Freon (r-22) leak on a Rheem split system called in to the website - this one is hissing like an AZ Diamondback

Great guy called me in to find out the real deal on a possible leak he had.  Local 'father and son' company wanted $925 just to get the ball rolling with a blank check on repairs.  You guys are too savvy for that sort of game.  Dropped by his house and hooked up the dry nitrogen tank. In 5 minutes it was so obvious it made me sick the first tech had a straight face to write up the 'estimate'.   Oh well, happens every day out here:  Watch and enjoy....

What do the parts and refrigerant really cost an HVAC contractor?

Well, lets go through some of the basics.  Of course that dosent answer why they mark them up 300% (there are some legitimate reasons for mark-up but lets keep it real)  but just in case you were curious here you go:

1. r-22 $350 a 30lb jug - retails for $40-80 installed PER POUND!! - they make at least $800 a jug
2. run capacitors $5-$15 - you pay $80 to $200 installed (yes attaching a couple of wires)
3. contactors - a personal favorite for all the tune up calls cost $12 and $100 at least installed (more hooking up wires).
4. transformers - $15 cost and at least $150 installed
5. indoor coil cleaning $150 - you can get the spray cleaner and soft brush for $10
6. A/C tune up?  endless possibilities here for them to sell you more crap - your cost to do preventative maintenance? $0
7. 5-2-1 compressor savers AKA hard start kits cost $40 installed $150 - three wires to hookup

Ok you have to be comfortable working around your unit.  Get educated.  Go to thermal-medics.com and watch the videos... the content is out there and it is FREE.  CALL OR EMAIL ME, THAT IS WHAT I DO, I HELP YOU!!!  You have the power to save money and learn what is going on out there, and trust me, when you do the fix you will actually feel pretty manly!!

Last point: If you don't want to DIY is it worth paying for quality. YES!!!!! Finding the quality is the hard part.  Look for my next article about choosing a contractor to do the best work for the money.  You may have already read my "low bid is not always the best' and that is true.  If you want quality workmanship at fair prices you have to do the legwork.  Otherwise you prey


Stop by the website at http://www.thermal-medics.com/ for more free content, videos and questions answered.