Internet Purchase for HVAC

kansascgal

Is it safe to order HVAC over the internet. Also, I have a handy man (jack of all trades, master of none), but he has looked after my HVAC for several years and he is constantly busy putting in new systems. My kids feel he can not be trusted, mainly because he did not do a great finishing job on opening up a doorway for handicap accessibility.

But I think I might be saving at least a couple of thousand if I have him do it. He must have his HVAC license; otherwise, he would not be able to get the free-on.

Also, I guess the actual companies pad the price probably for least 10% or more, to be able to come and repair if necessary.

I welcome any comments.

hvactech126

internet purchases rarely have a valid warranty from the manufacturer. I would highly recommend a hvac contractor install your system. The main component to a long lasting system is that it is installed and maintained properly.

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Ravenworks

The old saying goes like this "Pay me now or Pay me later"

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ggold

Get at least 3 bids, and go with a licensed company. Parts should be covered from 1 to 5 years from factory.. REALLY THINK ABOUT IT

JackDidley

Correct. No warranty at all. I purchased a heat pump off the net last year. Installed it with the help of my friends. I am willing to take the risk that all will go well. So far, so good. If it doesnt go well, I'm on my own. No warranty and I may be lucky to get a pro to service it when it breaks.

Clutchcargo

Check the warranty if a pro installs it. I was surprised to find that when the fan motor went on the AC in my wife's shop. The warranty was only 1 year. With crappy warranties like this, I say go for it.

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carmon

you will get a pro to fix it.... if he is a true pro he will be fair with you... it will however not be cheap...

bungalow_steve

If it is a simple replacement with similar technology the better.

clocert

You said he is putting in new systems now. How many he did the last 3 years ? May be you can get some references.

JackDidley

Probably right. When that day comes I will write the check and say, thank you very much. Mostly just making the OP aware, that when you do buy on the net, there is a chance of problems.

bill01

Your key problem will be getting freon. Does your friend have a license so he can buy it.

Still how much is a 5 or 10 yr warranty worth. When you look at the cost of a compressor you may not save anything by installing it yourself.

hvac122

Having a refrigerant certificate is mot the same as a city or county license. Must have latter to actually install units. Check him out with the city you live in.

Its A Good Life!

TarheelTerp

It can be safe for the person capable of answering this sort question...
but not even remotely advisable for the one asking them.

hth

COLDIRON

Most warranties don't pay anyway if a part breaks it just covers the part the labor is the Killer and believe me it will cost anyway.

Ask the Handyman to show you jobs he did and some phone numbers so you can call them check him out more before committing.

I know mechanics that can do almost anything under the sun with the exception of finish carpentry and spackling so just because he did a sloppy job on the door don't count him out on the A/C installation.

Save a couple K.

COLDIRON

"I Agree"