Air Conditioning - diy central air install
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MRT19
05-25-07, 08:40 PM
I am thinking about installing a central air system in my home myself and wanted if there was any advice from anyone out there. I am a strict DIY and have done all my home repairs and remodels myself so I considered myself pretty handy. I have a 30 year old ranch style house. It has 1160 sqft upstairs and a 500 sqft finished basement. I have 10 ft ceilings in the basement with a drop down tile ceiling so running duct will not be a problem. I was thinking about running 1 maybe 2 supply ducts to each room and have only 1 return in the hallway which will be directly above the unit. Is this acceptalbe? Are there any books on this that has a step by step guide out there? Just started the planning process so any help or advice could and will be used. Thanks, MRT19
HotinOKC
05-25-07, 09:07 PM
How do you plan on getting your new system? Most suppliers will not just sell a DIY the required equipment. You also have to be EPA certified to work with the R22 or 410a.
You will also not have any warranty on any of the equipment if you install yourself.
This a DIY forum, but myself, and I'm sure the others will agree that this is not a DIY job.
You will also not have any warranty on any of the equipment if you install yourself.
This a DIY forum, but myself, and I'm sure the others will agree that this is not a DIY job.
MRT19
05-25-07, 10:25 PM
You bring up some valid points that I have not thought of and I thank you for that. As far as getting the equipment I have a buddy that installs these systems for his ocupation. I was planning on getting some help from him and figured he could get the system and do any work associated with the refrigerant. But I am not sure I can get the warranty that way. I probably can get all the help I need with his experience but thought I would throw this out there to see what kind of advice I would get back. Thanks for the reply, MRT19
Grady
05-25-07, 10:56 PM
The very first thing which needs to be done is a Manual J heat gain calculation to determine how much cooling you need. Then based on the heat load for each room, the duct system can be sized properly. There is a program available on the web which a homeowner can download & run for about $50. It comes with tech support & from what I have read, is a very good & accurate program. It also includes, I believe, air flow specs for each room. Here's a link: http://hvaccomputer.com
No manufacturer will warrant equipment purchased on the web regardless of what the seller says. Have your friend get the equipment for you thru one of his regular suppliers.
No manufacturer will warrant equipment purchased on the web regardless of what the seller says. Have your friend get the equipment for you thru one of his regular suppliers.