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This is what happens when equipment prices go up 60-70 percent in the last 3 years.

I did one complete system on a gut house myself with pulling all permits an ac replacement and ac add on. Not tough work, but took research to learn how to do it properly.

I don't know why I need some of these sensors but I sort of want them now. I might do it with an ESP32.

Just wanted to drop in my $0.02 since your "rant" seemed like a genuine desire to have discourse on the topic of DIwhy HVAC. Up front, I chose the DIY route when replacing my home's A/C and furnace (original equipment circa 1994 when the home was constructed). I've always been hands-on. High school I did welding and auto mechanic classes. College I got into electrical engineering. Nowadays I write software. Very glamorous. I got my EPA certificate from a cell phone app. So trendy. My UA-cam subscriptions include Ted (Anti DIY HVAC) and Chris' (HVACR Videos) channels. From them I gained knowledge. I don't even know how many videos for the past five years watching, simply because I enjoy that type of stuff. Somehow the great Algorithm popped your video up today so here we are. I get it. Your perspective is not mistaken. Some people don't know what a capacitor is and have no business attempting this stuff themselves. That lack of knowledge certainly will not stop them. Change is coming with all the new regulations and efficiency requirements. Systems these days are becoming much more complicated than simple run-cap and contactor beasts of 30 years ago. Nowadays you're looking at high efficiency heat pump systems where the ahu is communicating with the condenser to adjust the operational parameters constantly. What percentage of the contractors in the field know how to diagnose these types of systems? How readily available are the diagnostic tools that allow you to see what is going on with the system? It is not as simple as cap-n-go anymore. For the price that I was able to swap my system out, I could do it over again two or more times before coming even with what my local contractors might charge. I don't feel any worse off going this route than if I had gone with a "reputable" brand. The way the supply chain works these days, one system might have a few different nameplates it is sold under. From looking at the product literature for the system I got, it definitely is the case. I understand and accept that I may not get the best warranty, dealing with the internet wholesaler might be a pain, or they could just up and disappear without notice. To end: I delight in the fact that I was able to do it, and I will always have the knowledge and tools on hand to do it again in the future if I need to.

I mean, the HVAC cartel has been screwing customers over by overcharging for equipment for, well, ever. The issue isn't the quality of service, it's the markup on equipment and HVAC folks making it nearly impossible for a DIY person to buy quality equipment. Additionally the industry has shifted from fixing equipment to selling new equipment. Sure, a new furnace will be more efficient, but the HVAC guy that wanted to sell me a new furnace because the blower motor went out can stuff it. So, stop marking up equipment and just charge labor in line with what you need no matter who is providing the equipment, and actually fix stuff instead of trying to replace it. Then tell the manufacturers of quality equipment to sell to the public.

I was quoted $15,000 for my 3 ton system, and a 80000 btu furnace. I looked online and got the complete system shipped to my door for $3950 free shipping....I bought a roll of stay-bright and a vacuum pump and a new line set and a vacuum pump and a roll of sheet metal...watched some online education...saved $10,000 ...my neighbor is going to do the same and I'll help him...he will pay me some to cover the tools I bought...its really not hard for a guy who is a little handy.......No different than a guy going to Home Depot and installing his own faucet or toilet...I'm sure plumbing companies don't like that....fact is few would even try the HVAC install...but anyone can order a system from Amazon...

4.8 Oz is 1/4 pound not 1/2. there are 16 oz in a pound.

All this is on the HVAC industry. charging thousands of dollars for simple installs, terrible experiences, and contractor incompetence. Its so unbelievably expensive you need to bring 100% everytime because people are withdrawing from their retirement funds to pay for these projects. Same applies for roofing, etc.

There absolutely value in having a contractor come and do the work, but what is that actual dollar value? is it 3-5x the cost of the equipment? for most people, the answer to that question is an unequivocal NO. MrCool's prefilled flex lines have taken the last thing they needed contractors for, anyone who can run a hose and plug something into a wall can get a mini split working today.

This is simple, I cant afford to pay your worth. Or what you think your worth. I tried to hire a hvac contractor to do a new install. I received 3 quotes ranging from $18000 to $25000. I not only cant afford that but I cant understand the high mark up either. I bought the equipment myself and did the install completely on my own. I spent $5000 and several years later everything still works. I dont believe that the extra $13000 to $20000 wouldve changed much in the end.

this is on point. and I'm someone who does my own installs. fyi at least one of the online load calcs is a legit acca manual j ($10 or something)

I understand business takes a long hours and a high effort to run. But we’re talking here about replacing AC units that cost anywhere between $3000 and $10,000 and charging roughly $5000 worth of labor on top of that. I understand they are permit issues. I don’t understand why homeowners could not pull a permit and have inspector come by and validate the homeowners work. Especially since most of installation information is online .HVAC industry trying to hide that information from common folk behind pay walls are license requirements to make it harder to find information . Let’s say the inspector gets paid $200 a visit just to come in and check the work . that still comes out to be a better value when homeowner knows what they’re doing. I also understand it is expensive to run a business and you need to train and that cost money too. Understand trades people charge high prices because they run their own business but not everybody run their old business and not everybody can make 100 K year to afford professionals to come in and do the job .not going into politics here but average salary in US $65,000. I’m all for contractors to be able to make decent living and $10000 expense is not really that affordable. if homeowners have to optimize their expenses so can the businesses . say you need to run electrical connector but for some reason you have to go to the store and pick it up. why not have it on your truck so you don’t have to spend extra time going to the store and back. Everything delivered nowadays. you can have a small supply at your business warehouse and take a pictures before you go to job, so you know what supplies you need to bring and pack them before you bring them . that saves time it provides better value for customer . job can be done quicker. Maybe there could be a service that will estimate accurately proper sizing of the unit so you can outsource that part to somebody else and save some time. Just some suggestions here. If I can’t afford $20,000 car, I don’t buy it. Same with the contractors. I do find value in their work, but in my experience, 85% people I hired didn’t do as good of a job as I can. I do need to take time off of work and unpaid time off is frowned upon, but I don’t make $500 a day at my job. If it saves me $2000 to takeoff a week of work I will do it in a heartbeat. I agree with your point that people need to appreciate the contractors and contractors need to do better. contractors can do better by optimizing their services as much as possible eliminated all the costs. Homeowners shop for insurance to get better rates , contractors can do the same . homeowners don’t buy new vehicles every 3 to 5 years to get a tax write off. business owners can do the same. It does not matter to me if contractor drives a beat up truck or brand new truck as long as they do decent work . I would pay them just about same price amount of money to a person regardless what they drive if the quality of the work is top notch. It’s a simple as that. I understand the contractor is not wanting to install a split units but those are more relief for DIYers. If I buy a unit on Amazon I’m not gonna expect contractor to come and install it . but it also does not make financial sense to install a split unit for $5000, there’s a reason the cost $1000 . Those units might only last 3 to 5 years . rough wiring probably can be done once and then all subsequent replacements can just fit in place of broken units. everybody is looking for the better price and save money that’s how capitalism works. business owners trying to extract as much profit as they can . consumers looking to save us as much money as they can. It’s a simple as that . if the difference is too wide , there’s not gonna be an agreement.

You got here by trying to charge $12k for a $5k unit and then another $5k for labor

Bad Advice, you are digging in and basically saying jack up the price of labor even more. The amount hvac contractors charge for a days work is outrageous. People have started to realize this and that's why they are getting their own equipment on Amazon and doing DIY installations. The new generation of contractors can still make a great living - working for them selves and charging 1/3 to a half of what the old established companies are charging. Please explain why a day's labor for 2 techs changing out a system is worth 4-7 thousand dollars (excluding the equipment). No other industry charges these kind of labor rates.

It took until the SEVENTH contractor to come look at my job to find someone competent. Most sent salespeople not those technically and / or engineering minded. More than a few told me they could do the manual J by looking at a satellite image of my house. I didn't even ask about Manual D when most winced when I wanted some duct work addressed. They all pretty much just wanted to rip and replace my central units. They only wanted the part of the job that generated the highest profit per hour, not offering a complete, professional solution. The HVAC industry is ripe for disruption, and like you said, pretty much did it to themselves. There is a big push to efficiency world side, and yet distribution has so much gate keeping to the best equipment. It's so easy to buy china made stuff online but if you want USA built, that is hard. It all seems super backwards.

Any follow up with This system.

There is great value in this video. The HVAC world is definitely headed into a direct to consumer model. I totally agree with what you said about how jobs are priced, the industry needs to value time more than materials to adapt. Most of the cheapest stuff online is throw away too, It's impossible to get parts for most of the units from amazon, so homeowners, when they break be prepared for a whole new unit install.

Great video! The ecobee is a powerful stat. It's awesome how much backdoor control they give you. I had never thought about how reverse staging could cause ideal dehumidification removal for these units, that super smart and simple.

I don’t think you realize how valuable this video is. I can’t find real “data” and training like this anywhere. Even from Bosch.! Can I reach out to your concerning your install. This is amazing content. Can here for the Shelby temp monitor and I am hooked! Subscribed!!!

Years ago plumbers got to be so expensive that everyone just had to learn to do without them. In my area it has become difficult to find an honest AC person. Most want to replace repairable equipment at huge markups. The new equipment has a shortened lifespan, so the replacement is sometimes of poorer quality than the equipment that should have been repaired. Im thinking Home Depot will soon start having workshops on DIY HVAC install. I would rather do the work myself, than be taken for a fool.

The only industry that out price gouges the hvac industry is the funeral industry😂😂. A residential hvac system is not complicated it doesn't that a degree to figure it out. If it weren't for the EPA, lobbyist and regulations more people would be doing their own installs. I'm all for a guy making a living but i despise an hvac service guy more than an attorney or car salesman. When that truck or van rolls up you automatically know you're about to get screwed.😊

Demand that they produce the Manual J calculations, or refuse to touch it.

NO NO NO i HAVE ALLWAYS DONE MY OWN WORK. But 4 years ago ,i was sick and had to call a service man. He changed a $40 capacitor .total time from phone call to0 leaving my house was 1 hour. The bill was $520 plus tax on the $100 cap. I know thats the way capitalism works. I didnt complain about the bill. So please dont YOU COMPLAIN when I do it myself next time.

how do you like the BOSCH system looking at changing my 2 units heat pumps Florida 😎

Talk with tons of tech's, contractors don't seem to offer heat load calculations because customers don't want to pay for it. If they try to roll it into job then they are a higher bid. I understand customer is getting screwed paying for incorrectly sized, poorly installed equipment that wastes tons of energy. Customer pays more in the end with higher monthly bills, so in the end they do pay, just not us. Like your idea, just not warranty part, none from me.

Idk, I installed both minisplits in our house, I’d have loved to have an hvac guy come do it, but they wanted 5k each .. the units were 1k on Amazon and took me 2-3hrs to install, and that’s someone who’s not installed them before. I did everything but evac the lineset and couldn’t get anyone to come do just that for less than 1k/each, For sub 1 hour work. I bought a vacuum on Amazon for $75 bucks and did that myself too. This Home owner is tired of hvac guys rampant gouging and shoddy work.

That's not the case. More and more some customers don't care if you charge just one dollar over your actual purchase price. If the customer think they can get a deal on a system, they will do it. A lot of people just don't want to pay for quality work.

It’s always been around. I found out it doesn’t matter if there becomes more and more of it yes, we might lose the initial first installation. We just charge more for the service call and since it’s going to take longer with phone tag we charge for that we charge for again we charge for that . I have difficulty taken on some of these jobs just because they were through direct relations of people I work with or worked for and they begged me . Nearly every situation I literally charge them for diagnosis and repair and replacement than the unit unit cost . So expensive, it was almost the price of the unit the cheapest scenarios . So in the end because there’s more breakdowns and there’s more size mismatch . It’s sad for the customer But if you write your invoice correctly, you still make the same money Just not on new equipment sales And yes, you are dealing with a customer when they find out how expensive this equipment is and how and why you happen not to stock their parts on your truck Over in Asia, you can go into your corner store or something like a 7-Eleven or a quickie mark and they have one isle of air-conditioning units that consumers can just walk off the street and purchase and walk out with

Thanks for posting this! I just completed this project following your instructions. I did use the fifth temp probe for an ambient temperature, may as well since they came in a five pack! I appreciate the precise instructions and details! I also tied the Shelly into Home Assistant and created a dashboard for the HVAC monitors, including controls for the thermostat. Placed an old tablet on a mount near the HVAC unit to display the stats. Maybe that will help keep the HVAC maintenance guys from pin cushioning my return and supply ducts to measure temp each visit. 👍

Here for my weekly lesson in psychometrics

Tim, what's the difference between saturation and dew point in supply air?

I'm an industrial refrigeration technician. This video is absolutely phenomenal. I have been looking for HVAC remote monitoring. And those Shelley devices are amazing. Thank you for this video. You did a phenomenal job

Any programs or apps you personally use in your experience that give you accurate results?

Very good content. My issue is with the manufacturer of Shelly, FORCING users to register their personal information just to use the app to begin monitoring. SUPER LAME. @Tim is there another product you have tested or at least aware of that doesn’t require registration?

I skipped the power box and wired the shelly directly to the 24V my air handler generates for the thermostat, it works great.

I live in the south and had idea for a T stat that would automatically change from heat to cool and back from cool to heat as required 24 hours a day. Started to look into Ardueno.

Very interesting video. Do you know of a product - or - can you figure a way to tell me, via WiFi, when my OUTDOOR sump pump is running?

Very cool! I had no idea that cheap WiFi gadgets like this were available, It might help later (at 11:21) to keep the 100 etc. numbers when you rename sensors, eg "101 Return Air Temperature."

Great to see this, did something similar with the addition of using a Shelly i4DC instead to monitor the HVAC lines themselves (cool/heat/fan calls). Something I didn't make the leap to is to utilize Sensirion digital pressure sensors to measure pressure drop on the filter, but man they are expensive and would take a bit more work to integrate with the pitot tubes. Instead I opted for good-ole analog Dwyer Mark II mamometer, which seems to work really well.

Wonderful content. As suggested by others, please provide the exact model numbers and your source for them. I like to buy exactly what the expert did.

This is perfect! Just the other day our AC stopped cooling due to a clog in the condensation drip pan drain caused the float switch to turn off the chiller. Was just thinking of setting something else to monitor the temps and float switch!

Cool project.

Real genius

Great video ! I was looking at the Emerson Sensi Predict but then it disappeared. I figured it didn't sell like they hoped, even with MeasureQuick hyping it. I see MeasureQuick started monetizing. Not unexpected.

if your using it at home home assistant and tasmota is da bomb

The communications wire is 24VAC. Should just use that.

Nice set up! We use Aprilaire, and we don’t do the powered damper or the 45° approach to the supply. Have you measured a difference with those changes?

Very helpful, thanks

Nice job, I played around with the same system, but my challenge now is to detect condensate overflow in a mini-split. I need to find a leak detection module that is low cost...

Very cool, can you make this into a recorder to track information overtime?