[buck_e]

Hi, I installed a new hi efficiency furnace and central air unit in my home and have everything done except running and connecting the line set. I had two different contractors come out and charge me 50 bucks each for an estimate and then give me an estimate that was ridiculously high. the first guy we later discovered by searching the internet was scamming people left and right advertising free estimates if he does the work, then giving an insane estimate. Basically getting 50 bucks for doing nothing. The second guy that came was kinda my fault because I told him the price the first guy quoted ($1650.00) so he thought he'd get the work if he quoted $1250.00.when I told him no thanks and I would see him out he dropped his price to 9 bills then to 8 bills his argument being he had the tools to do the job. Well for less than half that amount I can get a manifold and a bottle of nitrogen,hoses and brazing rod and and do it my self if I have to.
My question is what is a ballpark guess at a price for this job. The AC unit is matched set mfg. by York. it is a 3 ton R410A unit with a charge for smallest indoor coil and 15 foot lineset. All I need is for the TXV (customer supplied) and the Line set, 3/4 X 35'(contractor supplied)
installed and add needed refrigerant. The run is easy access from the OD unit thru the attic to the ID unit in the furnace closet. (about 31 feet) I figure about 2 hrs work if the guy takes his time. Thank You

 

[JJboy]

I see you manage very well.....buy the equipments and do yourself. This is DYI. I'd like like to see you talking to a doc. :thumbsup:

 

[Doc Holliday]

. I'd like like to see you talking to a doc. :thumbsup:

You rang?

Just messing with you, JJboy.

Out. I have two condensers to set in the morning, speaking of linesets..

 

[JJboy]

You rang?

Just messing with you, JJboy.

Out. I have two condensers to set in the morning, speaking of linesets..

LOL :thumbsup:

 

[COLDIRON]

Remember another thing when you find someone to do the work at a reasonable price it won't have a warranty mechanics do not give warranty's when other people buy equipment and install it then ask for a warranty.
I however give a warranty on homeowner purchased equipment which reads " if the equipment breaks in half the owner gets to keep both half's"
I also offer another warranty it's called the egg timer warranty when the customer pays the bill I take out the egg timer and put it on the table when the material reaches the bottom I pick it up and leave.

 

[veesubotee]

You forgot the vacuum pump.

 

[beenthere]

Your time estimate is wrong.

Probably somewhere between 1300 and 1800 for that job.

If you want it for less. Provide and run the line set yourself, and also provide the TXV. Then you just pay for brazing, nitrogen use, vacuum time and equipment use, and for the extra R410A. Probably get you below 750.

 

[Marty S.]

Nitro is cheap. Vacuum pump,copper, brazing rod, torches,manifold,txv and micron gauge add up fast though. Last time I looked a small tube of 15% silphos was almost $170,they don't sell it by the stick, and a micron gauge is around $200. Best advice for saving money is do as beenthere said run the lines yourself then pay for the connection , vacuum and charge.

 

[yuri]

You also need a multitester and clamp type thermocouple to check the liquid line temp for measuring subcooling or buy the $500 multifunction refrigeration manifold with all the bells and whistles. Not as cheap or easy as it sounds.

 

[beenthere]

Fieldpiece SMAN3 manifold about 400 bucks, optional hoses you "need" to use it, roughly 80 bucks. Vacuum pump, about 360 bucks.

 

[yuri]

Knowledge of how to weld to the service valves w/o destroying them and ability. Priceless.:yes:

 

[JJboy]

He will figure out, he can do it in 2 hours LOL