HVAC Community Hub | HVAC Installation Best Practices | Activity https://hvachub.co/groups/hvac-installation-best-practices/ Activity feed for the group, HVAC Installation Best Practices. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:25:14 +1200 https://buddypress.org/?v=3.1.0 en-US 30 hourly 2 c09f2d7d0f2c14fdad4502f15f3ebd05 Dylan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Finally started organizing the shop. One step at a time […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8006/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:40:00 +1200 Finally started organizing the shop. One step at a time 🇺🇸 #hvac

]]> 19 24f0b10ef4a59ca48880602c8b52b6c3 hedenbrock joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7938/ Fri, 03 Jul 2026 05:12:49 +1200 0 bbef01577af2d68d880b0f358b7b5922 Tyler posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Customer called saying one room won't cool no matter […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7914/ Thu, 02 Jul 2026 23:36:00 +1200 Customer called saying one room won’t cool no matter what. Found this under the house. Conditioned air has been dumping straight into the crawlspace probably for months.
Customer had no idea. Previous company was out here 6 weeks ago for a “tune up.”

]]> 10 317203ae9adf52b7623d4f68bd9f555b Liam posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Halfway through the year. Real talk time. Are you ahead […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7848/ Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:58:00 +1200 Halfway through the year. Real talk time.
Are you ahead of where you thought you’d be financially, behind, or honestly not sure because you haven’t looked?
I’m not asking to judge. Most business owners set goals in January and never actually measure against them.

]]> 21 416cb5e411b47cc5402f014fc7fa7e8b Juan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Anybody else's supplier just randomly stop carrying a […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7828/ Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:38:00 +1200 Anybody else’s supplier just randomly stop carrying a part you’ve ordered for years with zero warning? Needed a specific contactor today, counter guy just shrugs and says discontinued. No replacement suggestion, nothing.

]]> 24 ff03f42356efea6bd661f7cfafca3435 Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Whoever specced rectangular duct on this job clearly […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7790/ Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:45:00 +1200 Whoever specced rectangular duct on this job clearly never had to install it in an 11 foot ceiling with beams every 6 feet. Switched the whole run to spiral and saved myself probably 3 days of labor. Engineers need to ride along on an install once before they draw another set of plans.

]]> 21 b3024cbc1b29086ba62830517569c10f Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Question for the group. How many of you actually carry […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7763/ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 06:17:00 +1200 Question for the group. How many of you actually carry spare parts on the truck versus ordering as needed.
I’ve been stocking capacitors, contactors, common motors, basic boards. Feels like it saves me a callback trip half the time but it’s also a lot of cash sitting in a truck doing nothing until it’s used.
Trying to figure out if I’m… Read more

]]> 26 d2dbdc52aba029bc5fa4b2a882bf64e8 Dylan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Currently giving techs 10% commission on changeouts […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7710/ Fri, 19 Jun 2026 22:48:00 +1200 Currently giving techs 10% commission on changeouts they sell. Gave them all the tools to quote jobs on the spot and they still aren’t doing it.
Thinking of lowering to 7.5 or 5% if they don’t give an estimate while on site.
Anyone dealt with this

]]> 11 75f27df9991e3b5ce9b645f965bde928 Antonio posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: What do yall think about MrCool equipment and […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7618/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:30:00 +1200 What do yall think about MrCool equipment and homeowners installing their own stuff? Sounds like good job security but I do find it insulting to the trade and a little annoying.

]]> 15 ebc6d3196b774140a456199c4a296440 Salvatore posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: I struggle with the field vs office balance a lot.When […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7565/ Sun, 31 May 2026 21:08:00 +1200 I struggle with the field vs office balance a lot.When I’m in the field I’m making money but the business stuff piles up. When I’m in the office catching up on quotes and follow ups I feel guilty I’m not on a job generating revenue.Feels like I can never be in the right place at the same time.

]]> 17 b61657d41a5ca1d6f3b1941ed58ee693 Nathan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Looking for guidance and possibly a mentor.4 years ago […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7553/ Sun, 31 May 2026 05:04:00 +1200 Looking for guidance and possibly a mentor.4 years ago I walked out of my job and started my own thing on a hope, a prayer, and betting on myself. It has worked, with lots of battles. I’m at the point where I want more but to achieve that I need guidance and help from someone who has done it.I started this with $200 and my pickup truck. Please… Read more

]]> 28 b241ddba93e6c9109b3df99a0c249cd6 Matteo posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Had a moment yesterday that's been sitting with […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7490/ Thu, 28 May 2026 22:24:00 +1200 Had a moment yesterday that’s been sitting with me.Called out to a longtime customer. Widow in her late 70s, been using us for 11 years. Her system is a 2006 unit, R22, leaking, compressor is pulling high amps and honestly on borrowed time.She asked me what I thought she should do.I sat at her kitchen table for 20 minutes going through… Read more

]]> 15 666a0e8a655bf455845a16fe087f8c2f Logan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: I want to know, what was your strategy to get to 1, 2, […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7468/ Thu, 28 May 2026 03:01:00 +1200 I want to know, what was your strategy to get to 1, 2, 3 employees? Regarding cash flow, keeping everyone busy, funding trucks and equipment.

]]> 9 c3cd83661fa4e17c499f41c18a6d0357 Caleb posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Quoted a job on Monday. Customer said they needed to […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7424/ Wed, 27 May 2026 07:07:00 +1200 Quoted a job on Monday. Customer said they needed to think about it.
Just drove past their house and saw another company’s truck in the driveway.

]]> 17 30eed2313de9cf32acddd67835b38c45 Elijah posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: I've been in this industry for 11 years and I want to […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7373/ Tue, 26 May 2026 01:42:00 +1200 I’ve been in this industry for 11 years and I want to ask something that nobody really talks about honestly.
Is HVAC still actually worth it as a business in 2025?
I’ve seen the industry explode in the last 10 years. Certain markets are completely oversaturated. Margins on installs are razor thin because every guy with a van and a 608 cert… Read more

]]> 24 a14179ce56445992de5f829ad1a3843a Mike joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7367/ Mon, 25 May 2026 19:07:11 +1200 0 73e29fa3abee6932ec86cdf416a10e48 James posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Replaced a capacitor for a customer in February .Today […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7359/ Mon, 25 May 2026 02:09:00 +1200 Replaced a capacitor for a customer in February .Today they called because the system isn’t cooling. Different problem completely. Compressor pulling high amps, probably on its way out.
They want it fixed for free because I just worked on it.
How do you explain to someone that the part I replaced is working fine and has nothing to do with the compressor?

]]> 6 12faa1254a1daf8b040a51d7a9415c30 Robert posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Honest question for the business owners in here. Do […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7344/ Sat, 23 May 2026 08:14:00 +1200 Honest question for the business owners in here.
Do you actually take days off or do you just call them days off and then work anyway?
I told my wife I was taking Sunday off. Answered 4 customer calls, quoted a job by email, and ordered parts before noon. I don’t know if I have a business or a job that follows me everywhere.

]]> 7 df0ba0cdcbc06c313445ffedcf4e13fc Grayson posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Serious question because I'm at a crossroads. Been […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7340/ Sat, 23 May 2026 05:00:00 +1200 Serious question because I’m at a crossroads.
Been doing residential for 4 years. Decent business, good reviews, mostly AC repairs and maintenance. Thinking about moving into light commercial.
People keep telling me commercial is where the real money is. But I also hear it’s slower to pay, more complex, more liability. Is the switch actually… Read more

]]> 6 024d4bdc21e6010060a9f1237312b6b5 Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Went out on a no cool call today. Homeowner said it […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7334/ Fri, 22 May 2026 23:58:00 +1200 Went out on a no cool call today. Homeowner said it stopped working yesterday. I walk up to the unit and the disconnect box is wide open. I mean the cover is literally hanging off. I close it. System starts.
Stood there for a full 30 seconds trying to decide how to explain the invoice.
Charged the diagnostic fee. Customer was very… Read more

]]> 7 aa22b64a4e1e439552365955129dd4db Chi joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7326/ Fri, 22 May 2026 17:36:17 +1200 0 1f027ee11188bbcc3de924d63187f670 Emiliano posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: I've had 3 calls this month from homeowners who […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7277/ Wed, 20 May 2026 08:33:00 +1200 I’ve had 3 calls this month from homeowners who installed their own mini splits and now something isn’t right. Each call was at least 2 hours of sorting through their install mistakes. Part of me is annoyed. Part of me realizes these are now customers who will call me for everything going forward because they learned their lesson.
Is the DIY…

Read more

]]> 3 31d2c0f846bac529a23e987e171e7bb8 Cameron posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Question for the group, specifically for the people who […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7274/ Wed, 20 May 2026 06:31:00 +1200 Question for the group, specifically for the people who have been running their own shop for 3+ years.
What actually moved the needle for you marketing wise when you were small? Not what you heard works. What actually worked for you specifically.
I’ve been doing Google Ads for 4 months, spending about 800/mo. Getting calls but the quality… Read more

]]> 9 bf5ffdb46c80133caed08f75ab9dc877 AlexJ3 joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7269/ Wed, 20 May 2026 04:41:20 +1200 0 957c04f1a74f03e5992f9d1ab1e9acff Hunter posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: I need to vent for a second placed an indeed ad for […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7263/ Wed, 20 May 2026 00:19:00 +1200 I need to vent for a second
placed an indeed ad for an experienced tech. $28-35/hr depending on experience plus benefits. had 47 applications in a week. Phone screened 12 of them. Scheduled 6 interviews. 2 showed up. Hired one.
He worked 3 days and texted me on day 4 that he wasn’t coming back. no reason. just not coming back. What is happening… Read more

]]> 9 b921e666818adfb4866324a5a2afe964 Davida posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Genuine question and I want honest answers not […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7232/ Tue, 19 May 2026 06:49:00 +1200 Genuine question and I want honest answers not judgment
what are you guys actually charging for a diagnostic call right now. not the repair. just showing up, figuring out what’s wrong, telling them what it needs.
I’m at $89 and someone on here last week said they charge $189 for the same thing. both of us in the same state.
how is that… Read more

]]> 9 0682923ace98a02e0f7a1fc3891b388e Connor posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Been looking at changing financing companies after one […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7163/ Thu, 14 May 2026 23:49:00 +1200 Been looking at changing financing companies after one of our dealer fees jumped from 1.9% to almost 4%.
Not a huge deal on smaller tickets but it starts adding up fast on bigger installs.
Seems like a lot of financing companies tightened up on middle credit customers lately.

]]> 22 aa7e9323b634dfd82adaa9c71bbeb1df Matthew posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Homeowners are way more educated now but also way […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7135/ Thu, 14 May 2026 06:35:00 +1200 Homeowners are way more educated now but also way more confident in completely wrong information 😅
Feels like every other call lately starts with I watched a video or Google said it’s probably the TXV.

]]> 21 568741d27ff09a5a3d0ba674e8b3fca9 Hunter posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Seeing more HVAC websites lately adding instant quote […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7093/ Wed, 13 May 2026 09:12:00 +1200 Seeing more HVAC websites lately adding instant quote tools and online pricing.
I get why companies are doing it because customers wanna see numbers before scheduling somebody out but at the same time HVAC jobs can change completely once you actually see the house.

]]> 16 57e09641f37eee4f170066d318e79899 Alessandro posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Started looking into health insurance options for […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7044/ Tue, 12 May 2026 05:41:00 +1200 Started looking into health insurance options for employees this week and honestly didn’t realize how all over the place pricing is.
Feels like every quote starts reasonable then turns into a whole different number once you dig into it.

]]> 23 6d4969da04584d417a1a83525db8e0b1 Cameron posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Hey, https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7030/ Mon, 11 May 2026 17:48:00 +1200 Hey,

]]> 22 28919de37ad4b07c834b62342cb2e13f Elsa joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7005/ Fri, 08 May 2026 18:55:07 +1200 0 eb56f05916dbc693358799a3aacc0df5 Dylan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Realizing lately being good at HVAC and actually growing […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6978/ Thu, 07 May 2026 02:01:00 +1200 Realizing lately being good at HVAC and actually growing a company are two completely different things 😅
Feels like everybody online’s selling some best way to grow but half of it sounds good until you start spending money on it.
What actually moved the needle for you guys? More customers, bigger jobs, commercial work, better systems, whatever.

]]> 22 d7ddc73bc0508da5ea4803f8256a2664 Jacob posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Just getting into HVAC and already realizing I’ll probably […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6960/ Sun, 03 May 2026 21:36:00 +1200 Just getting into HVAC and already realizing I’ll probably go through a few tool bags 😅

trying to figure out if it’s better to start cheap and upgrade later or just buy something solid from the beginning.

what ended up working for you guys?

]]> 12 fbda97b13e7d5404db5ebafad1e6aa07 Samuel posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Do you still charge a service fee if it turns out to […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6861/ Fri, 01 May 2026 05:20:00 +1200 Do you still charge a service fee if it turns out to be something simple like a tripped breaker or switch off?

]]> 24 b4276c84a3f786d9ac6de424797def5e William posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: walked into a house today and thermostat was set to 60 […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6855/ Fri, 01 May 2026 01:35:00 +1200 walked into a house today and thermostat was set to 60 place already freezing.
customer goes it’s not cooling right
stood there for a second trying to figure out what they meant 😅

]]> 15 c3cfe3c0c37a5652691af63e4c7f4951 Samuel posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Started thinking about this recently… I don’t really […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6828/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:31:00 +1200 Started thinking about this recently… I don’t really track where most of my calls come from. You guys keeping track of that or just letting it run?

]]> 11 548d0daa95b52015105a84000fce8cbe Matthew posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: How are you guys getting most of your work right now […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6812/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:27:00 +1200 How are you guys getting most of your work right now still word of mouth or more online? Feels like it’s changing a bit lately where I’m at, not sure if it’s the same everywhere. Just trying to see what’s actually working for you guys right now.

]]> 13 d252d4f36785306071f2c25d65d278a1 Pietro posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Hey, https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6775/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:04:00 +1200 Hey,

]]> 15 c40eb35ebc7559b71ac2d4b4190ca41d Juan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Anyone here using AI for day to day office work? https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6773/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:56:00 +1200 Anyone here using AI for day to day office work?

]]> 10 f4125f7da9ae6f3f717c5eec39bead3b aathivithyah joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6770/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:43:17 +1200 0 90e0e99f5f64f086da985e751bf9c5be ATHENA AI joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6710/ Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:08:29 +1200 1 71725ac3982b54f4b0100c7ddab485cf Robert posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Swapped a contactor today that looked fine at a glance, […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6664/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:43:00 +1200 Swapped a contactor today that looked fine at a glance, but under load it was dropping voltage across the contacts. Getting about 240V in, but only around 205–210V out to the compressor. Compressor was running hot and pulling higher amps than expected. Easy to miss if you don’t check it under load.

]]> 13 20d860f966ad4b444f88962c683dc267 Edward posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Suction 60 psi, superheat 20+, looked like low charge […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6646/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:27:00 +1200 Suction 60 psi, superheat 20+, looked like low charge turned out to be airflow. Static was through the roof. Fixed that and everything lined up.

]]> 11 6bf2e20e5e86e921c0123f206c62604f nick joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6612/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:24:16 +1200 0 508c911a1803db4e42b2898a753c1315 Hunter posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Trying to get in with a few builders right now and […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6608/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:57:00 +1200 Trying to get in with a few builders right now and still figuring out my pricing. Feels like I’m coming in too high because I’m not getting much response back after sending numbers. These are new construction installs, not service work. Just trying to understand where people are landing on builder pricing without racing to the bottom. Anyone… Read more

]]> 30 4edbc0ff7850e877bc06bb5120283a71 Samuel posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Callbacks are killing time over small misses lately. […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6583/ Sat, 11 Apr 2026 22:27:00 +1200 Callbacks are killing time over small misses lately. Anyone else dealing with this?

]]> 14 20d949d5f0ed00c15a01c98be0791cbf Surya Hvac joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6573/ Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:51:42 +1200 0 dedbe2f2961cad281e7a8530a12bfa7b Jack posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Been reviewing our business insurance lately and realizing […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6570/ Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:30:00 +1200 Been reviewing our business insurance lately and realizing I probably don’t understand half of what we’re actually covered for. Feels like every policy looks the same until you actually need it. Curious if anyone here has a setup they feel confident about or something they learned the hard way.

]]> 11 1b31ba6f8d7d700b56cd8c56b369fe25 Robert posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Bought one of those cheaper tools thinking it would get […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6556/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:29:00 +1200 Bought one of those cheaper tools thinking it would get me through a few jobs, and now I’m replacing it way sooner than expected. Starting to feel like I end up paying twice when I don’t just buy the better one upfront. Curious how you guys decide what’s worth spending on vs what you’re okay going cheap on.

]]> 9