The Home Improvement Thread

[TacoXpo]

I agree, I hate paying for technicians or repairmen when I know I can do the work myself. I went local supply house for the repair parts and ordered online for the spares so I'm out $90 total for 2 relays and 2 contactors. I should be set for another 10 years (assuming my coils don't leak). Last year I had replaced the inducer motor for a cost of around $60. The system is about 13 years old so I'm hoping to get at least another 5 years out of it, making it to 20 years would be nice.

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I so rarely use the furnace in our home. When it was broken my sammy maker contacted two HVAC (salesmen) calling themselves repair men. The furnace is original to the home (1957). They both wanted to replace the furnace for ~$3000-3500. For $27 for a limit switch and $40 for a programmable t-stat, it has been serving us just fine for the last 15 years! - plus we have a heat exchanger that will probably get its first crack well after my death.

 

[xJuice]

AC decided to shit last night, of course I was out of town when it would break Went over to the local electric supply and replaced the cap and contactor, easy fix and back in the cool.
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Had to do the same last month THE day before we left for vacation. *Irritation intensifies*


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[PSU Taco85]

After dealing with the crummy cap on my condenser unit I decided to also add a hard start kit to it to hopefully boost its life a little while. Current unit is around 13 years old.

 

[AlienXtx]

After dealing with the crummy cap on my condenser unit I decided to also add a hard start kit to it to hopefully boost its life a little while. Current unit is around 13 years old. View attachment 36244
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I always added those to every cond I ever installed.

 

[PSU Taco85]

I always added those to every cond I ever installed.

It was an option to install one from the factory so I’m not sure why they didn’t put one in other than saving a few bucks. It took 5 minutes to put in so it’s not like it was a big labor savings.

 

[AlienXtx]

It was an option to install one from the factory so I’m not sure why they didn’t put one in other than saving a few bucks. It took 5 minutes to put in so it’s not like it was a big labor savings.

It's not bad at all to install, and down here it's a must have in the summer.

 

[Boomtacoma01]

Wish it would have been that easy a fix for mine. Evap coil took a shit, lost all my precious R22 and Houston AC contractors suck. First guy tried to fuck me for 11K for a 14 seer 4 ton unit. Found the same unit online for 3500 and installed for 1500. Fucking thieves. Added a smart thermostat while I was at it and came in at half the original estimate.

 

[tex]

When the contractors show up in a nice, expensive truck i know they are about to throw out a stupid high quote.

 

[MatthewMay1]

When the contractors show up in a nice, expensive truck i know they are about to throw out a stupid high quote.

We’ve used a plumber several times who rolls up in a fancy Mercedes who actually turns out to be one of the more affordable fellas in the area

 

[Taco Loco]

Trailer trash house, replaced kitchen faucet $19, and 1 hose $9.

 

[Taco Loco]

Replaced gate battery.

The 9+ year old DH Platinum battery is no more, could no longer use it as a second truck battery because it had a damage cell, but it was still good enough for the gate for 2 plus years.

 

[Silverback]

I had a similar DH that died a couple years back that was used for providing power for the shed.. it did great.. but I left the lights on and it died... solar could not keep up. Designed for 20-30 minutes of use. 20 watt panel was not enough. Anyhow.. rest in piece Platinum. So I am pouring out a toast to a fellow DH Platinum.

 

[Taco Loco]

Added some clear DAP to the counter top seams to keep my marble counter tops from swelling here at the trailer trash house.

 

[tex]

Those little things that have a sizable impact

 

[Taco Loco]

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[PSU Taco85]

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Hows that smurf tube to work with? Never used it before, seems like it's similar to the split corrugated tubing used in automotive minus being split.

 

[Taco Loco]

Hows that smurf tube to work with? Never used it before, seems like it's similar to the split corrugated tubing used in automotive minus being split.

No split in it, it's similar to bx but plastic, it was already there, it had #6 wire plus ground inside.

 

[Taco Loco]

Fresh coat of rustoleum paint on the gate.

 

[MatthewMay1]

I’ve been meaning to do that to mine

 

[Oswego]

Looking good in here.

I bought exterior paint yesterday after weeks of prep.....um yea... mother nature always wins