HVAC Community Hub | Ethan | Activity https://hvachub.co/members/et-walker07/activity/ Activity feed for Ethan. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:59:07 +1200 https://buddypress.org/?v=2.18.0 en-US 30 hourly 2 4d8aab04a76cb0d0ecab7ed91bce3d83 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6608/#acomment-6672 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:26:11 +1200 Make sure you can survive 30–60 day payments.

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 […] ]]> 2750b88dacd44b7fd6f6188696fd45f0 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6637/#acomment-6645 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:15:06 +1200 Worst part is explaining why it’s not just a quick fix anymore.

In reply to - Wyatt posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Got a call thinking it’d be a quick fix, customer said the system just stopped. Opened it up and it’s like nothing’s been touched in years coil […] ]]> c51abda1fdec8f738ab9089e7890f543 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6538/#acomment-6554 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:36:14 +1200 Not enough to be consistent, that’s the issue.

In reply to - Fabio posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Thinking about outsourcing SEO/marketing but hard to tell who actually delivers vs who just sends reports every month. Anyone here had a […] ]]> 7100b983a5854f1a3a3d7629a92bc7ea Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6424/#acomment-6440 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 08:46:23 +1300 Learning curve on controls caught me. Residential is a thermostat and a board. Commercial RTU you’ve got BAS integration, economizers, staged cooling, demand control ventilation. Took a while before I stopped feeling lost on the controls side.

In reply to - Carlos posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Genuinely curious from people who made the switch from residential split installs to commercial RTU work. Not looking for the “commercial is […] ]]> 748098a8620012c6ad8eae1660e3c786 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6069/#acomment-6102 Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:07:06 +1300 Yep. Especially on replacements where nobody adjusts for duct design. Blower set wrong from day one and everyone blames refrigerant.

In reply to - Zachary posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Had something weird happen today. Didn’t even realize my techs were out here making bets on what the issue would be. Sent two of them up to […] ]]> df1682d91cc9fcde26d4c1e186602233 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5847/#acomment-5891 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:26:39 +1300 Everyone loves blaming boards, but 9 out of 10 times it’s grounding. Flame rectification is stupid simple. If the ground path sucks, the signal drops. Heat just exposes it.

In reply to - James posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Flame rectification dropping below spec once cabinet temp rises past 120°F. Runs fine cold, problems show up after it’s been on a while. ]]> bc3140163f5b443404bd03335df3aab9 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5751/#acomment-5781 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:26:35 +1300 Can’t we just clean it and see what happens?

In reply to - Davida posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Hello, ]]> 4d77da744a84f64394b500c3347c8bae Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4633/#acomment-4659 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:39:26 +1300 Did you dye it or nitrogen test after spotting the oil?

In reply to - Benjamin posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Had this condenser open today while chasing a capacity issue. Pressures weren’t screaming low, superheat was borderline acceptable, but something […] ]]> 2b93b18990bc123b28a0fa8f3c06adff Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4021/#acomment-4024 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 04:37:56 +1300 Happy Holidays everyone 🎅 Appreciate this group a lot.

In reply to - HVAC Community Hub posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors 🎄 Merry Christmas from HVAC Community Hub 🎄 Wishing everyone here a peaceful holiday season and a well-earned break. Thank […] ]]> c25b29f9157d81ceaac6e6f7c9f91d34 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3985/#acomment-3993 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:42:40 +1300 Hard lesson, but true.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Spent a few days chasing a control issue that just didn’t make sense. Return air temp kept drifting higher every afternoon, driving resets […] ]]> 49c3a327d3ccc853341cfd90a3027e2a Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3985/#acomment-3991 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:42:39 +1300 That’s likely the fix here too.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Spent a few days chasing a control issue that just didn’t make sense. Return air temp kept drifting higher every afternoon, driving resets […] ]]> f232f494929d9bca0f959635559733ce Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3985/#acomment-3989 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:42:37 +1300 That lines up – this happened mostly during light load.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Spent a few days chasing a control issue that just didn’t make sense. Return air temp kept drifting higher every afternoon, driving resets […] ]]> d6e5a37a4819e70a2ff3123aa0c50b37 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3985/#acomment-3987 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:42:36 +1300 That pattern was the biggest clue something else was going on.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Spent a few days chasing a control issue that just didn’t make sense. Return air temp kept drifting higher every afternoon, driving resets […] ]]> 7cb508f2833e6ac8ba0ddb6d04d8e5eb Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Spent a few days chasing a control issue that just didn’t […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3985/ Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:42:35 +1300 Spent a few days chasing a control issue that just didn’t make sense.
Return air temp kept drifting higher every afternoon, driving resets that didn’t match what the spaces were actually feeling.
Turned out the sensor wasn’t wrong – it was sitting in a tall plenum where warm air stratifies by the end of the day.
Same building, same system…… Read more

]]> 8 28bd8526fe13c9620f0f8db240bd5ec5 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3555/#acomment-3556 Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:36:46 +1300 If the pump VFD is dropping too low, your valve authority might be garbage. Low differential = coil starving instantly.

In reply to - Nicolas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Got an AHU coil losing every time the CHW pump VFD ramps down, even though the control valve shows 100% open. Strainer’s clean, no air, CHW supply […] ]]> bdc5cfc9e1af4f0e27268b1e4d60d15f Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3438/#acomment-3441 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:51:34 +1300 Had a case where the SF was fine but the mixed-air section was collapsing internally. Check panels too.

In reply to - Nathan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Showed up this morning and the supply fan is pegged at 100% again, and we’re STILL not hitting building static. Feels like half the damn […] ]]> f0e69148970ab9508d64cc7bfbf6c4ca Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3372/#acomment-3382 Sat, 29 Nov 2025 22:19:53 +1300 😂 BAS logic never lies… right?

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Hey guys, ran into something odd today – a few pressure-independent VAVs that look perfect in the BAS but fall way off when you take […] ]]> 3b84499c65771f07e3b9e8c18fd9af36 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3372/#acomment-3380 Sat, 29 Nov 2025 22:19:52 +1300 Makes sense – building is pretty dusty lately too.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Hey guys, ran into something odd today – a few pressure-independent VAVs that look perfect in the BAS but fall way off when you take […] ]]> d7992597223866147c472ad0e3ee0d74 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3372/#acomment-3378 Sat, 29 Nov 2025 22:19:52 +1300 Good tip – this site did have an update last month. Might be part of it.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Hey guys, ran into something odd today – a few pressure-independent VAVs that look perfect in the BAS but fall way off when you take […] ]]> b13b9f809326f45aa10369c53e2cbed9 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3372/#acomment-3376 Sat, 29 Nov 2025 22:19:51 +1300 😂 Exactly. Independent from reality maybe.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Hey guys, ran into something odd today – a few pressure-independent VAVs that look perfect in the BAS but fall way off when you take […] ]]> 4c7df63cd1d26c81a9957ae6c3ddbbee Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3372/#acomment-3374 Sat, 29 Nov 2025 22:19:50 +1300 I’m leaning toward bad flow rings or sensors that haven’t been touched in years.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Hey guys, ran into something odd today – a few pressure-independent VAVs that look perfect in the BAS but fall way off when you take […] ]]> bf7bdee8529b2f5211874a1063d513cf Ethan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Hey guys, ran into something odd today - a […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3372/ Sat, 29 Nov 2025 22:19:49 +1300 Hey guys, ran into something odd today – a few pressure-independent VAVs that look perfect in the BAS but fall way off when you take real readings.
Trending says they’re holding CFM, but in the field they’re drifting 20–30% like the sensors are telling their own version of the story.

]]> 10 50bf9f07c4e6dacecd9c9e85a8ca6d5a Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3017/#acomment-3024 Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:20:30 +1300 Head pressure climbing is your giveaway. Reduced airflow = reduced heat rejection. Motor RPM is off or blade efficiency is low.

In reply to - Nicolas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Out on a commercial RTU today and the “new” condenser fan motor isn’t moving air the way it should. Voltage and cap are spot on, but the RPM is […] ]]> 4c2ecd07908cd599a81fc4cb3364ace2 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2970/#acomment-2987 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:59:22 +1300 Yeah, seen this plenty. Usually ends up being a weak relay or voltage drop under load.

In reply to - Noah posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Weird one today – condenser fans don’t all start together. Sometimes one or two just hang out for 10–15 seconds, then decide to join the […] ]]> fff0091f9fce06241fb042fec749f523 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2780/#acomment-2790 Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:55:14 +1300 Good reminder -the coil was cleaned recently, but I’ll double-check airflow across sections.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Anyone experienced sporadic compressor overheating on multi-circuit RTUs? 🤔 One circuit keeps running hotter even after checking charge […] ]]> 9c337907455c8aaee3e195f0553cd9bd Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2780/#acomment-2788 Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:55:12 +1300 Yeah, I’ll check the TXV screen and drier. That could definitely cause uneven load.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Anyone experienced sporadic compressor overheating on multi-circuit RTUs? 🤔 One circuit keeps running hotter even after checking charge […] ]]> 645281f9df78f850b688118c4c6d6653 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2780/#acomment-2786 Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:55:12 +1300 Interesting, never thought of firmware. Will check if there’s an update available.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Anyone experienced sporadic compressor overheating on multi-circuit RTUs? 🤔 One circuit keeps running hotter even after checking charge […] ]]> f0c182b6e498b0c2555485c2f63187e8 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2780/#acomment-2784 Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:55:10 +1300 Good call. I’ll inspect that – could explain why one side runs hotter.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Anyone experienced sporadic compressor overheating on multi-circuit RTUs? 🤔 One circuit keeps running hotter even after checking charge […] ]]> fed82d682706cb21629e16c1cce22ed2 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2780/#acomment-2782 Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:55:09 +1300 Yeah, that’s what I’m starting to suspect too. Might try swapping sensors between circuits.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Anyone experienced sporadic compressor overheating on multi-circuit RTUs? 🤔 One circuit keeps running hotter even after checking charge […] ]]> 9f005e20fe349cc52499884cf288b067 Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors: Anyone experienced sporadic compressor overheating […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2780/ Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:55:09 +1300 Anyone experienced sporadic compressor overheating on multi-circuit RTUs? 🤔
One circuit keeps running hotter even after checking charge and airflow.
Could it be a TXV issue or control logic fault? Looking for insights from the pros!

]]> 10 84797b3cfada8d656fcf1192453f8992 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2723/#acomment-2736 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 20:08:41 +1300 I’d isolate the sections and work one at a time with nitrogen. Process of elimination saves a lot of time.

In reply to - Dylan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Had something strange happen on a service call today. While pulling a core using a screw-style remover, the internal seal tore off and somehow […] ]]> 3144f4b870681f8c2b3adfb078101c0a Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2713/#acomment-2714 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:56:33 +1300 Couldn’t agree more. You can have top-tier equipment, but without balance, comfort is gone.

In reply to - Caleb posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Air balancing isn’t just a final step; it’s what decides if the system actually performs the way it was designed. ]]> 357284ca0a897ce9b850621b1ed0c264 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2700/#acomment-2703 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:56:26 +1300 Office keeps calling asking for readings from two days ago – by then the tech barely remembers which site it was.

In reply to - Connor posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors I think every HVAC company faces this – the work in the field gets done, but the details don’t make it back to the office. You know how it […] ]]> 1c625ba7c75225abed894aadbfe3a3af Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2475/#acomment-2476 Sat, 18 Oct 2025 14:03:05 +1300 Could be air trapped in the system -even small pockets can reduce flow noticeably.

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 […] ]]> 239b957d6954fb030217b965fb1cbc23 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2401/#acomment-2402 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:09:50 +1300 Could be a bladder leak-had one once and it caused similar swings.

In reply to - Logan posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment Seeing pressure fluctuations on a hydronic expansion tank – swings nearly 10 psi during normal operation. Make-up water and pump seem fine, so I’m […] ]]> 2bed44044db2e2a120684746ea6e3186 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2393/#acomment-2399 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:47:50 +1300 Good point. I haven’t opened it yet, but that might explain the gradual loss.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Chilled water pump giving trouble-flow rate dropping under load, but everything else looks normal (sound, amp draw, no leaks). I’m suspecting VFD […] ]]> 0b00534dfa135b8ac3e6ec89074f38ca Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2393/#acomment-2397 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:47:48 +1300 Didn’t think of that. I’ll check bypass operation during tomorrow’s run.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Chilled water pump giving trouble-flow rate dropping under load, but everything else looks normal (sound, amp draw, no leaks). I’m suspecting VFD […] ]]> 81da428ff32c040363fa06f92ad10300 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2393/#acomment-2395 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:47:47 +1300 That’s interesting I’ll trend the frequency and see if it’s oscillating under load.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Chilled water pump giving trouble-flow rate dropping under load, but everything else looks normal (sound, amp draw, no leaks). I’m suspecting VFD […] ]]> c6771c2331cb3f15844d6fbc1d43ef36 Ethan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Chilled water pump giving trouble-flow rate dropping […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2393/ Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:47:46 +1300 Chilled water pump giving trouble-flow rate dropping under load, but everything else looks normal (sound, amp draw, no leaks).
I’m suspecting VFD tuning or impeller wear, but nothing obvious so far.

]]> 6 1cb8abe27a305804e95704380dacc5f3 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2259/#acomment-2260 Sun, 12 Oct 2025 21:23:59 +1300 Make sure filters are cleaned regularly, or efficiency drops fast.

In reply to - Aiden posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Installed an ERV recently – airflow improved, energy bills dropped. Anyone else working with ERVs in commercial setups? ]]> 8b8e6fce4153e969476b7e6e6d4b6ea2 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2186/#acomment-2194 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:09:05 +1300 Ah, hadn’t thought of that. I’ll inspect the equalization line next.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices I’m seeing unusual liquid floodback to the compressor on a system- suction superheat is way too low. Not sure if it’s a TXV problem or a […] ]]> 7feef8d121394e55ac69717af31b18e0 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2186/#acomment-2192 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:09:03 +1300 Interesting! I’ll keep that as a last resort after checking the charge and lines.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices I’m seeing unusual liquid floodback to the compressor on a system- suction superheat is way too low. Not sure if it’s a TXV problem or a […] ]]> 2e41f9da5d5a10148d1859ba87ce5484 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2186/#acomment-2190 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:09:02 +1300 Yeah, I was thinking about that too – might need to test the valve superheat.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices I’m seeing unusual liquid floodback to the compressor on a system- suction superheat is way too low. Not sure if it’s a TXV problem or a […] ]]> a5af904ad8d42948ee90ce2f0f15c8e6 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2186/#acomment-2188 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:08:59 +1300 Good point! I’m planning to weigh in the system and see if it’s low.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices I’m seeing unusual liquid floodback to the compressor on a system- suction superheat is way too low. Not sure if it’s a TXV problem or a […] ]]> 7f66ae8aba408683fd2d8615aa4e9742 Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: I’m seeing unusual liquid floodback to the compressor on a […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2186/ Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:08:59 +1300 I’m seeing unusual liquid floodback to the compressor on a system- suction superheat is way too low.

Not sure if it’s a TXV problem or a refrigerant charge issue. Anyone faced something like this? What’s your approach to figure it out?

]]> 8 05710cf500bf2a7407bf093f541188ab Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1747/#acomment-1766 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:55:57 +1200 Check the balance on airflow.

In reply to - Austin posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Just wrapped up a full system service at a commercial spot, but the client’s still not satisfied. They keep complaining about dry air and […] ]]> 2dc46cc551ca1606f4953bd13d5b7f3a Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1732/#acomment-1742 Sun, 07 Sep 2025 13:54:25 +1200 Yep-educating clients about humidity vs temperature saves headaches later.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Last summer, we got a call from a commercial client: The AC is on, but the office feels hot and sticky. We went in and quickly found […] ]]> 2ebe7a2b4288521ddf917aa7a19f2c49 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1732/#acomment-1740 Sun, 07 Sep 2025 13:54:24 +1200 Exactly-placement and calibration are critical. Wrong sensor location can mislead the whole system.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Last summer, we got a call from a commercial client: The AC is on, but the office feels hot and sticky. We went in and quickly found […] ]]> b720f02795ea5e498504795e6bfadb0c Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1732/#acomment-1738 Sun, 07 Sep 2025 13:54:23 +1200 Not always-but for high-moisture zones or spaces with large occupancy, it’s a game-changer.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Last summer, we got a call from a commercial client: The AC is on, but the office feels hot and sticky. We went in and quickly found […] ]]> 040a4112c978ec77739ef48a531cce44 Ethan posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1732/#acomment-1736 Sun, 07 Sep 2025 13:54:21 +1200 It’s a common hidden issue-oversized systems save energy on paper but fail in real-world comfort.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Last summer, we got a call from a commercial client: The AC is on, but the office feels hot and sticky. We went in and quickly found […] ]]>