HVAC Community Hub | Brandon | Activity https://hvachub.co/members/brandonfoster32/activity/ Activity feed for Brandon. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 19:42:36 +1200 https://buddypress.org/?v=3.0.5 en-US 30 hourly 2 95bac64c942da3d349461c10a20ceb06 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7746/#acomment-7756 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 03:10:40 +1200 Do you eat the fee on small stuff or pass it to the customer.

In reply to - Alessandro posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Question on financing. We offer it through Wisetack and Synchrony both. Lately feels like every other call wants financing now, even on […] ]]> 866d2d8644a43bdc22945d258c0f0744 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7630/#acomment-7713 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 23:51:42 +1200 14 trucks 12 techs 2 install crews. Commercial and residential.

In reply to - Charles posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs What’s everyone paying for insurance these days. Workers comp, general liability, commercial auto. Small company, 3 techs, 4 trucks, […] ]]> 62c8b6c7c85ee71a46c8398db15e109d Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7630/#acomment-7702 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 20:02:26 +1200 $150,000

In reply to - Charles posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs What’s everyone paying for insurance these days. Workers comp, general liability, commercial auto. Small company, 3 techs, 4 trucks, […] ]]> 9940c3a57c30951e50ea7b02fae85381 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7618/#acomment-7656 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:38:24 +1200 The YouTube video doesn’t teach you what to do when something goes wrong at 9pm in July.

In reply to - Antonio posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices What do yall think about MrCool equipment and homeowners installing their own stuff? Sounds like good job security but I do find it […] ]]> 9929433f02a8c7f7d4d8713180aaa0a9 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7553/#acomment-7601 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:06:44 +1200 You’re ready for your first real hire then. $400k solo means you’re leaving significant money on the floor because you physically can’t take every call. That’s your next move.

In reply to - Nathan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices 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 […] ]]> e729ba4703abe950c2c5693ca493db6f Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7553/#acomment-7588 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 02:08:58 +1200 What’s your revenue right now if you don’t mind sharing. Helps give context for what advice actually applies to your situation.

In reply to - Nathan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices 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 […] ]]> 6be82fc8bd612a2c42ad95ad3e1fe40d Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7524/#acomment-7550 Sat, 30 May 2026 22:53:39 +1200 Just raised my install prices again last week. third time in 18 months. hate doing it but the math doesnt lie.

In reply to - Michael posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Anyone else feel like equipment prices are just never going back down. Quoted a 3 ton Carrier install today. My cost on the equipment alone […] ]]> 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 c388428ed4d6d31af07f6c92ac2d8387 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7257/#acomment-7285 Wed, 20 May 2026 19:28:11 +1200 Started with a $200 craigslist truck and a borrowed set of gauges. 11 years later we have 6 trucks. it’s possible.

In reply to - Jacob posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Honest post here because I see a lot of highlight reel stuff and I want to share something real.Year 2 of being on my own. started with my truck, […] ]]> 8ca69ae30b2b220d47af4dd7e275cfd0 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7044/#acomment-7072 Tue, 12 May 2026 22:09:13 +1200 The payroll side of this business gets ugly fast once you start adding benefits, trucks, uniforms, fuel cards, all of it.

In reply to - Alessandro posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Started looking into health insurance options for employees this week and honestly didn’t realize how all over the place pricing […] ]]> 75c39aed9ee859fe9ae1262f3dfeeb12 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7037/#acomment-7061 Tue, 12 May 2026 20:13:04 +1200 Equipment, labor, insurance, advertising, refrigerant… none of it stayed the same after Covid.

In reply to - Miles posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Anybody else feel like customers think HVAC companies just randomly started charging more overnight 😅 Meanwhile equipment prices, parts, […] ]]> 837b7a4902bfe957eeedd013e5ca6563 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7037/#acomment-7055 Tue, 12 May 2026 19:09:34 +1200 I’ve had customers spend thousands repairing old systems because replacement pricing shocked them.

In reply to - Miles posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Anybody else feel like customers think HVAC companies just randomly started charging more overnight 😅 Meanwhile equipment prices, parts, […] ]]> dcc0459bb8c36710bff18f176a82de40 Brandon posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Everybody talks about warranty like it’s free work for […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7052/ Tue, 12 May 2026 07:22:00 +1200 Everybody talks about warranty like it’s free work for HVAC companies
Meanwhile you’re driving back out, dealing with parts, labor, callbacks, phone calls, paperwork, waiting on suppliers and somehow still supposed to make money on it.

]]> 23 056abcfd70034ed016eba7863b697db2 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7037/#acomment-7043 Tue, 12 May 2026 00:21:18 +1200 Trucks, insurance, fuel… everything adds up fast.

In reply to - Miles posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Anybody else feel like customers think HVAC companies just randomly started charging more overnight 😅 Meanwhile equipment prices, parts, […] ]]> 380a456ba0a64f70363f6e03349cbeb9 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6886/#acomment-6945 Sun, 03 May 2026 00:30:14 +1200 Yeah but you still gotta rule yourself out first.

In reply to - Owen posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs how many callbacks do you guys actually consider normal before you start second guessing the original job? i’m not talking about random stuff breaking […] ]]> d044b20ff0960489e34fc8c9d9520133 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6861/#acomment-6864 Fri, 01 May 2026 06:17:58 +1200 You drove out there that’s a service call. Doesn’t matter what the fix was.

In reply to - Samuel posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Do you still charge a service fee if it turns out to be something simple like a tripped breaker or switch off? ]]> 64712568dd2df923a10aedc72d7fa071 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6800/#acomment-6856 Fri, 01 May 2026 02:23:18 +1200 I’ve been in that situation before sucks when you’re missing one thing.

In reply to - Dylan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs staying with family out here and ran into a small ac issue… looks like a pinhole somewhere. i’ve got some tools on me but not enough to fix it […] ]]> 88ece1f69a82ad6f916ae036d7c1591e Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6608/#acomment-6620 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:59:16 +1200 Builders want cheap.

In reply to - Hunter posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices 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 […] ]]> 14c6e9413385b41e23c4a85188a48205 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6326/#acomment-6330 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:36:59 +1300 Had a unit that only faulted on high wind days. Took three visits to figure out the disconnect cover was rattling loose and breaking the circuit. Customer thought I was incompetent. Couldn’t blame them.

In reply to - Elijah posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Three hours. Checked the board, checked the contactor, checked the capacitor, checked every connection in the system twice. Everything […] ]]> 3c971c5c2f562227322a1bdc8ba8fd29 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6255/#acomment-6289 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:48:34 +1300 If a guy is wasting time you’ll figure it out pretty quick without GPS.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices For the guys running crews out in the field, how do you handle downtime when the board gets slow? I’ve been wondering how others keep their […] ]]> 934d22ef7710b63e9a6b9f84e59f119e Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6013/#acomment-6060 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 19:47:33 +1300 😂 Fair enough. I’m not scared of hard work.

In reply to - Andrea posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs I’m looking at getting into HVAC and trying to figure out the best first step. Trade school isn’t something I can commit to right now, so I’ve […] ]]> 7bf6590b160f5d0b1b6816959259d6a9 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5932/#acomment-5958 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:25:47 +1300 Sometimes I’ll credit it just to win the long game. One happy customer is worth more than a service fee.

In reply to - Jack posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs We charge a service/diagnostic to come out and troubleshoot. The only time we roll that into the total is when the customer decides to replace […] ]]> d2ace905f245cc04e0d162e26c503242 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5855/#acomment-5904 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:40:02 +1300 As an apprentice I’d be terrified. Customer asking questions and I barely know the answers myself 😂

In reply to - Jordan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices My tech called me laughing today because the customer kept asking what he was doing every step of the way. Appreciate the interest, […] ]]> 22ae429469b2214d1b8611fea586fbe6 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5166/#acomment-5167 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:30:26 +1300 Why were you there? Was it tripping or just making noise?

In reply to - Noah posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Still running… just waiting for the right day to ruin someone’s schedule 😬 ]]> 7a55b67ebdd2a171e0e32af06bbcb06d Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5015/#acomment-5032 Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:10:02 +1300 There’s a weird guilt that comes with noticing something and choosing not to act on it immediately. You know it’s there, you know it matters, but timing and bandwidth decide more than intention ever does.

In reply to - Eric posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Didn’t even plan to post this, just snapped the picture and moved on. One of those moments where you see it, your brain goes huh… okay, and […] ]]> a2df6ad015f857ac0067bc8c0a1c20bd Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4268/#acomment-4273 Sat, 03 Jan 2026 18:44:44 +1300 Check valve holding?

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Pump keeps losing prime after shutdown. ]]> a683d451d1cf37341ba123bc0282581a Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4146/#acomment-4155 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:27:44 +1300 This feels less like an automation issue and more like a setup oversight.

In reply to - Charles posted an update in the group HVAC Email Pipeline Builder |Nurture Leads. Follow Up. Close More Deals Thought I had our email pipeline done until I watched a customer reply to the wrong emai.. and […] ]]> 91db2806fc9952b2470e0daa147d1f45 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3546/#acomment-3547 Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:36:41 +1300 yeah that’s exactly what it feels like here too… wrong default getting picked up.

In reply to - Charles posted an update in the group HVAC Email Pipeline Builder |Nurture Leads. Follow Up. Close More Deals Noticing our automation keeps emailing the wrong person on multi-property accounts. One job comes […] ]]> 4215f4bb91cb4e45db234638c07e1fdd Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3342/#acomment-3356 Thu, 27 Nov 2025 19:48:32 +1300 Sure, no problem – I’ll share a time with you shortly.
Once we connect, we’ll go through your pipeline step by step and sort out what’s causing the issues.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Email Pipeline Builder |Nurture Leads. Follow Up. Close More Deals ad one of those “what is even going on today” moments with my email pipeline. A customer replied to […] ]]> 109cc3254f17e23d66644105aab3c106 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3342/#acomment-3354 Thu, 27 Nov 2025 19:48:30 +1300 Yep, I’m using both. Maybe they’re stepping on each other.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Email Pipeline Builder |Nurture Leads. Follow Up. Close More Deals ad one of those “what is even going on today” moments with my email pipeline. A customer replied to […] ]]> 0de4524c14f4ef16853f7323f91f06c0 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3342/#acomment-3352 Thu, 27 Nov 2025 19:48:28 +1300 I’ve done that before too. Painful, but it does fix everything.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Email Pipeline Builder |Nurture Leads. Follow Up. Close More Deals ad one of those “what is even going on today” moments with my email pipeline. A customer replied to […] ]]> c1013e61e9bb7313c65e0304d2e5eb64 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3342/#acomment-3350 Thu, 27 Nov 2025 19:48:26 +1300 Ahh, that would explain the random timing issues.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Email Pipeline Builder |Nurture Leads. Follow Up. Close More Deals ad one of those “what is even going on today” moments with my email pipeline. A customer replied to […] ]]> 20280d6aa56b383fee3cae92b3639a90 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3342/#acomment-3348 Thu, 27 Nov 2025 19:48:25 +1300 😂 True. If I don’t babysit it, I end up losing jobs.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Email Pipeline Builder |Nurture Leads. Follow Up. Close More Deals ad one of those “what is even going on today” moments with my email pipeline. A customer replied to […] ]]> 5235ee663479ff366bfdb373115f2d67 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3342/#acomment-3346 Thu, 27 Nov 2025 19:48:24 +1300 Bro, that happens way too often. One tiny change and everything stops.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Email Pipeline Builder |Nurture Leads. Follow Up. Close More Deals ad one of those “what is even going on today” moments with my email pipeline. A customer replied to […] ]]> cd6cedfcca71ab7300324e3c9931cced Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3342/#acomment-3344 Thu, 27 Nov 2025 19:48:22 +1300 That might be it. I’ve seen missing fields mess things up before.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Email Pipeline Builder |Nurture Leads. Follow Up. Close More Deals ad one of those “what is even going on today” moments with my email pipeline. A customer replied to […] ]]> 0c315d7d2870863ab280a0be4e1c8274 Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Email Pipeline Builder |Nurture Leads. Follow Up. Close More Deals: ad one of those “what is even going on today” moments […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3342/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 19:48:21 +1300 ad one of those “what is even going on today” moments with my email pipeline.
A customer replied to an estimate from last week… except my CRM still shows the email as “not sent.”
Meanwhile another guy gets three follow-ups perfectly on time like the system loves him.

Not sure if my workflow glitched or if the pipeline is just having a mood… Read more

]]> 14 7a1604d65a829d3084b4df305161d00f Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2911/#acomment-2917 Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:03:42 +1300 That makes total sense. I’ll verify sensor calibration when I’m up there next.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment Got a rooftop unit tripping on high head pressure, but only during mild weather. Coils are spotless, condenser fans check fine, and charge […] ]]> 89c2ee3b008f5755010b7a0aad75b0a5 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2911/#acomment-2915 Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:03:40 +1300 Good call – it’s a two-fan setup. I’ll check if both are sequencing correctly.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment Got a rooftop unit tripping on high head pressure, but only during mild weather. Coils are spotless, condenser fans check fine, and charge […] ]]> a7429b42702c56427bec3fbec328acfd Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2911/#acomment-2913 Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:03:39 +1300 Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking too. Probably the VFD logic not reacting quick enough.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment Got a rooftop unit tripping on high head pressure, but only during mild weather. Coils are spotless, condenser fans check fine, and charge […] ]]> 0e46aad3b2c2e11370fbe671556e9c45 Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment: Got a rooftop unit tripping on high head pressure, but […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2911/ Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:03:37 +1300 Got a rooftop unit tripping on high head pressure, but only during mild weather.
Coils are spotless, condenser fans check fine, and charge looks good.
Feels like a staging or control issue – maybe fan speed logic kicking in too late.

]]> 6 739d08ca479daa7658a652c1b9cf9aea Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2599/#acomment-2607 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:57:53 +1300 True, I’ll do a quick duct inspection before recalibrating.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices I’ve been working with a VAV box controlling airflow in a commercial system, and noticed some zones aren’t getting consistent airflow. […] ]]> 082c96de90031391d8f84a64d8793bbe Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2599/#acomment-2605 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:57:52 +1300 Haha, exactly! They have a mind of their own sometimes.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices I’ve been working with a VAV box controlling airflow in a commercial system, and noticed some zones aren’t getting consistent airflow. […] ]]> d8704ec4b4508801dd6cff8b2b95d43f Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2599/#acomment-2603 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:57:51 +1300 Absolutely, I might need to recalibrate the VAV sensors.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices I’ve been working with a VAV box controlling airflow in a commercial system, and noticed some zones aren’t getting consistent airflow. […] ]]> cc0cc5f8c4dec3e8f28eae25fb90a45d Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2599/#acomment-2601 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:57:49 +1300 Good point! I’ll inspect the actuator and see if it’s misaligned.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices I’ve been working with a VAV box controlling airflow in a commercial system, and noticed some zones aren’t getting consistent airflow. […] ]]> 6e112ded16c3001d33f1efa5261e7fef Brandon posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: I’ve been working with a VAV box controlling airflow in a […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2599/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:57:49 +1300 I’ve been working with a VAV box controlling airflow in a commercial system, and noticed some zones aren’t getting consistent airflow. Dampers seem to move, but temperature swings persist.

Has anyone dealt with VAV calibration or control issues like this before? Any tips or tricks?

]]> 8 0bbacc5d5916dc5b7289df4e1bd174f7 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2475/#acomment-2482 Sat, 18 Oct 2025 14:03:09 +1300 Check the valves too – partially closed or sticky valves can mimic pump issues.

In reply to - Juan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Noticed a weird drop in flow on one of the chilled water pumps in a large commercial system. The pump seems fine – no strange noises, amp draw […] ]]> e6512c50760ff631261a87283e07c3bc Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2231/#acomment-2232 Fri, 10 Oct 2025 18:11:18 +1300 I love reading the funny install stories – makes the day lighter 😆

In reply to - HVAC Community Hub posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Hi friends, I may not know all the technical details, but I love seeing how everyone learns and grows here. This community […] ]]> 82fa17a111a6bd4dce4b1982ae54119d Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2005/#acomment-2017 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 17:29:24 +1300 That’s a good tip-intermittent usage reduces thermal stress.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Hey guys, how’s everyone doing? Quick question for the group – is it safe to run a single-phase compressor on a three-phase supply using a phase […] ]]> e241a6e6cbf026ba89c5ee7ee22893a4 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2005/#acomment-2015 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 17:29:23 +1300 😂 Haha, that’s one way – but I’d rather not roll the dice with $500+ equipment!

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Hey guys, how’s everyone doing? Quick question for the group – is it safe to run a single-phase compressor on a three-phase supply using a phase […] ]]> 7ae987685305a11644de14ead69f16d9 Brandon posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2005/#acomment-2013 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 17:29:22 +1300 Haha yes! But it’s a bit like giving your car a skateboard and hoping it drives just as well 😆

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Hey guys, how’s everyone doing? Quick question for the group – is it safe to run a single-phase compressor on a three-phase supply using a phase […] ]]>