Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - Need to replace heat pump

It's time to replace a 20+ yr old heat pump on my house. Having been a do-it-yourselfer all my life, I take on many projects and see it to the end. When it comes to AC work, I knew I couldn't just go out and buy a new heat pump and slap it in myself. So I just finished the first 8 weeks ( with many more to come) taking HVAC classes at the local Jr. College. What would be the best way to proceed with this project? I'm in no hurry, as I live in AZ and it's not going to get cold enough here to worry about. And next summer is a long way off. I'd like to use this as a learning experience, but cant do it alone at this point. I'll be attending an EPA cert. seminar this weekend. One step at a time. Trying to do things the right way, but I'm not big on patience sometimes. I would welcome any thoughts.

Maybe you should contact the instructor where you are taking classes. He may be willing to use your install as an opportunity to walk the class through a chang out.

I was thinking that might a good way to go Ed. Does a person need a contractors license to buy a new unit? I've heard that picking up a scratch and dent unit isn't a bad idea an can save someone a bit of cash. I haven't yet priced out units, so I dont really have an idea of what to expect. I just know that having a contractor do the job will run about $3500 to $4000 .

You ever thought about enjoying life? Maybe forming a relationship with a member or many members of the opposite sex? You have inspired me to go to dental and law school.

Yes you do need a contractors license in most areas to purchase that kind of equipment. Your price seems quite a bit high to me. I'm in Orange County California and our labor prices are among the highest in the country. A straight change out would cost a lot less than the $3500 you mentioned. Of course I am assuming you have under 5 tons

U Owe me, I got a good chuckle out of your comment. Trust me, I'm not all work and no play. I use other web sites for that sort of thing. LOL
I just enjoy taking classes. Problem is, I have all these certifications, and I'm still bored. Nothing like education is there?

HEY Thumpik! your out there in AZ Just take up flying Thatll give you something to do. Go out to old LUKE field ;) ED
Its a lot cleaner that doing HVAC

to take classes to learn how to install a HP. I never heard of anyone doing that. I would think it would just be easier to pay someone and devote your time to your career, which obviously you don't have.
Step 1. Buy equipment on E-Bay.
Step 2. Install units, ignore code violations.
Step 3. Ask all over the internet for help when is doesn't go according to plan.
Step 4. Start drinking.
Step 5. Go to AA, solve alcohol problem and return to home with no functioning HVAC system.
Step 6. Focus yourself and get unit running.
Step 7. Call fire department and Red Cross.
Step 8. Back to drinking.
Step 9. Back to AA.
Step 10. Call someone and get it over with already.

Diceman, you have alot of good suggestions there. Hold on while I go get another beer!
Ok then. Here's the deal. I'm a data technician with the phone co. But due to the fact that they are always threatening us with layoffs, I decided to embark on a backup career in AC. The best part is, they are paying for all the schooling. Make sense now?