Self Install A/C Condenser?
#1
07-17-09, 02:40 PM
Self Install A/C Condenser?
Hi all. I hear that A/C condenser warranties are often voided when the buyers chooses to install the units himself/herself. This is apparently based on the notion that condensers, especially those with refrigerant, are difficult to install and/or require special skills. How true is this? Can a reasonably inclined and competent do-it-yourselfer install a new condenser with messing it up?
#2
07-17-09, 03:00 PM
Super Moderator
You may be able to place everything and wire it..(assuming a 1 for 1 replacement). But you need a tech to evacuate and charge the system. Most manufacturers will not honor a warranty from a unit purchased out of the distributer/dealer loop.
If you find a company that will do the final hookup..its unlikely they will warrant anything.
If you find a company that will do the final hookup..its unlikely they will warrant anything.
#3
07-17-09, 04:05 PM
Super Moderator
It's not sometimes but rather always that a manufacturer will void a warranty with an unqualified installation.
You need to be certified to work with this equipment and anyone that circumvents this is breaking the law.
Besides, air conditioning is extremely reliable when properly installed and no manufacturer is going to want the risk of getting a bad name for itself from a faulty installation.
It also takes some very expensive equipment to do a proper job and not worth buying for a one time installation.
You need to be certified to work with this equipment and anyone that circumvents this is breaking the law.
Besides, air conditioning is extremely reliable when properly installed and no manufacturer is going to want the risk of getting a bad name for itself from a faulty installation.
It also takes some very expensive equipment to do a proper job and not worth buying for a one time installation.
#5
07-17-09, 11:52 PM
The answer is to learn enough to *almost* be capable of doing it yourself.
By then you will have done your energy calculations, understood your building inspector's requirements, learned about the equipment choices you have (e.g. single or two-stage condenser, etc.), found the manufacturer's spec sheets on line, picked the exact equipment you want, checked approximate hardware pricing on-line, and gotten a reasonable idea of how many hours it should take a couple of skilled guys to do the job.
When you walk through a dealer's door with all that in hand you will be so different from his average customer that, when he accepts that you really know what you're talking about, he just might end up selling you what you actually want at a price that's fair to both of you.
(You need to be talking to the owner, and don't expect you'll be allowed to skip the step where all the glossy brochures describing what he wants to sell you get thrust in your lap.)
(And don't breath a word about factory rebates until you get a price in writing.)
By then you will have done your energy calculations, understood your building inspector's requirements, learned about the equipment choices you have (e.g. single or two-stage condenser, etc.), found the manufacturer's spec sheets on line, picked the exact equipment you want, checked approximate hardware pricing on-line, and gotten a reasonable idea of how many hours it should take a couple of skilled guys to do the job.
When you walk through a dealer's door with all that in hand you will be so different from his average customer that, when he accepts that you really know what you're talking about, he just might end up selling you what you actually want at a price that's fair to both of you.
(You need to be talking to the owner, and don't expect you'll be allowed to skip the step where all the glossy brochures describing what he wants to sell you get thrust in your lap.)
(And don't breath a word about factory rebates until you get a price in writing.)
