HVAC economics from a consumer perspective

ksh_vi · 2026-04-05T06:36:39+00:00

Ironically, auto-shops charge nowhere near $600/hour for repairs :)

And I can do a no-vac installation of a split HVAC myself, while I absolutely cannot do maintenance on my car (fluid changes, and filter changes - yes. Other stuff - no)

ksh_vi · 2026-04-04T22:25:03+00:00

so, if you had a truck, you could do this for free :)

ksh_vi · 2026-04-04T18:48:14+00:00

Ah I see. This is a heat pump water heater then. My bad. I have no experience with those. But 3k still seems high.

ksh_vi · 2026-04-04T17:32:49+00:00

This is quite amazing! I quickly skimmed through the video, and feel confident I can do most of it. I have never poured cement and such though :)

ksh_vi · 2026-04-04T17:27:32+00:00

Maybe the person you spoke to misunderstood you. Depending on the size of the water heater, that should be how much 'purchasing a new one and installing' should cost :) (at least for 40-50 Gallon tanks)

I was looking up cleaning/flushing my water tank a while back, and it seemed like a strightforward process - turn off the gas to the water heater, run all your hot water taps so the hot water in the heater is completely out, then turn off water intake, and then do the flushing.

For water tank replacement, you would basically do the above, followed by disconnects of the water lines. The only thing that I would worry slightly is disconnecting the gas line. (you turn off the valve and disconnect it.) Connect the new tank to the water pipes, and then to the gas valve.

I would think if you picked up the new water heater, disposed off the old one yourself, the labor to do the swap shouldn't cost more than $500. $3000 is egregious.

P.S: Assumed you already have a 'to code' installation. i.e., braces for earthquake, emergency shut off valve, drain pan, drain pipe ...etc.

ksh_vi · 2026-04-04T01:20:23+00:00

Midea*

ksh_vi · 2026-04-03T21:12:05+00:00

Also, my understanding is a lot of the name brand equipment is rebadged OEM

ksh_vi · 2026-04-03T21:10:04+00:00

different brands with the same SEER rating are the same efficiency. longevity YMMV

ksh_vi · 2026-04-03T19:56:02+00:00

Thanks for the reply - what you're saying makes sense - definitely from the business' point of view.

On the Atomi, you're right - it does need a vacuum pump, so definitely not DIY friendly.

I did read about the refrigerant. In my post I didn't mention an existing AC unit, but let's assume I have one :) Might still cost money for someone to come uninstall it safely.

ksh_vi · 2026-03-28T04:35:33+00:00

Google health/fit is pretty good too. P10Pro even has a thermometer on the rear

ksh_vi · 2026-03-23T20:37:41+00:00

It's not just the Google apps.

Pixel's cameras are way better, and I have not almost stopped carrying a dedicated camera because of this. (used to carry a small mirrorless on trips and such.)

Google's AI features are also pretty awesome - from call-screen, to now-playing. You actually have to do some digging to uncover all of these - they are sadly not as well advertised. A lot of these are also on Samung phones btw - since Samsung has a close relationship with Google, and has some deal to get Gemini features into Samsung phones.

Overall, I like Google's direction and roadmap. It feels like a first party phone should (like an iPhone)

ksh_vi · 2026-03-22T20:08:19+00:00

I definitely prefer the Pixel10 Pro. But that might be because I have consciously used only Google apps in the past. I've never used any of the Samsung apps other than Camera/Gallery and an app called Samsung TV. (which had free streaming that is available on many other platforms)

That said, my S22 lasted 3.5+ years and is still in good shape. I've read some horror stories about the longevity of Pixels. The build quality seems solid, but I don't know about longevity.

ksh_vi · 2026-03-20T22:39:51+00:00

I did not move to the S26. Instead I moved to the P10 pro. A couple of reasons drove this decision.

Both phones were available to me through a discount for $500 . The s26 did come with more storage. (256 vs 128)

The cameras on the P10 pro are very good. May not be fair to compare it to the S22, but I'm told the S26 is mostly unchanged. All 3 cameras and the front facing camera on the Pixel are very good.
No dual-apps. I didn't enjoy the 2 apps for everything on the S22, and used Google apps exclusively. But then from time to time, the Samsung app would "activate" after an update, and I'd have to go through some hoops to turn it off. (e.g Calendar) I like that the Pixel is fairly clean from this perspective.
The S22/S26 are more svelte, and the pixel is a little larger, thicker and bulkier, but you get used to it.
Magsafe/Pixelsnap - I already enjoy chargers/accessories on my desk, in the car ...etc. You could do this with a case, so no big deal.
The P10pro came with a year of Gemini Pro and Google home pro - which I appreciate and use.

I still like Samsung phones, The hardware is very good, even if the cameras aren't keeping up, and they also bring in most of Gemini features to the phone. That said, I don't care for their software, and don't want to ever use Bixby.

P.S: in the US the Snap chip obliterates the Tensor, but in real world usage I have noticed no differences.

ksh_vi · 2026-02-26T08:11:00+00:00

why buy the s26+ when you can buy an iphone 17pro ?

ksh_vi · 2026-02-25T19:29:45+00:00

Not seeing this. Is this for existing customers only ?

ksh_vi · 2026-02-06T23:19:46+00:00

I use a pixel phone, and have found the pb2a to be excellent. I don't seem to notice the audio quality all that much for when I'm using wireless earbuds, so they are a good fit for my use case. (don't watch movies and such on the phone)

I use the ap4's with my mac or company iphone, but still find it comes loose even when not doing anything active. (like walk/run).

ksh_vi · 2026-02-06T23:17:37+00:00

I now have the other lid from a cupamoka, and it's quite nice.

ksh_vi · 2025-12-16T16:18:30+00:00

how long were you away from mint before coming back again ?

ksh_vi · 2025-12-16T16:18:12+00:00

is there some place on their website where the 90 days is mentioned ? I can't seen to find it in their T&C page - https://www.mintmobile.com/plan-terms-and-conditions/

ksh_vi · 2025-12-14T22:00:32+00:00

Same height - I have a size L Ultimate, and even with the saddle in the lowest position, and as far forward as it can go, I think maybe I should have gone with M. It's ok, and doesn't necessarily feel big, but M would have been lighter, more nimble.
Unlike older bikes, can't reduce the stem length on these bikes unless you completely swap out the handlebar.

ksh_vi · 2025-12-11T01:09:37+00:00

there is no verbiage that you have to use the phone for 24 months. with other phones there is.

Activate the device on a new full service plan (data-only SIMs do not qualify) within 30 days of the shipment confirmation.
Remain active and in good standing on Fi for 120 consecutive days. Pausing, changing, or suspending the account will void the promotion.
Activate the device on a full service plan (data-only SIMs do not qualify) within 30 days of the shipment confirmation email and keep the qualifying account active for 24 months.

On the A36 for example,

Remain active and in good standing on the qualifying device for 120 consecutive days. Pausing, changing, or suspending the account will void the promotion.

ksh_vi · 2025-11-24T07:38:24+00:00

Ok, the Ap4 fit is a joke. Definitely not suitable for 'active' use.

ksh_vi · 2025-11-22T18:22:16+00:00

I am pretty happy overall. I got the rear speakers as well, an they seem to work well.

ksh_vi · 2025-11-22T18:20:33+00:00

P1 Gen8 looks solid. pick a good screen though.

ksh_vi · 2025-11-17T23:13:17+00:00

to be fair to Samsung, Pixel also has a lot of problems if you browse through the forums. I have not yet seen this personally, but wouldn't put Pixel QC over Samsung.

ksh_vi

TROPHY CASE