Hello everyone, I'm new on here.
I have a 30 year old heat pump that is failing in an area that has pretty harsh winters. The 70,000 BTU unit has always had enough heat. It has an analog thermostat inside the house to control it. But it is toast now. The property is a rental and it is 300 miles from my permanent residence.
I got a quote for a new Gaspack system (hybrid) at $6300 installed. They said a furnace outside would cost about the same. I found a 110,000 BTU furnace on sale online for $500 shipped, and I want to hear some ideas and get a few answers from all you experts. I think it is worth my time and money to do it myself (I know I will lose A/C, I don't mind).
Here is my plan for the install:
My questions:
Is this a realistic project for a DIYer with plumbing and electrical and home structural experience? I have a lot of experience in automotive and other fields as well. I am a mechanical engineer. I haven't done much HVAC before though.
How likely is it that the old thermostat can control the new unit? It is a simple one with just a temperature slider for heat, a temp slider for AC, and a selector (off, fan, heat, AC, em. heat). It is of course the old style (mercury contact).
I want to have the structure mostly built before I get on site (it will be small), so I can spend less time on the site. I plan on doing this whole install in two or three days. Is that possible? I do work fast and work long days.
I'm sure I will have more questions later. but this should get a good discussion started. Thanks in advance for the help everyone!
I have a 30 year old heat pump that is failing in an area that has pretty harsh winters. The 70,000 BTU unit has always had enough heat. It has an analog thermostat inside the house to control it. But it is toast now. The property is a rental and it is 300 miles from my permanent residence.
I got a quote for a new Gaspack system (hybrid) at $6300 installed. They said a furnace outside would cost about the same. I found a 110,000 BTU furnace on sale online for $500 shipped, and I want to hear some ideas and get a few answers from all you experts. I think it is worth my time and money to do it myself (I know I will lose A/C, I don't mind).
Here is my plan for the install:
- Remove old unit
- Cinder block foundation for new unit
- Run 110/220 electrical if it isn't already there
- Plumb in intake to furnace
- Plumb in output to house
- Build "doghouse" for furnace with flu/chimney vent for waste heat and vents
- Hook up old controls to new unit
- Plumb natural gas to new unit
My questions:
Is this a realistic project for a DIYer with plumbing and electrical and home structural experience? I have a lot of experience in automotive and other fields as well. I am a mechanical engineer. I haven't done much HVAC before though.
How likely is it that the old thermostat can control the new unit? It is a simple one with just a temperature slider for heat, a temp slider for AC, and a selector (off, fan, heat, AC, em. heat). It is of course the old style (mercury contact).
I want to have the structure mostly built before I get on site (it will be small), so I can spend less time on the site. I plan on doing this whole install in two or three days. Is that possible? I do work fast and work long days.
I'm sure I will have more questions later. but this should get a good discussion started. Thanks in advance for the help everyone!