looks like I need to get a permit just to replace my AC system here in Greeley, so I'm planning to look into that. I also plan to reach out to the few HVAC connections I have to see what it would take to have them draw down the refrigerant in the current system since I can't pull it into the compressor since it blew. Anyway, just hoping to have other speak some wisdom into my situation if possible and I will keep looking through other's experiences and DIY HVAC's videos.
1 like • 3d
Hey there, sorry for the delayed response! Given your background I’d say you can absolutely do this. Hvacdirect is absolutely the way to go. And if you use the discount code DIYHVAC you can get 5% off your order! I’d reuse the lines for sure. Running new would be a big hassle but you could do that if it’s in an easy spot. You can use this kit that makes it very easy to flush out. I’ll be doing a video on this soon. https://amzn.to/4xczl5L The 608 is easy to get. I also have a video showing how to do this in our membership section over on the channel. And there is also plenty of replacement videos in the members only videos. I think if you watch enough replacements you can totally do this with confidence and save a massive amount of money. Keep us posted here! Cheers
18d •
Excited to get to know you guys!
I'm new here and new to the HVAC Niche as well so i'm looking to learn about the niche and what are the problems that you usually face with the business
1 like • 16d
Hey there, and welcome! I'm a bit unclear what your question is, so maybe you can clarify. Are you looking to start an hvac service business? If so, residential, or commercial? I found that with my residential hvac business, it just took time to get off the ground, and I found that alot of my experience came from going to service calls and just figuring stuff out. Sometimes that meant youtubing or calling a friend, and THAT is where experience comes from. Also setting aside money for taxes. People go out on their own and immediately buy a new truck and new tools, so my advice would be to do that at the rate your business is growing and generating income. Hope this helps! Feel free to expound and I can give a more informed answer. Best, Dave
0 likes • 22d
Welcome! I'm going to be promoting it to get more members as we go! Feel free to browse and ask any questions you might have! Cheers
24d •
One warm room
Hello everyone! I’ve got one room that is consistently warm. The air duct is getting cold air, but I have to keep the door open to the hallway to keep it from getting warm. There is no return in that room. Do y’all think installing a return will help? It’ll cost thousands. Thanks in advance!
1 like • 24d
Absolutely it will help. If the warm air has no where to escape then that makes sense. But is it worth spending thousand? Only you can say.
27d •
Leak sealers
Just wondering if anyone has opinions about putting in leak sealers to prevent leaks in the first place
1 like • 27d
Hey there, just like in automotive applications, leak sealers can cause more problems then they will fix. Also it would have to be a very very small micro leak. But what can happen is the leak seal can clog pistons and txv's and cause bigger problems. If the system is getting replaced soon, that would be the only instance where I might recommend a leak sealer to get them through one more summer.
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@david-stojic-3574
Hello! My name is Dave and I am an HVAC Contractor In Salt Lake City, helping DIY'ers to save tons of money with all things HVAC!
Active 2d ago
Joined Jul 20, 2026
Salt Lake City, Ut
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