Activity
Mon
Wed
Fri
Sun
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
What is this?
Less
More

Memberships

The DIY HVAC Community

131 members • Free

3 contributions to The DIY HVAC Community
I am in need of help with an ooooold system.
Its 50 years old this year! Only half the evaporator is getting cool/cold Top half is room temp Ive never put in refrigerant in the 28 years Ive lived here. Its R22, and I have some It has no piston, no txv, just a fixed tube/capillary system Soooo... is it just low after all these years? My house is about 82 degrees, out of the vents is about 72 degrees. But, how do you know how much to put in? Ive heard the old "beer can cold" analogy, which tells me nada Dont want to overfill it. Ive done auto ac's since the 1970s, have gauges for R22, just not sure what to do here, cant afford to replace it, and love its simplicity to be honest. I imagine if its a leak its a sloooow small one. Could be a schrader valve, hose, connection etc, or maybe something more serious, but want to try adding for now and see the results. No one can first believe this system is 50 years old, and most start talking about pistons and txv valves, which dont exist, which they also dont understand or believe. All the techs Ive talked to have never seen much less worked on a system this old So how to add and not overfill? I should add Im in Florida, its been in the upper 90s with heat index in the 106 degree feel like, with 80% humidity. So Im sure its struggling, Ive lived around here since 1977 and this is the hottest and most humid Ive ever experienced. Amazingly, typically my ac in the summer spikes my bill into the mid 200s, now its hit mid 300s for the first time. 1600sf house, 3 ton unit On another need, what is the absolute safest cleaner for the evaporator? It needs a cleaning (not that bad, just want to do it) and Ive read some cleaners are caustic. This evap is old so I want something that cleans but is completely safe for it Thanks
0 likes • 3d
@Cliff D I forgot to say, all systems leak. It could be that you are low on refrigerant, especially if you're still getting cool air. They don't build them like they used to! That said, are you seeing any icing on the evaporator coil in the house, or on the low pressure (suction) line (the larger pipe) outside? You can still find R22 to buy online, but legally speaking, would want a 608 Type 2 certification if you do it yourself. 🫠
0 likes • 2d
@Cliff D If it's a single component refrigerant like R12 or R22 or R32 or r134a, do not put it in upside down. Liquid will hurt the compressor (which only likes to deal with vapor gas).
Can I replace my own hvac system?
Hello everyone, I'm curious what kind of quotes you guys have gotten for a new hvac system? Im in a smaller town in Wyoming and i recently got a quote for 18,000 to replace my gas furnace and air condition with what seems like a pretty basic system. I really cant afford to spend that much. I feel like I can tackle this myself so I just wanted to get some advice. I appreciate this guys channel and it has helped me to keep my system going the past several years, but its looking like its time to replace! Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Can I replace my own hvac system?
2 likes • 3d
You definitely can! Or even find an independent HVAC tech and do as much as you can, and call them in for the harder parts. It does take time to learn, but if you like to learn, that turns into saved money and knowledge that it was done right. They say it's more about the installer and techniques used than it is about the hardware or system going in, and I believe it to be true after I had 3 companies give me quotes for $19k to $21k two months ago, and all shared misinformation. One said they could top off my R22 system with another refrigerant to make it last 2 more weeks (it is illegal to mix refrigerants!). Another told me my line set was fine to reuse (R22 vs R32) and when I asked how the oils would interact, the sales tech said oil is oil and I sent him out with a smile (oils are NOT compatible). Another told me they braze the line but don't flow nitrogen because 78% of the air is already nitrogen, and then mocked me for talking about StayBrite to avoid temps that cause cupric oxide. Had to do the quotes to convince my wife how we could save doing as much as we can. I've got most of the parts and tools, but need to get a nitrogen tank (I've signed up at a local air supply, took a few days) and acetylene tank (I'm going to live dangerously and try to air-acetylene my new lineset, but only after practicing on scrap; if I suck at it, I'll jump to StayBrite and flux).
Introducing The DIY HVAC Academy!
Howdy Folks! We have some very exciting news! In the coming months, we’ll be launching the official DIY HVAC Academy. This academy will provide highly detailed instructions and videos on how to plan, implement, and optimize your HVAC replacement. Many people are hesitant to undertake this task, but we’ve successfully assisted dozens of individuals in doing so. The DIY HVAC Academy will be a comprehensive and structured resource, including workbooks and checklists to guide you through each step of the process. We’ll announce its availability once it’s ready. You’ll have lifetime access to all the modules & workbooks, and the first 200 sign ups will be discounted at $299.00. We will make another announcement here as well as our youtube channel once this resource is live! Thank you so much for your support! Dave
0 likes • 3d
Thanks for building this community. I was bummed when the previous system went down, but totally understood the time commitment that it probably consumed. Hopefully organic growth will give a chance to you to sit back and watch the group grown and help itself, so that you get time back to life, which gets busy the older you get!
1-3 of 3
Jason Bengel
1
3 points to level up
@jason-bengel-6227
I make 20 minute brownies in 18 minutes! I'm about to replace my home 3 ton system (equipment is sitting in the garage/basement!).

Active 2d ago
Joined Jul 24, 2026
ISTJ
Kansas
Powered by