Hi again everyone. I found a couple of online sites that offer do it yourselfers the opportunity to install a complete a/c unit. The brand that is offered on these sites is Goodman. I have redone all the plumbing and electrical in my house so I don't think this would be too big of a hassle. I think the soldering is done with silver or something like that, but am not sure, just remember its not the same as regular solder for water supply. Has anyone had any experience with this brand, actually doing it yourself and any other info? Trying to save money by doint it myself, but if it's a crappy brand and there are hidden costs then I need to know about it. Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Steve

I did most of the work installing my Bryant system over 10 years ago. The system must be filled with Freon by a licensed technician. The dealer insisted on letting his professional do the silver soldering. I never had done any, and it didn't sound like a good starter project. I set the units, ran the lines, reworked the ducts, and did the wiring. When I was ready, the technician came out soldered the lines, pressure checked them, evacuated the system, and filled it with Freon. He then selected the proper blower speed. Make sure any package you buy includes all that. You may not be limited to Goodman. You may find another brand dealer willing to work with you.

I couldn't find any other websites that sold anything but Goodman and maybe a Ruud every once in a while. What websites are you talking about? Or are you contacting the manufacturer?
Thanks
Steve

I service many Goodman in my area and they are a good value for the money. See no more problems with them as with other brands. In fact, I have a Goodman myself and I'm very pleased with it.

If you have all the equipment needed it's a no brainer. YOu will need a vacuum pump, a turbo torch, some sil fos or similar brazing rod, a set of gages, swage tools, tube bender springs, volt ohm meter, etc. A working knowledge of good plumbing practices with the proviso that you will want to hard solder or braze the joints as the refrigerant will leak out if you use soft solder. You will need a thermometer to measure the temperature near the suction line (the large one) near the compressor for super heat. Super heat is the heat picked up by the refrigerant after it is completely evaporated into a gas from the liquid that leaves the condenser coil. A good super heat is about 10 degrees f. In other words you will look on your gages for the temperature of the regrigerant at the given pressure. The needle on the gage will cross both the temperature and the pressure on the face of the gage. You will want just enough refrigerant in the system to have about 10 extra degrees at a point about a foot from the compressor on the suction line. This is a good and proper way to charge the system. That amount of superheat means you are picking up enough heat inside the compressor to ensure that the windings will not burn open in short order. If you can understand this you will probably be able to install and start up a unit. Most split system outdoor units contain enough refrigerant for both the indoor and outdoor units plus about 35 foot of refrigerant line. You must boil off all non-condensables insidel the tubing and inside unit with the vacuum pump before releasing the charge. The king valves are what holds the refrigerant in the outdoor unit. Once you braze up the lines and vacuum be sure to watch the gages for movement when you shut them off to see if there are any leaks. If there are you will be able to repair them before releasing the refrigerant. Leaks in brazed joint generally look like pin holes in the hard solder. Once you get good vacuum (around 25 to 28 inches on the compound gage or suction gage) you will know you have a good clean system. Now release the charge and check for the superheat, amp draw on the compressor, etc to see if the unit is functioning properly. Now you can button up all the panels and go inside to enjoy the conditioned air.

This post is over 2 years old. I hope he has A/C by now. LOL