My piece of junk Goodman (Janitrol) Central Air unt is finished and now I'm in need of some help.

I would like to remove and replace the unit, along with the evap. coils, etc. and start anew. I understand about the EPA for the freon, etc. and I am fine with having a HVAC person come in to charge the unit. I would like to do the rest of the work myself.

I'm looking for a few links (or other information) to add to the information I've already gotten to make sure I do things the right way. I already know the outfit that did the job in 1993 had NO clue - and I want it done right, which I've learned is only achieved if *I* do it.

Thanks for your help,

Pete

So far my best link:
http://www.alpinehomeair.com/
Shows everything... very cool (hehe) link.

Pete

Some new units come pre-charged. If the refrig lines are within a certain length, no adjustment of charge is needed. I replaced my old package unit with a split system and discovered this (I helped my installer to get the job done sooner...otherwise I would have had to wait a few days as he was short of help). All that is necessary is to solder up lines, pull a vacuum on the coils, disconnect vacuum, then turn a valve on the condensor unit to allow the flow of refrig... May not be the case with all units, but sure is a nice way to do business. I bought a 12 or 14 SEER Trane (can't remember SEER for sure right now) Heatpump so situation may be different with just an AC.

Good luck!

This site is good http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

Because the condensor comes pre-charged with refrigerant, you need to be licensed to purchase it. A section 608 license is required, which is a fair amount of work to acquire. It's not a simple online, open book test like the 609 license we all have

Even with a 608 license, most wholesalers won't sell to you anyways. They only deal with 'professionals' (term used loosely) in 'the trade.' The whole affair feels like it's intended to limit alternatives and put a floor under pricing.

Shop very carefully for a good installer. You want someone who takes a system view of your homes' HVAC, not a hack that wants to drop a new condensor unit, make a few bucks, and run. Insist they run a manual-J heat load calculation to determine needed sizing. Insist they evaluate the ductwork to determine if it is adequate (a so-called manual-D calculation).

You'll likely find very few who are even interested once you describe what you want. The HVAC business seems to have more hacks than expected.

- JimY

Thanks for the "hire a pro" replies... but in the nicest of ways and tones... they don't help me.

I have installed my own AC unit with the help of my dad 12 years ago and it still is working fine. The unit had a pre-charged condensor which didn't require additional freon (line length will determine this). The unit was simple to install, the lines were soldered not brazed and I did the electric work myself.

I recommend that the condensor be level to prevent premature motor bearing wear. Also pay attention if the motor bearings are sealed or if they require yearly luberication.

If a new AC unit will last you 20+ years how many years do you have left on your furnace? You might consider the condition of your furnace since you are going to the expense of replacing your AC.

__________________
Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles