Friday, May 4, 2012

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.
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2 comments:

  1. MichaelMay 10, 2012 at 8:23 AM

    This is good stuff! I look forward to learning more here. We just bought a house out in Gilbert and the AC unit is like 3 years old. Was thinking about having a "tuneup", but I am looking forward to doing some of this on my own. Thanks again and keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PHXHEATPUMPMay 12, 2012 at 9:42 PM

      Thanks for the kind words. Was just out in Gilbert for a website fan and got him squared away on a leak on his split system (video posted o blog). Lots of snakes out there so be careful. Not all of them have rattlers!!!!

      Do not hesitate to call or email for any questions you may have as you go along the way. Glad to hear you are taking the reigns and learning more!!!

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