My brother, @EnDeR_WiGGiN and I just bought a house in Lewisville and need to replace/repair one of the AC units in the house.
We need to replace the condenser as well as evaporator and air handler.
We want to do the work ourselves as it will be an interesting learning opportunity.
Does anyone know of a place to buy a complete HVAC system without a contractor’s licence?
not sure if Johnson Supply sells to individuals anymore but worth a try
https://webstore.johnsonsupply.com/home
Last time I attempted to buy from them they pushed back and resisted selling me anything. I’ve since heard it all depends upon who is working the counter.
Have you tried to order over the Internet? My neighbor did that a few years ago.
I don’t believe you can “Legally” buy equipment with Refrigerant in it with out an EPA certification. and dealers have always avoided selling to home owners, just more trouble than they are worth.
Never shopped for “real parts” from them, but they ARE open to the public…
https://www.dallashvacparts.com/what-we-sell/
How about Amazon?
For example.
The plan is a 3 ton unit.
I think Amazon is the right plan.
I tend to believe that even a DIY job requires a permit from the city and possibly an inspection when it is complete. Otherwise, you may have problems selling the property later or with insurance should you need to file a claim.
Hi all, I am franks little brother, Marcos Lima
We want to get a new unit for the warranty and the instruction manual. I have a sneaking suspicion that a lot of the detailed installation instructions will be in the manual. If they are not, then it will be fun!
At least in Carrollton a permit and inspection is required. I just had a new 4 ton installed and the inspector is coming out tomorrow to check their work.
Cities live on permit fees. I put a metal roof on my house, and 3 months later a Compliance Officer cited me for not paying the “Re-roofing Fee” At the time, the permit cost $175
If you have never done one of these systems, you definitely want to have it inspected when you are done; ESPECIALLY if you are installing one with a furnace. Do not get blowed up!
After talking with the Denton county, If you are in an unincorporated area, you do not need a permit in Denton County.
In Lewisville, where we live, we will require a permit and inspection.
We need to file for a general permit and they will mark down the specifics. I believe the category is mechanical work.
After the work is done they will come out and inspect it. This would allow us to be good with city and insurance.
On the Building Inspection page, you can find the details of the different types of installations. Has far has HVAC work, it can be done completely by the homeowner in the state of Texas. Yeehaw!
The only catch at this point is the warranty.
We are in compliance with the federal, state, and local codes, policies, and licensing requirements but the work was not done by a dealer. This can hopefully be dealt with, with access to spare parts and know-how. This will be a compromise though.
Yeah no kidding. Most of the inspectors I’ve dealt with in the past didn’t have a clue what they were even looking at.
What kind of metal roof did you put on?
HVACdirect.com or similar. Just order it in and get yourself a vacuum pump from China direct supply house. Should be able to pick up refrigerant on eBay. Somebody else may have a better supply on that around here. Pull your vacuum and then let it set for a while and make sure it holds. Otherwise you have a bad solder joint. Better yet, you can probably reuse your existing supply and return lines.
Full disclosure: I haven’t put in a central A/C system, only mini splits ordered online. That being said, I wouldn’t shy away from it. I don’t want to over simplify it, but at the same time it ain’t a SpaceX project…
my sisters fiance is an HVAC technician here in dallas and his brother owns the company, I can contact him for you if you want…
