[tgsovlerkhgsel]

DIY also often has the benefit of being the only option when bureaucratic hurdles are in the way. Sometimes, approvals (from the government or from the landlord) are required, which can be hard, onerous, impossible or time-consuming to get.

Ignoring those requirements is often the most practical way with very limited negative consequences.

It also allows using much cheaper units - from what I've heard in Germany the unit (without the install cost!) will cost 2x as much when installed through an official installer compared to a high quality free-market option, but of course the installer will only install units sold through them so many people may be priced out of the legal route completely.

[tguvot]

in bay area, install costs for $2k unit are $6k-$8k (took multiple quotes. 3 years ago). very simple install in garage through the wall. "hardest" part was adding 240v disconnect (electrician did it for $300 or so).

[grepfru_it]

You don’t get the “full warranty” when you DIY hvac installs. You also need to call a licensed hvac tech to charge your system if it doesn’t come precharged. Mini splits are easy and I would 1000% DIY. Big, attic mount blower units I would leave to the pros for so many reasons. That said my cousin installed a 21 SEER unit for $5k. I was quoted $35k for the same system (:

[dpifke]

I haven't personally had need to do it (yet), but I know multiple people who got the EPA certification to be able to service their own equipment. It can be obtained by taking an online test.

https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certif...

[tguvot]

given installation price vs system price, it's possible to trash old one and buy a new few times for a price of professional install.

mrcool also has ducted units that comes with precharged/vacuumed lines. very tempting as one of my hvacs lives on extended timeline and quote for a new one was $25k 2 years ago

[mythrwy]

I did a 2 ton central air heat pump myself last spring with precharged lines. It was under $4K delivered, I was quoted over $10K.

It was a little scary, I had not done something like that before but a little research and it all turned out fine and has been working well.