Have a Condo that was built in 2017 that I moved in a few years ago in Greeley, CO. A few weeks ago, the compressor blew out (see pictures), and on my very limited single dad budget, been trying to find a solution while the mid-90's temps continue here in Colorado. I've been in construction a long time as a PM, and do some very light handyman work on the side, so when I started receiving quotes to replace just the compressor at around $5-6k and know that full system replacements are more like $15k, I knew I needed to find another way. Thankful to find the DIY HVAC YouTube channel which gave me hope that I can do this... The only things I'm unsure of is handling the refrigerant (I don't have the EPA 608 cert), and finding the correct info on sizing. The existing unit is a Lennox system that was installed when the place was built in 2017 (yes I checked warranties and supposedly there was only a 5 year warranty on it). The current outside condensing unit is a 1.5 ton unit and the inside air handler that is above the gas furnace is a 2 ton air handler with R-410A. It appears as though my gas furnace could go up to 3 ton with it's blower capacity. My condo is a 2 story with an unfinished basement (that I had planned on finishing before this happened), current finished space is around 1500 sq ft and total area is around 2300 sq ft. Using basic online calculators it is suggesting like a 4-5 ton, but I don't want to upgrade the furnace so I was thinking of doing a 2.5 to 3 ton unit. With the sales this weekend I am really tempted to jump on the HVACDirect deals on the ACiQ 3 Ton 15.6 SEER2 High Efficiency Air Conditioner with 17.5" Multi-Positional Cased Coil | Inverter - R454B. Maybe I'm going to far with doing a full replace and can somehow just find a compressor and replace it? Any thoughts? If I do go forward with the full AC replace, is that above system a good choice? Should I clean out my existing line set and reuse or just order and run a new one? It looks like I need to get a permit just to replace my AC system here in Greeley, so I'm planning to look into that. I also plan to reach out to the few HVAC connections I have to see what it would take to have them draw down the refrigerant in the current system since I can't pull it into the compressor since it blew. Anyway, just hoping to have other speak some wisdom into my situation if possible and I will keep looking through other's experiences and DIY HVAC's videos.

Hello everyone, I'm curious what kind of quotes you guys have gotten for a new hvac system? Im in a smaller town in Wyoming and i recently got a quote for 18,000 to replace my gas furnace and air condition with what seems like a pretty basic system. I really cant afford to spend that much. I feel like I can tackle this myself so I just wanted to get some advice. I appreciate this guys channel and it has helped me to keep my system going the past several years, but its looking like its time to replace! Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Looking for advice on how to register a replacement install (split system heat pump) with the manufacturer to have some resemblance of a warranty for a DIY install. Everything I read says they require a licensed contractor. I'm not licensed but I am allowed to install in my own home, and I have my EPA 608 cert, and I'm getting permits (see previous thread). Installing a Goodman R32 heat pump system. Do I take lots of video and pictures showing a proper install? Proof in the building permit to operate? Pay a local contractor just to get the warranty (which negates some of the cost savings)? Dave, other ideas?