Ductless mini-split questions

fishhab · 02-22-2009, 12:42 PM

I am in the market to install ductless mini-split into our home which has hydroponic radiant floor heat. The estimates for a pro install for these seems really high (like $8000 + electrical to install 2 units on either side of the house - both 2T units, one single and one double). I can buy them much cheaper on the internet (less than $5000 with getting the electrical done), but at least one of the companies claim they will void their warranty if purchased on the internet rather than from the HVAC pro who installs it. These seem to be installable by a competent DIY, with maybe having the final startup, evac, etc. hired out to a HVAC pro.

Have any of you had experience with this? Have any idea why it costs so much to have done, other than lack of competition where I live?

chris75 · 02-22-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishhab

Have any idea why it costs so much to have done, other than lack of competition where I live?

Insurance, phones, workmans comp, advertising, vehicles, shop/building, just to name a few, if people only knew how hard it was to run a business.

LocalRetard · 02-22-2009, 01:17 PM

yeah were i live im poor i have no money or life i dont work.........

LocalRetard · 02-22-2009, 01:18 PM

but i can tell u one thing sista ur job sucks talk to the hand

hvaclover · 02-22-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishhab

I am in the market to install ductless mini-split into our home which has hydroponic radiant floor heat. The estimates for a pro install for these seems really high (like $8000 + electrical to install 2 units on either side of the house - both 2T units, one single and one double). I can buy them much cheaper on the internet (less than $5000 with getting the electrical done), but at least one of the companies claim they will void their warranty if purchased on the internet rather than from the HVAC pro who installs it. These seem to be installable by a competent DIY, with maybe having the final startup, evac, etc. hired out to a HVAC pro.

Have any of you had experience with this? Have any idea why it costs so much to have done, other than lack of competition where I live?

Save the flame face for somebody who cares. I'm sure your boss allows you to work for him because you work for free.

fishhab · 02-22-2009, 06:28 PM

Whew! Did not really intend to irritate anyone. I sure don't mind hiring the pro and would prefer to do so when it seems reasonable. Apparently, there is not a lot of support here for folks to DIY like I thought. If we paid someone else for everything we need done, there would be no need for a DIY forum. Sorry for the flame face - I thought it conveyed that it burns me to pay so much if I can do it myself. So, with that, my apologies for offending. I will get back to my projects. Humble face.

Scuba_Dave · 02-22-2009, 06:49 PM

Well, I don't pay much attention to someone who just signed up & has 2 posts - both on this thread. But I've learned that things do cost $$. I know I can run an outlet for about $5 at a distance of 25'
I know an electrician may charge $50 or more depending upon what other work is being performed at the same time

I'd never try an HVAC installation
Hooking everything up & then asking a Pro to finish is sorta like walking into a restaurant & asking them to cook the food you brought in & serve you

I charge anywhere from $25-60 or more an hour to do computer work. Most Pros charge for their experience & abilities, no matter what their field of expertise

hvaclover · 02-22-2009, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LocalRetard

but i can tell u one thing sista ur job sucks talk to the hand

You gonna express an opinion on somebody dissing the HVAC biz it might be a good idea if you post your profession.

**beenthere** · 02-22-2009, 10:04 PM

Yes, you can save money if you DIY on some of the install, and buy the units off the internet.
Who ever does the refrigerant end for you. Of course he gets paid weather or not they work when the switch is turned on.
And of course. You don't have any labor warranty on the equipment.
So if it breaks down later. You pay all labor to find whats wrong.

Before you buy them thought. You better make sure you can find a contractor that will start them up for you.

PS: Make sure they're the same brand your contractor carries/works on.
If not, it can be an expensive deal for you later. When they say, sorry, we don't know how to work on that brand.

I don't care if you DIY or not. Just make sure you check out everything first.
As far as will anybody do the refrigerant end.
And can/will anybody in your area service it.

rgsgww · 02-22-2009, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hvaclover

You gonna express an opinion on somebody dissing the HVAC biz it might be a good idea if you post your profession.

Says he doesn't work...

Lets not hijack this thread.

fishhab · 02-22-2009, 10:15 PM

Thanks beenthere - very good points and well worth considering. I intend to be very honest with our HVAC folks and just ask them about a partial install and hiring them for part of it. If it is a no go unless it all goes, then I have a decision to make on whether to chance that I can do it all with no warranty or else fork out the money. I appreciate the insight.