Author Topic: My DIY furnace replacement project  (Read 4916 times)

ncornilsen

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My DIY furnace replacement project
« on: March 29, 2013, 09:51:08 AM »
Good morning,
Let me preface this by saying I'm a mechanical engineer by trade, so I may be a little better equipped to do this job myself than some, and it's not one I recommend the beginner home owner take on themselves.

As part of my larger addition/roof replacement project for this summer, I have to relocate the heating system in my house, since currently I have a package AC/Furnace sitting right where the addition will go. I priced out what it would cost to have a professional put a new furnace and AC unit in my pantry. $8500 was the best bid.

I priced the components out myself, and was able to find a HVAC contractor who would sell me the furnace and other parts, as well as do a final installation inspection and fill the AC system, and register the installtion so I could keep the warrantee. Sweet. I did the heat load calcs, and spec'd out a unit. I went with goodman brand. My research indicates they have no higher of a incidence of problems than anyone else, and they use the SAME internal components as the big guys, except the heat exchanger and a few other parts. Goodman also doesn't have to mark up the equipment costs to cover a advertising budget.

My final budget came in at $4100, including all permits from the city, etc to do it up legal. Luckly most of my ducting is in good shape and is sized correctly, so I can re-use that.

As of right now, I have the system components on hand, and have drawn up and placed the order for the sheetmetal parts I didn't feel like hand-fabbing. The only thing I haven't bought/don't know the final price of is the sheetmetal, and unless they really surprise me on that, I'll make my budget for sure! 

I've attached a few pics for those who like to see such things, and I'll update this as I make progress!

-Nick

ncornilsen

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Re: My DIY furnace replacement project
« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2013, 09:57:29 AM »
I messed up attaching pictures somehow... anyway, here's some pics of the boxes of equipment

Seeking the Brass Ring

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Re: My DIY furnace replacement project
« Reply #2 on: March 30, 2013, 07:56:15 AM »
I've never tried to install a furnace before but other than the hassle of working with sheet metal ducts it should be just a matter of putting it in place and making the connections.  It's not like you are building the furnace from scratch. 

Good luck!

ncornilsen

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Re: My DIY furnace replacement project
« Reply #3 on: April 01, 2013, 09:12:11 AM »
Exactly. I just hear this continual drum beat from people that furnaces can't be a DIY project... when in reality, it's not rocket science. Sizing the AC unit and furnace takes some calculating though... and that can have a HUGE impact on efficiency.

And I'm having a shop do the sheetmetal work, so as long as I can read a tape measure correctly I won't have to deal with that PITA!
-Nick