DIY Air Conditioner Replacement Part 1 -Step By Step Guide-
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
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You sir are amazing. Until I found your videos I thought I would be stuck paying 6 grand on a new system. As if this past weekend we have a new Goodman system in place and running great all for under 2k. And I did it all myself.
I can’t thank you enough. You rock!
Amazing! Thanks so much for sharing! We have a Patreon over at Patreon.com/diyhvacguy if you feel so inclined to help us out over there 👍🏼 cheers bro!
No, it’s not needed.
System is factory filled with 410a.
I hired an independent contractor to superheat. . It only needed one pound of refrigerant.
6k? Had a guy come tonight and quote one unit 19k lol
@@Freshprankstv1 I am very confused, i was given a rough estimate today to replace my old AC unit and Air handler for 8-10k. Are these HVAC guys just pocketing 5k+ for a day of labor? 😅
@@mondoburger4049 yes. Commission and overhead lol
I'm an AC tech and a DIY'er. I tell people all the time there is so much they can do to keep their system running so they don't have to call me out. People pay hundreds of dollars for a maintenance contract. Easy maintenance. Keep your filters clean. Flush the condensate drain out every few months before every summer disconnect power to the condenser and use low pressure water and rinse the coils. You'd be surprised how much just that will do. Just those few things will prevent a ton of problems. Like blow capacitors, systems tripping off high head pressure in the middle of summer on the hottest day. It also helps with the longevity of your unit. Keep DIYing to the safest of your abilities. Also, as my mentor told me. If it's already broke. You can't break it anymore. All you can do is fix it.
I love your attitude. The abundance mindset. Something that a lot of folks on here don’t have and probably won’t ever have. Thanks for the support! 👊🏼
What is the condensate drain?
If its already broke,you can DEFINITELY break it a whole lot more, turning a cheap fix into an expensive one.
@Jose Becerra a pump that hooks up to your furnace that pumps out condensation some have it and some don't
😅
Thanks for doing this. I can imagine you've had commenters say no one but a professional should attempt this, but there have to be tons of people like me who are detail-oriented, competent and comfortable w/AC and various types of instrumentation who just need someone to lay out the map for them, as you've done here.
Well said
I just spoke with my neighbor who is a very good HVAC tech with about 30 years of experience. He told me that I can reuse my line set going from R22 to 410a without flushing because my compressor did not burn out. I am using Stabrite 8 and Staykleen flux to solder my lines.
I watched your videos all 3 of them as I'm changing my unit myself. I have some knowledge on hvac but you gave me the rest of what I needed. I told one of my brothers in the congregation about you and he said he had worked at LDC with you. Small world. Thanks.
5/21/24 the tools are needed but the knowledge can be acquired. HVAC are in short supply. I installed 3 5ton units after watching this series of videos. Save over 15k on labor. HVAC techs are in short supply and deserve what they charge.
Just received a $7,000 estimate to install the condenser and furnace. I will more than likely do it myself. Thanks for sharing..
😂🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤡
Honestly 7k is low, I live in a mid-major city and you are looking at 13-16k for that, 13k being the goodman vs 16k for a trane/whatever.
@@jacobwilson9542 that was just the install not including the unit… either way, I did it myself, and saved a few thousand… works perfectly fine!
@@snakeeyes1649 😂😂😂😂
I’m a new installer and I’m realizing how cutthroat it can be working for a company that expects you to remember every single step the first time you’re shown, when you’re completely green. I’m glad there are videos like yours out here for me.
I’m going thru something similar, glad I seen this comment, keep your head up and stay focused, the more u do it the better you’ll become. Prayers up.
If you understand exactly how the system you are working on works, not skipping any step becomes much easier. Just walk your brain through the sequence of operation and write it down with each subsequent function. It kinda sounds like you need a little more work on the basics. Good Luck to you!
I’m trying to Learn this trade too good video any other recommendations bro?
Im also new and been for 2 weeks now. I still havent get a chance to install some myself. But ive been learning. Bad thing is my lead doesn't even teach me. He's just pure silent and doesn't explain things at all and where they go. Thats why i just look at the things they do and go to youtube to get some explanations.
Thanks to your teaching I am saving almost $30,000 by buying and installing both of my systems. THANKS TO YOU!!!
That alot of saving 😊
i applaud you for making a simple step by step video for this, but as an hvac tech, it's always good to shut off the breaker that turns the ac off so you have a less chance of being shocked. just because you take out the disconnect doesn't mean the unit still won't have power because the thermostat could still be sending voltage to the contactor. it's good to check with a metere for voltage before touching any electrical
4:18 that man lol. This video deserves more likes, great info
Thanks!
Great how-to! I was going call someone to have the condenser disconnected, but from your video I learned how to use the compressor and that worked well. No discharge when I cut the lines.
Yesir! A trick that a lot of people don’t know. In hind site I would change this for the average DIYer. What I would do is just turn the ac on, then pull the disconnect so it’s calling for cool but compressor will be disabled. Then close the high side king valve, then simply put the disconnect back in and when the pressure reads zero, close the low side king valve and pull the disconnect again. 👍🏽 maybe a little safer but either method will work :)
Even after disabling disconnect, use a multimeter or non contact tester to make sure wires are not live. You never know how someone has wired something. 👍
Yep, and don't just think that because it turned off that all power has been cut. I have seen disconnects where only one line was bypassed. So the circuit would break and the unit would shut off by pulling the disconnect but there would still be voltage on one of the lines.
Worked as electrician and did commercial and residential HVAC in the mid 70s to early 80s. Then entered into the field of Law Enforcement. Now that I am retired and having a heat and air giving me problems. After checking replacement cost I am considering doing this myself. This I really enjoyed and was a great refresher . Thanks
Hey I hope you can get your system replacement done! If you need some help, feel free to check out our membership over at Patreon.com/diyhvacguy where we offer one on one remote assistance! Cheers
Let us know how it turned out.
This was the best installation video I have ever watched on youtube. There is no noisy music etc in background and clear hands-on explanation.
Thank you so much! Wish you were in my city.
Bro, I have an existing standard HVAC unit that I am replacing with a 5-zone mini split system. I just followed your instruction in this video to remove the evaporator & it worked like a charm. I am not a trained HVAC tech nor have I done this before, but I can follow instructions & have some common sense. LOL Thank you!! I'll post a video of my HVAC adventure & reference your video.
Awesome! If you need some help with your install feel free to sign up for our Patreon membership at Patreon.com/diyhvacguy Cheers man
Wow 🤯 you actually give away so much knowledge that's honest and helpful.
I can't express my gratitude for sharing your knowledge. God bless you young man 🙏❤️👍
Man! You have no idea how much I appreciate you putting up this video. Thanks-a-lot!
Glad it helped you out! Cheers
Your videos inspire me to replace my new system, worked like a charm. you're videos are an invaluable resource, thanks for helping us homeowners save money!
I did installed NEW a/c units Complete System .... Condenser, Evaporator and the Gas Furnace All by myself 6 years ago. I'm just a handyman and Regular Guy 😅👊😂
But did you kill anyone?
@@bentrujillo6406 😅 Good question. When first Test after I complete installed I told everyone to stay outside of the house while I was testing the Gas Furnace. I was so nervous but I had to do the Test.... With caution. It turned out very Successful installation
Great job young man! Knowledge is power and it also saves consumers from overpaying. Keep up the great work.
I learned a lot of ac, I own property for over 37 years, and have to tell you, I needed to learn, because A lot of HVAC are not good. I am getting my 608 EPA so this way I can get my own gas.
Man people like you I appreciate, taking the time to teach people and help people. I hate reading through comments and the pros just degrade people who diy stuff.
Thanks man, I appreciate that.
😊😊
I believe a good add to your process, check the electrical voltage of the primary voltage and the secondary control voltage with a meter before disconnecting. The low voltage is fed from the indoor section and can short out the transformer if not turned off. Also verify the refrigerant compatibility. Most older units are R-22 and all of the old refrigerant and oil must be removed before installing a new unit with a different refrigerant.
Flushing the line set is another $$$ item. Burnout AND changing refrigerant from R22 to R410a.
Goodman comes with the refrigerated in the new unit.
I just found that out. I have a 7 year unit, and my compressor went out. I changed the capacitor and it didn’t make it kick in. So we’re thinking of just buying a new one and putting it in. Any advice?
Thanks!
Thanks! 🙏🏻
Great job!! I do not believe a licensed contractor could have done part -1 of this video any better than you just did. Thanks for sharing your skills.
Thank you! That means a lot. I’ve done a few but I’m always learning and adapting thanks to you awesome viewers!! Cheers
Someone preaching to the choir!
He is a licensed contractor...
Thank you for your channel. We live in south FL, and AC companies are plentiful, but with what I have seen, I can do all of what you are showing in this series of videos. Thank you for being one of the good guys. All the best from South Florida
Thank you for the excellent tutorial on this process. I had the process done on less than ten minutes from start to finish. There was no residual of refrigeratent when I cut the AC lines.
you have an awesome heart of a teacher , your slogan is anybody can do anything if you put your mind and heart in it AND have a teacher as you, thanks bud from pakistan
Thank you sir! Much appreciated!
Just started a new job as an installation technician so figure I should watch these videos. When starting out they want you to master installing ACs before moving to furnace
keep up the videos. Too all the hater, as a service tech myself. After homerowners perform their own DIY, and then. as it will not working properly. Then they will call the real pros!! stay blessed
Thank you so much for this guide. I am planning on replacing my leaky AC and this will help me a lot.
Thank you very much for this excellent video. It saved me a lot of money and I actually enjoyed learning from it and doing it myself. I also had the problem you had with the compressor not coming on, but I left the red-side valve open a little bit until the compressor started and then I closed it. It worked great and didn't require the boost capacitor.
Man thanks for this video, I love how you made this so easy to understand.
U makin me feel like a genius! Thanks for making it easy to understand!!! 🙂
Awesome step by step clearly understood install video, thank you.
Your videos are the best!! I’m a installer who’s working towards other parts of the trade and need to learn exactly what you are teaching! Keep making videos they are literally helping me my wife and our children get raises and save for a home 😊
I’m sure a lot of the people even wanting to attempt this come from a blue collar job, to me… that makes them more then qualified, just needed the step by step… I come from a family HVAC contractor and i watch this every once in a while just to have a refresher, even though I’ve seen probably 30 units installed right in front of me
And by the way, you are a great teacher. Great job.
Lol.. very true.. but nowadays i doubt anyone would want to try. Filters, cleaning condensor outside, make sure clean around condensor, put your shop vac on the water drain outside and pull what you can to keep clean. but that would be about all I'd even have others do.
Great video. Thumbs up. 👍
Your the truth Brother!!!
Thank you for the info Im starting to do this as a career and i am learning little bit at a time. Nervous everyday but trying to learn a New trade
That’s awesome! Good on you for learning a new trade! I’m glad the videos have been helpful for you. Looking forward to filming more helpful videos. We all make mistakes, just learn from them and get better with each day 👊🏼
I don't think you ever made a video about how to flush the line set as you mentioned at 12:30 mark. Maybe I missed it, but that's a good idea for a video!
Wow great vids my guy, subscribed . Thanks for sharing your work
I have a central air system mated to an intertherm down draft furnace. I want to put a new high efficiency updraft furnace in my basement. This is good information
Hopefully you are still monitoring comments for this video. I appreciate your tutorial. It does not look too complicated at all. My question is, "if I increase my unit by 1/2 ton, do I need to also replace my air handler to accommodate the higher BTU rating"?
Yes, they should be upsized accordingly. It’s also not uncommon to install a 1/2 ton or even 1 whole ton larger indoor coil. So if you had a 3 ton, I’ve installed a 4 ton coil to increase surface area on the coil.
If you need some help with your install, we offer remote services over at Patreon.com/diyhvacguy Hope we can help! Cheers
I love how the video is sped up at 04:45 but the old man walking in the background still seemingly walking in slow motion lol
Haha that guy was hilarious. He was an old Romanian guy, super nice guy kept offering me coka colas 😂
Thank you very much , watching your videos I installed my furnace and ac
Amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your videos really helpful 👍
YOU ARE THE MAN!! 💪🏽💯
If I am not replacing my full system, and I only need to cut and replace a leaking 90° copper low pressure pipe joint on the outside of the house going into the condenser, to prepare the lines for cutting can I just use the technique of pumping all of the Freon into the outside, condenser and locking the lines and then I can make the cuts and work on the copper pipe?
Yesir! Easy as that. Make your fix, pull a vacuum then let the refrigerant back in
Great overview showing that a diy can do this. I would have done a few things differently with the evacuation and sheet metal work inside, but overall this video accomplished its purpose!
I like how this guy is like "Do it yourself! You don't need an expert!" Then in his description "For $50 a month you get assistance from me for your HVAC needs!" HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH
Why is that funny? Lol this isn’t brain surgery but some guidance is always helpful.
And I’ve had so so many people expect me to answer questions for free. As much as I’d like to, I have to charge something so that’s the reason why it’s $50/mo
@@diyhvacguypay him no mind brother, you’re well within your rights to charge for you’re knowledge….it’s literally what everyone does on a daily for their own jobs…ppl just like to hate. Your video is very helpful even to someone experienced and not formally taught like myself. Electrician by trade and also do a lot of mini splits mainly….I inadvertently swapped the low sides of 2 zones on a multi zone a while back and now I’m getting ready to fix it….I was planning on closing the high side and running the zones in question for a bit to pull anything in….prob gonna lose both lengths of charge I assume right when disconnecting bc of length ? I’m planning on adding charge but was hoping I’d be able to use the unit to take in the Freon, but I assume it’s doubtful
Thanks so much for these vids, Iam learning a lot. My 24 year 0ld Bryant had an odor coming through the vents, hard to describe but it did'nt smell like mold or mildew. Cleaned out the condensate line and the pan, plenty of dirt and dead bugs in there,it got better but can still smell it sometimes through one vent only, still trying to figure out what this is, not thinking its R22. It still blows decently cold on 90 deg .+ days.
Excellent Tutorial, Thank You
He says there are haters that say you can't do it yourself----absolutely right. You can do just about anything yourself if you are determined to do it. Don't worry about the haters, they aren't creating quality videos and helping people, you are.
Thanks for the tutorial. Doing the Lord’s work.
great dyi information. thank you
I have two York systems, don’t know the size, but the house (in vegas) was built in 06 and I bought it in early 09. The smaller unit is starting to struggle so I am preparing for a replacement. Looking to replace condenser unit and evaporator coil not the furnace, maybe just the blower.
Crazy thing is I have not done any maintenance EVER besides replacing filters since I bought the house in 09. And my dogs chewed up all the line insulation outside and urinated on the coils. So I am impressed with York.
Is there a better brand than York or should I replace with York??? Thanks for any feedback.
Unfortunately York does not sell to the general public so you would have to have an hvac contractor install them which would be pretty expensive. If you want to go the diy route, you can still get some great equipment that will last just as long , but York wouldn’t be on the brand list. My recommendation is AciQ it’s basically a rebadged Carrier product, great equipment, and great 10 year warranty if we register it.
We offer remote services so we can help you size the replacement equipment, make sure you are getting the right stuff, and help you during the actual replacement process. You can find our remote service membership here: Patreon.com/diyhvacguy
Hope we can help!
Cheers
ACiQ is Chinese 🤢
I have a question let’s say you trap all of the coolant in the condenser.. then unhook everything move your condenser unit over a foot or more. Can you just hook everything back up and then release the coolant back into the system? Thanks for all the great videos!!!
Just what I needed thank you very much
How is the in home thermostat unit supposed to be set to, while you are directly working on the condenser, compressor outside?
I wish I had known how to pump freon into the condenser a few months ago when the thermal expansion valve on my 5 year old Trane failed. Thank you for teaching folks how to help themselves.
Of course. Thanks for watching!
Freon is just a trade name for the refrigerant. It could be any other brand names.
So can I trap the refrigerant in the condensing unit to be able to remove my evaporator coils for cleaning? Then put everything back and just open the valves back up?
saved me some cash. thanks a million
Great tutorial for sure!! Thank you😊
Had some dummy come out, I think he put in wrong freon, my machine called for r22, he said he put something capable, machine ran cold for a few hours then boom no fan spinning at condenser
think he blew my condenser, im a electrician but a guy who never did a condenser swap, i may take the challenge on.
Thanks for this video bud
Justin
Thanks my man .....Im a IT technician and I can do this with your skoolin ,,,,,,,,thanks u saved me $$$$$ and im a chapskate
Thanks for the helpful video. I did have a question on the yellow hose. The gauge set I have doesn't have a splitter that would create a loop for that hose - like you have. Can I just cap off the middle port, or does the hose provide some function when pulling the freon out of the system? Thanks
Thanks for the info👍
Great video, thank you.
Great video, I just relocated my AC unit about 5 feet from its original spot. After relocating it and installing everything how long do I have to wait till I turn it on?
Thanks for this. The lines on these units come precharged for 15 feet of lineset, but I have 25 feet of lineset. How do I deal with that?
You’ll need to buy some refrigerant from abilityrefrigerants.com and top off the remainder. If you need some help, check out our Patreon page at Patreon.com/diyhvacguy
Cheers
Do you not have to pull a vacuum on it or anything ? Just solder the lines back in and done ?
Do you have a video showing hurricane strap installation? Can't seem to find one.
if replacing both the heater and the HVAC unit should you also replace the lineset?
very educational video thank you for taking ur time and share your knolege i have a leak some where in my unit i would like to see if a can fixed got most of the tools from amazon but i confuse how or where to get the nitrogen i video how to do it will be spectacular again thank u
You need to find a local Airgas supply or other welding gas supply store. They will sell you a tank and once the tank has been purchase you can refill it for pretty cheap 👍🏼 if you need some help diagnosing the leak or other problems Check out our Patreon membership! It can be found at Patreon.com/diyhvacguy. Once signed up I’ll give you one on one assistance with anything hvac related. Cheers!
Hello
I enjoy watching your videos. I keep hearing that emphasis should be more on the installation rather than on the brand of HVAC. So with that in mind, as a homeowner hiring a HVAC technician to do the install, can you please share a checklist for a complete AC with gas heating furnace? Thanks
Great video! You said a home owner can swap out their own air conditioner. What about "All in One" Combo Heater and AC?
What would you do if you have an older system that has the older refrigerant in it and you need to replace the whole system including the refrigerant that's in it? Do you need to flush the lines? What extra things do you need to do that you're not doing in this video? By the way thank you for doing this video I know it takes time and I appreciate it.
It’s a good practice to flush the lines. I have an awesome video coming out with an easy way to do that. Way easier and not super expensive. You don’t need to replace the lines, just flush and you’re good to go. 👍🏽
Even that, if you haven’t had a burn out in the compressor and the refrigerant smells ok, I’ve seen a lot of guys just skip the flush and be totally fine. Everyone will say something different
@@diyhvacguy This is very helpful to me as well! If you have answers to some of Warren's other questions I would be very interested. Particularly do you need to replace the evaporator coil in this case? I'll watch through all three of your videos because I'm trying to figure out if this is possible with my old 1970's unit that needs replacement. The attic portion is newer so I just need to switch to Puron. Thanks again!
Edit: After watching your second video and doing some research I see that replacing the evaporator unit is always suggested at the same time. Do any of the units come with the evaporator? Do most units come preloaded with new gas, and am I likely to need to top it off after that?
YOU are a gem for us capable poor folx🙌
Thank you for sharing❤️
Of course! Glad it was helpful for you!
Hi love your video I have a ac start up normal and running well during a heat wave it started to trip the breaker every half hour or so now heat wave over seem fine any ideals what needs replacing fan and compression work ok
What do you do with the old unit?
Thanks for the series. It's great to understand. However, for me personally, I would never attempt it unless desperate. I can assemble a car engine and it will run. But there are specialty tools here like the vaccum pump and nitrogen and the torch. Not to mention the freon I can't buy. And the fitting the duct work to the coil if they don't size the same is just not my thing.
excellent buddy..thank you ...well explained.
Can u use pro press fittings on the new unit?
Appreciate the very helpful video. Are the steps for replacing a heat pump basically the same as for replacing a standard a/c unit? For an actual outside heat pump, matched to an inside furnace/air handler, is it essential to also replace the inside unit? (I know it would be advisable to do so)
I have the same question. I would to like to not have to replace the air handler
Where do you buy a unit as a homeowner?
Now these are my type of videos and you such good at what you do bro and the way you just explain it simple to us thanks mann🙏🏾 it’s not too hard, my Man stating the Facts💯
installation of your cooling system is the most important thing to do. after that keeping the condenser CLEAN. also remove the cover over the contactor and brush it out with a paint brush. ALWAYS REMEMBER TO DISCONNECT THE ELECTRICAL POWER TO The UNIT
great video !!!
Hello, I've noticed that the new 410a 3 ton condenser units are shorter than the old r22 3 ton units. Is there a reason they are shorter Is it the different refrigerant?
Great idea for new content, looking forward to this series!
What Freon was the old one? R22?
I found your video trying to find a step by step install for the first time. Do you have anything like that?
I can physically replace my furnace, probably even add the AC a frame thing above it and modify the ducting as needed...it's plumbing to the outdoor pump is the part where I turn into a deer in headlights.
I have several videos of full replacements. If you go to my playlists you can find those there. Also if you need hope with your replacement, check out our remote support page at Patreon.com/diyhvacguy Hope we can help!
Thanks for replying I'll go look and watch some more videos.
I'm in a very old rental and my AC went out in the middle of August. I saw it coming because there is a ole almost big enough to put your hand through, in the coils. The corrosion had eaten it up so I knew it would eventually eat the freon piping. I let the landlord know about it last June but they did nothing. At that time the unit still worked. Now it turns on but doesn't get cold. I'm nagging them to get it done. It's the hottest time of the year.
This is probably a stupid question but once started, how long does it take to replace an outside condenser unit?
Thanks for the videos, doing my first install at my house this coming weekend. Your videos are super helpful. Do you have any experience with ACIQ equipment? It is the best deal I can find with a coil that will fit between the furnace and plenum without any major changes. Thanks
If you're replacing the heat pump, do you have to replace the furnace also?
Hey when replacing the AC Condenser outside, should I also replace the Evaporating coils inside also? My system is 24 years old.
If it’s r22 then yes, you absolutely have to replace the coil as well as the condenser. If your evaporator specifically says r22 or 410a then there’s a chance you could reuse that.
If you need some help with your replacement, check out our remote assistance page at Patreon.com/diyhvacguy Hope we can help! Cheers
@@diyhvacguy does 7-8K for changing the furnace coils and condenser for a 15 seer2 normal?
I have a pad like the one in your video, but mine's on clay dirt. It's sinking. Could you do a video on how to raise it up ?