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The DIY HVAC Community
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13 contributions to The DIY HVAC Community
0 likes • 6d
Hi Jon! Did you do any HVAC repairs yet?
1 like • 5d
Nice! That's pretty much how I got into this as well. Add an air handler fan motor, a short on the board and a hard start kit. My system is from 2014 and I'm logging all the data with 6 probes now, in order to figure out when I start dealing with a leak or the compressor windings going out, so I can replace the entire system in time, and in winter, hence I don't have to rush things. I'm in South Florida, so we go through them even faster. In a few months mine will be 13 years old... I'm not expecting much more. The evap coils are corroding like there's no tomorrow - thanks to the planned obsolesce "design failure" by placing copper pipes right over the aluminum coils. As long as I can pump down the old system, I have all the tools needed. Otherwise I will still need a recovery machine and tank. They are plentiful on FaceBook marketplace and easy to sell again. Replacing my own heat pump will be one of the things I will be proud of. No way in hell will I pay 15k for this nonsense. I'll pay myself and put 10k after system and tools into my broker account lol
11d •
R22
is this a legit seller of refrigerant? https://www.crefri.com/products/r22-refrigerants?variant=48332873007359 or https://ontapcold.com others? thanks!
1 like • 11d
I'd stay away. First one's address is an office rental address, no warehouse or so. Look on FaceBook Marketplace and buy something locally, in person. David suggested Ability Refrigerants several times. My legal disclaimer: in order to buy and / or handle refrigerants in the US, you are required to hold an EPA 608 certificate. This can be obtained on SkillCat within days. David made a video on it just recently. Your call.
0 likes • 9d
@Cliff D That is the supplier David suggested in his videos. And this is only my opinion and no legal advice: regarding the EPA certificate, the general assumption out there seems to be, that they don't have the man power to check if every buyer provided his certificate when buying refrigerant from a supplier, and that the EPA only goes after larger entities that violate laws. That being said, when you place an order online, you provide your name and address. If the EPA would ever get to a point of going after that supplier, and then finds countless customer details with no matching certificate, MAYBE they will dig deeper at that point. It is the same with people modifying their cars and trucks with aftermarket exhaust systems. That violates EPA regulations too, by removing catalytic converters or other emissions systems. Most people (should) know that this is illegal - yet there are millions driving around without a catalytic converter or diesel particle filter system. So far, the EPA went after some manufacturers and sellers. How far the EPA enforces, also goes back to the current administration. It seems to be more lax under republican leadership, and much stricter under democratic administration. If Newsom becomes our next president, you can bet that the EPA will get a fresh set of sharp teeth, and they may end up going after regular folks and not just manufacturers or sellers. So at the end of the day, it is your call if you want to buy and / or handle refrigerant without the matching EPA license. I personally would not expect to run into enforcement, fines or worse, but I also don't handle things this way. I do believe that both catalytic converters on vehicles and proper handling of refrigerants are very important to our environment, aka nature. And that's why I don't remove catalytic converters or any emission systems on my cars and trucks, and I got the EPA certificate because I wanted to make sure that I won't risk letting any refrigerant escape into the atmosphere. Well, and I like challenges and wanted to see how I do on the test.
Jul 23 •
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!
0 likes • 11d
@Jim Foster 15k for a system worth 3k is crazy work. Collect the tools and skills over time, staring NOW, and save 9k.
16d •
My DIY HVAC Tool Bag
A couple years ago I decided to take DIY HVAC more serious when I faced some issues with my heat pump. I needed to figure out if my old system lost some charge. At that point I knew that I will need to measure pressures and line temperatures. At first I tried to get away as cheaply as possible while still trying to get quality tools. So I placed an order for an analog Mastercool manifold. When that didn't show up after 3 week I asked the seller, and was told it will take another 2 to 3 weeks. By that time I had enough and decided to go "all out". I canceled that order and got the 6 piece Fieldpiece probe kit including a micron gauge. Now, many believe that you still need a manifold once you pull a vacuum, recover refrigerant or add a charge, but that is not true. With a couple hoses, core removal tools and a charging T, you are fully equipped with those probes. Once the tools as well as vacuum and charge hose showed up, I decided to get a real HVAC tool bag. So this small tool bag from VETA PRO PAC now has everything I need to test and log my heap pump system. I will log all the data points the Fieldpiece app spits out, every summer around the same date, and with the same outdoor temperature. This will tell me in time when it develops a small leak. I will also use my Hioki and Klein multimeter in order to log amp draw and meg the compressor's winding-resistance. This will tell me if the compressor is its way out. A leak in a coil or the compressor going out are the 2 main issues that often force a system replacement over a repair, if the system is old. It makes little sense to replace a coil, the compressor, the air handler or the condensing unit, when the rest of the system only last another 2 years or so. The propose of all this is, that I can detect issues in time, so I can prepare for my system replacement in winter, I can take my time to do it right, without rushing into mistakes in the heat of the summer. Owning most tools will lower the stress when its time to get work done. I won't have to research tools and add another week or 2 to the job.
0 likes • 15d
@Jason Millsap To charge a system without a traditional manifold using a Fieldpiece wireless probe kit you use the wireless pressure and temperature probes for real-time diagnostics while introducing refrigerant through a separate charging tee or a single ball-valve hose hooked up to the tank. Required Equipment for topping off (for full charge you will also need vaccum pump, core removal tool and micron gauge): • Fieldpiece Wireless Probes: the 4 probe kit will be plenty • Charging Tee / Swivel Tee: A T-fitting that attaches to the service port, allowing both your probe and your charge hose to connect simultaneously. I got the Appion MegaSeal Low-Loss Charging T-Fitting (1/4" Flare). • Standard Hose with Ball Valve: A short yellow (or utility) hose with a closed ball valve to minimize refrigerant loss and blowback. HR1B 1/4" x 5' Length Ball Valve Refrigerant Hose (Black) • Refrigerant Tank & Scale: An inverted refrigerant tank resting on a digital refrigerant scale. A cheaper scale will do. • Smart Device: A phone or tablet running the Fieldpiece Job Link or MeasureQuick app. Charging Process: 1. Attach the Probes: • Turn on your Fieldpiece pressure and temperature clamps and link them to your smart device via Bluetooth. • Connect a charging tee (such as a swivel tee) to the suction or liquid service port depending on whether you are vapor-charging or liquid-charging. • Screw the blue suction pressure/temperature probe onto the suction line and the red discharge/liquid probe onto the liquid line. 2. Set Up the App: • Open the Job Link or measureQuick app, verify that all probes show an active connection, and select the correct refrigerant type (e.g., R-410A, R-454B, or R-438A). • Monitor live metrics on your screen, including suction/liquid pressures, saturation temperatures, target superheat, and target subcooling. 3. Connect the Refrigerant Supply: • Hook your standard hose with a closed ball valve to the open side of your charging tee.
Sep 15 •
How to get EPA 608
Hi! I am a young homeowner (about 2 years now) and when my wife and I were getting the general inspection it was noted that our AC used R-22 refrigerant and might need to be replaced if it started leaking. After hearing how much it would cost to replace a system (and having some ideas of my own for improving IAQ) I have started down the road of getting prepared for a DIY replacement should that happen in the near future. From reading a few posts it sounds like getting the universal EPA 608 is a good first step. Are there any recommendations for online training courses that teach the material well? A quick search showed SkillCat but I am curious if anyone had any preferences. Thanks!
1 like • Sep 16
Download the SkillCat app, make an account, pick the course. Takes 5 minutes. First 3 days are free, after that you would have to pay 9 bucks a month. Course takes about 9 hours. They also offer the exam. That being said, R-22 can still be found. If its a small leak, you could recover, fix leak, recharge and top off with a small tank.
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