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. Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:01:20 +1200 https://buddypress.org/?v=3.4.2 en-US 30 hourly 2 571c1b6677a30f0911e46b97c82d000c Sam joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8737/ Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:47:39 +1200 0 0bc7a70276355a897281236faae06e4f Jordan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Found a penny jammed behind a breaker today. Customer […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8715/ Sat, 22 Aug 2026 04:07:00 +1200 Found a penny jammed behind a breaker today. Customer said the AC keeps tripping the breaker so the last guy “fixed it” so it wouldn’t trip anymore. There’s scorch marks on the panel.

]]> 8 b2bf43a4bc3b35742fb524c5b4372cc9 Tyler posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Hello, https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8644/ Tue, 18 Aug 2026 19:48:00 +1200 Hello,

]]> 13 5bac2decceb89681f96302edbe962427 Carlos posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Showed up for a maintenance call and saw this from […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8615/ Sun, 16 Aug 2026 04:02:00 +1200 Showed up for a maintenance call and saw this from the driveway before I even got out of the truck. That pad has been sinking for years and nobody said a word. Unit is leaning so far the refrigerant lines are about to snap at the wall penetration. Copper is bent at an angle it was never meant to bend. Put a level on top just to see how bad it… Read more

]]> 6 d63401a40a2c999fc3001a192071068f Leonard posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Showed up for a routine maintenance call. Went to pull […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8504/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 03:03:00 +1200 Showed up for a routine maintenance call. Went to pull the disconnect and this is what greeted me. Mud daubers have been running this disconnect box for at least two seasons by the look of it. Could barely see the fuses under all of it. Customer said nobody has been out here since 2023. Yeah I can tell. Spent 20 minutes clearing this out with… Read more

]]> 17 d5df86af61e0977a6e664e153c6af977 Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Got dispatched for a "system not keeping up" call. […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8501/ Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:01:00 +1200 Got dispatched for a “system not keeping up” call. Showed up and couldn’t even find the condenser at first. Homeowner pointed me to the backyard and I thought she was joking. The landscaping has literally eaten this unit alive. Bushes on three sides pushed right up against the coils, fins crushed where the branches have been growing into them… Read more

]]> 16 e4c34bb5bc67f5d7e56ae1eeedea80b7 ali joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8492/ Sun, 09 Aug 2026 07:36:01 +1200 0 ad064e31222ae57e7db65f726af1d201 Justin joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8484/ Sun, 09 Aug 2026 01:09:14 +1200 0 cae3ddf6be8b45aaa5312ed3bf52a866 Mason posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Customer said there was a weird smell coming from the […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8441/ Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:32:00 +1200 Customer said there was a weird smell coming from the mini split in the master bedroom. Been installed for about 4 years and nobody has ever had it cleaned. Opened it up and almost gagged. This is what’s been blowing air into their bedroom every night while they sleep 🤢. They have a 2 year old in this room too. Quoted them a full deep clean on… Read more

]]> 9 4a5ac06869c7abdf5d71d8611aa897e2 Steve joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8422/ Fri, 07 Aug 2026 01:49:28 +1200 0 70c69380895a648325ffdfdadbb1196e Danny joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8410/ Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:28:36 +1200 0 bdcc37fa8c9bcc36f0b5faa7a30fa1b6 Samuel posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Customer said it was blowing warm air so I went up to […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8405/ Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:36:00 +1200 Customer said it was blowing warm air so I went up to the attic and found this 🥴. Asked when they last changed the filter and they said “what filter?”

]]> 16 27f9cf4f8b12629496ab739ebc8d62e6 Robert posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Been running out of this van for 3 years now. Finally […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8369/ Tue, 04 Aug 2026 03:21:00 +1200 Been running out of this van for 3 years now. Finally got the shelving where I want it. Still looks like a disaster to everyone else but I know where everything is.

]]> 9 89d24d778cec41969b4d23cdd0840c9b Oliver posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: You rent a house here in California where rent is […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8362/ Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:58:00 +1200 You rent a house here in California where rent is around $2,500 a month. It’s been 90-100° outside and your AC is keeping the house perfectly cool. One day you decide to take a look at the ductwork and it looks like this. System is still cooling fine but you know it needs to be cleaned.

Do you say something to the landlord or just leave it alone?

]]> 11 5533bf33bb131140234330f0bc93d459 Harry posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Customer complaint was one bedroom not cooling. Found […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8335/ Sat, 01 Aug 2026 21:04:00 +1200 Customer complaint was one bedroom not cooling. Found this under the house. Flex completely disconnected from the boot, just dumping air straight into the crawlspace. They said the other company did a tune up 6 weeks ago.

]]> 12 da7ca7b86cb12d9760d468761a8404b4 LarrySoali joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8327/ Sat, 01 Aug 2026 09:30:55 +1200 0 4c29eb531875d897f9e988a6f4b615f0 Rahmir joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8315/ Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:35:33 +1200 0 5e00422784cb77176036cda9dfa11297 Jack posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Maintenance contract call on a rooftop today. […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8305/ Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:57:00 +1200 Maintenance contract call on a rooftop today. Carrier package unit installed last year, customer said it’s been running fine but wanted their annual check done before the real heat hits. Gauges look good, cleaned the condenser, checked electrical, tightened connections. Easy money but 141 degrees on the roof surface according to my IR gun.… Read more

]]> 7 1b580289ddee05a4898c976c4b9f2657 Michael posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: How many CSR/Dispatchers do you guys have for your […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8240/ Sun, 26 Jul 2026 02:42:00 +1200 How many CSR/Dispatchers do you guys have for your business? Specifically businesses with around 3-4 service technicians and 5-6 installers in the field. Mainly residential with light commercial as well. Would like to know how many as well as if you’re utilizing AI or software to lessen the burden on the office staff.

]]> 5 a0601903c06e3a9d8286e558eed3b36f AlexH_16 joined the group HVAC Installation Best Practices https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8227/ Sat, 25 Jul 2026 13:44:42 +1200 0 eb99a81ab865c029bdf5fddf6ad3fa5a Jackson posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: If you polled 1000 people in your town and asked them […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8165/ Wed, 22 Jul 2026 22:25:00 +1200 If you polled 1000 people in your town and asked them to name three air conditioning companies how many do you think would mention yours?

]]> 14 87dae1e8a6e8ee05d3b4dfe535bfa603 Harry posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Turning 44 next month. Knees are shot, right shoulder […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8144/ Wed, 22 Jul 2026 08:51:00 +1200 Turning 44 next month. Knees are shot, right shoulder clicks every time I reach over my head. Been doing this since I was 19. What are you guys actually doing that helps or is everyone just living with it

]]> 21 5db047157cf2491876966a932f9d9fa0 Henry posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Genuinely curious how you all handle the customer who […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8140/ Wed, 22 Jul 2026 08:51:00 +1200 Genuinely curious how you all handle the customer who calls at 4:55pm on a Friday saying their AC has been out since Wednesday.

]]> 14 d2c7bf251c34d8d1783f8f28cde9f069 Liam posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Best way to repair a microchannel condenser coil that […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8093/ Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:32:00 +1200 Best way to repair a microchannel condenser coil that took some damage? Bent fins on about a 6 inch section, not leaking yet but it’s bad. Replacement is backordered 6 weeks.

]]> 18 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

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