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The HVAC industry in the US enjoys massive gross margins on this equipment. Prices are supported primarily by licensing laws. You can't legally break into the
by OldSchool 3y ago
The HVAC industry in the US enjoys massive gross margins on this equipment. Prices are supported primarily by licensing laws.
You can't legally break into the business, but DIY on your own house is entirely possible: the equipment is available for 1/4 to 1/3 of the "installed" price and some of the more climate-friendly refrigerants do not require an EPA license to purchase.
Yes, the work involves electrical, light plumbing and welding, a specialized tool or two, attention to detail, and definitely physical labor, but for a lot of engineers that's just fun stuff to do on a weekend - really fun stuff when you save over $10K per installed system (at the 3-5 ton unit capacity level.)
- SketchySeaBeast 3y agoNot just electrical, 240 V electrical and a possible 200 Amp service upgrade. The really fun "it'll kill you dead" electrical.
- OldSchool 3y agoThe 240V electrical isn’t as scary as it sounds; individually, the hots are no more “hot” relative to ground than a 120V hot (still demands respect!) Certainly it’s not for everyone or even every engineer but I guess my point was that if you’ve already done most of these things yourself it’s not a huge leap to DIY your own HVAC install compared to the financial incentive, especially if your house has more than one system.
- cogman10 3y ago120V will kill you dead, so will 60V.
- SketchySeaBeast 3y agoTrue.
- sidewndr46 3y agoso will 12 volts if conducted through your heart in the right place