Web source Heat Pump system

[jhcrowman]

I have a PTAC unit in my bonus room that I'd like to replace with a ducted Heat pump (heat and a/c) system. As a do-it-yourselfer, I'd like to do as much as the work as possible, and leave the final connections to a HVAC technician. I've browsed the web and found several sites that sell units to individuals (mostly Goodman, but some Rheem, Tempstar and a few others). Has anyone had any experience with purchasing through the web and doing the install themselves?
I'm seeing a good price on a Goodman 12 seer with 10 year warranty unit. The consensus I see on this forum is that they are a "mid-range" unit. I like the sound of the 10 year warranty - are these models better than some older Goodmans? Any other brand recommendations?
I'd appreciate any feedback on experiences, hidden "gotcha's", etc.
Thanks in advance!

[Ed Imeduc]

Lots of ways to go look up Friedrich then Samsung ductless split systems then there is Comfort Aire ductless
Fotr one room might work out for you. might also look at http://www.heatcoolparts.com

ED ;)

[scottg]

Goodman has listed in their warranty that units purchased through the web are not covered under warranty. It is plainly stated in paragraph 2 of the warranty. Click on the link and then click product warranty that is where you will see that they don't cover units purchased over the internet.

http://www.goodmanmfg.com/consumer/selectSub.act?sub=Series14&requestedSite=Goodman#

[mattison]

I would be very surprised if you get any manfacture to back a warranty on web purchased systems. Also the only contractors that will do the finals on a diy install are not the kind you want in your house.

The best thing to do is get a few quotes w/load-loss calculation and ask them what parts of the project you can do yourself to save some money.

[jhcrowman]

Thanks for the input. I called several HVAC contractors from the yellow pages yesterday, and all said they wouldn't install a unit not purchased through them.
To me, it's like the situation where my chevy truck needs a new engine. I purchase a chevy-remanufactured engine from a dealer out of state because they have great pricing (over stock or last year's model, etc) and because I save not having to pay my states sales tax. I take the engine to my local chevy dealer to purchase their labor to install the engine. If there are any warranty issues, I should be able to go to my local chevy dealer because they are an authorized chevy dealership and are being paid by chevy to provide warranty support of chevy products.

"Also the only contractors that will do the finals on a diy install are not the kind you want in your house." - this is what I don't understand. The implication is that any contractor who is willing to bill a customer for labor without making the additional profit that comes from marking up a system is viewed as an incompetent fool and a criminal. Also implied is that diy'ers are not to attempt anything related to HVAC. This HVAC industry is a mysterious thing to me.

I emailed one of the web suppliers asking them about the warranty issue - it will be interesting to see what their reply is. Several of these businesses have been around for many years, so surely they've run into these issues before.

I received an estimate yesterday on a ducted system for my 25x21 bonus room. For a 1.5 ton 12 seer unit, $4,500 if I do all the duct work and $5,600 if they do everything. Based on the prices I see on the web for a 12 seer unit (about $1,500), that sure is a lot of markup. Needless to say, I've crossed that contractor's name out in my yellow pages! This goes to Mattison's point about getting several estimates.
Thanks again for the input.

[scottg]

Crowman
Did you look at the web site?

Did you read the warranty?

Maybe you have it in your mind that you are going through with this reguardless what we recommend. Maybe you want us to ok this venture.
I know about this one web based company that sells to the public and they listed my company as a contractor that they recommend to do the work and I never talked to them or had any conversation with them at all at no time. They just say what ever to sell equipment.

I hope you get your units, and not a big con job. They might just take your money then what recoarse would you have? At least with a licensed contractor you can have local building inspectors state building inspectors judges and State govt. officials to help you in your case.

You also get insurance coverage if something was to go wrong with it.
This is the primary reason that I won't do this kind of job. If I install a system in a house I want it to be insured so I can cover my butt.

If you install the unit and something goes wrong then your insurance says tough luck. No contractor no inspection no coverage.

That is why HVAC contractors seem to be an as matter of fact kind of people.

Well I hope you read this post and do the right thing.