HVAC Community Hub | Hugo | Activity

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:13:30 +1200

What condensing unit did you put outside?

In reply to - Logan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Walk in cooler build done. Restaurant opens next week.

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:01:49 +1200

Nice

In reply to - Logan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Walk in cooler build done. Restaurant opens next week.

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:11:41 +1200

Not HVAC related but my physical therapist told me the single biggest thing tradespeople can do is stretch their hip flexors every morning. Something about how kneeling all day tightens everything and pulls your lower back out of alignment. I thought it was BS and then I did it for two weeks and the difference was honestly shocking.

In reply to - Harry posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices 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 […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:35:44 +1200

Have you tried not being old?

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:43:24 +1200

She really said compressor and watched you pull out a $12 part.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Lady met me at my truck before I even turned the engine off. Already knew it was the compressor. It was a capacitor.

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:59:08 +1200

Had the same situation last month, ran it for 5 weeks until the coil came in, pressures were off but it held. document everything.

In reply to - Liam posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices 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 […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:50:12 +1200

Dm’d you.

In reply to - Francesco posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Anyone in the Dallas/Fort Worth area looking for work? I’m trying to find good help for HVAC repairs. Need someone with experience and knowledge […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:21:44 +1200

The real problem is nobody updates the online catalog either so you show up thinking it’s in stock and it’s been gone for months.

In reply to - Juan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Anybody else’s supplier just randomly stop carrying a part you’ve ordered for years with zero warning? Needed a specific contactor today, […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:42:21 +1200

I had one pull up a video mid diagnosis and start narrating it to me like I wasn’t standing right there.

In reply to - Jordan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Got a customer today who watched a 4 minute YouTube video and informed me my diagnosis was wrong. Video guy has never seen this unit, this house, […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 19:22:07 +1200

Truck inventory becomes a graveyard if you never audit it.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Question for the group. How many of you actually carry spare parts on the truck versus ordering as needed. I’ve been stocking […]

Hugo posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: During peak summer months is a service tech averaging […]

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:23:00 +1200

During peak summer months is a service tech averaging 40-46 hrs per week considered overworked. I have techs saying we need another hire because they’re overworked. After looking at their actual hours they’re all averaging 40-46.Is this normal or am I missing something.

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 23:47:11 +1200

The electrical side is what concerns me most. I’ve seen DIY mini split installs on completely undersized circuits. One guy ran his off a 15 amp breaker that was already shared with two other things. That’s not a HVAC problem that’s a house fire waiting to happen.

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 […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:03:22 +1200

Yeah way less forgiving if something’s off

In reply to - Andrea posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs You guys enjoy installs or you’d rather be out doing service calls feels like two completely different jobs sometimes.

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Tue, 26 May 2026 06:43:12 +1200

I know someone who went through this. he paid a google ads consultant $300 to help navigate the reinstatement process and was back up in 4 days. Said the consultant knew exactly which boxes to check on the form. Might be worth it.

In reply to - Aiden posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs so my google business profile got suspended this morning with zero warning no email. no explanation. just suspended when I went to check […]

Hugo posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: I want to know who else is getting absolutely crushed […]

Thu, 21 May 2026 22:44:00 +1200

I want to know who else is getting absolutely crushed by insurance this year.
General liability went up 22% at renewal. Commercial auto up 18%. Workers’ comp holding steady, which is the only good news.
I’ve been in business 7 years, and this is the first time I seriously looked at my insurance bill and had to just sit with it for a… Read more

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Sun, 17 May 2026 04:02:17 +1200

The scary part is some homeowners are opening panels with zero understanding of what they’re touching.

In reply to - Matthew posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Homeowners are way more educated now but also way more confident in completely wrong information 😅 Feels like every other call lately […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Fri, 15 May 2026 20:23:13 +1200

Warranty calls are fine until they start stacking up during peak season.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Everybody talks about warranty like it’s free work for HVAC companies Meanwhile you’re driving back out, dealing with parts, labor, callbacks, […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Thu, 14 May 2026 20:44:37 +1200

The amount of unpaid time tied up in warranty work is insane now.

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Tue, 12 May 2026 21:22:57 +1200

Then when airflow problems show up later everybody blames HVAC companies in general.

In reply to - Cameron posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Hey,

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:04:54 +1200

Online but you gotta stay on top of it

In reply to - Matthew posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices 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 […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 20:46:33 +1200

Dirty evaporator coils will give you similar readings to low refrigerant seen that mistake happen more than once.

In reply to - Dylan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Ran into a system today where suction pressure looked low so it seemed like a charge issue at first, but after checking a bit more it turned out to […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:27:01 +1300

I believe these mergers will inevitably lead to a decline in personalized service and innovation, sacrificing the unique needs of local repair communities for the sake of profit maximization at a corporate level.

In reply to - Zachary posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Hey everyone, just heard the news about Mingledorff’s merging with The Home Depot. I’m curious what we think this means for us in the repair […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:48:32 +1300

The customer thought it was running a lot and didn’t call. That’s the part that gets me every time. They notice something off and just accept it.

In reply to - Miles posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Spring startup call this week. Customer mentioned the system had been running a lot lately but didn’t think much of it. Opened the panel […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:38:37 +1300

Two minutes to set up if you have nitrogen on the truck. Not every residential tech carries it on every call.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Nitrogen purge when brazing. Every time. No exceptions. That’s what we’re taught and honestly that’s what I believe. But I’ve had this argument […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:31:25 +1300

Already had that conversation. Not fun.

In reply to - Hugo posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Went out on a spring service call this week. Homeowner mentioned their heating bills were a lot higher than usual this winter but figured it was […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:11:40 +1300

Customer showed me. January was nearly double what it was the year before. All making sense now.

Hugo posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Went out on a spring service call this week. […]

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:54:28 +1300

Went out on a spring service call this week. Homeowner mentioned their heating bills were a lot higher than usual this winter but figured it was just the cold.
Hooked up the gauges. System was running in cooling mode. Full cooling mode. In the middle of winter.
Reversing valve stuck in the cooling position. Has probably been like that since… Read more

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:04:13 +1300

I actually like it. An educated buyer is usually less emotional. They just want clarity.

In reply to - Matteo posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Anyone else noticing customers coming in way more “prepared” than before? Not just YouTube stuff I mean price ranges, part numbers, even […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:25:37 +1300

Hope you checked the curb twice. Nothing worse than setting it and realizing it’s off an inch.

In reply to - Juan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Spent more time planning the lift than the actual setting weights, rigging points, curb alignment, clearances. One bad pick and it’s an […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:38:27 +1300

From the homeowner side, it’s usually just nerves. Stuff’s broken and we don’t understand what’s happening.

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, […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 04:16:16 +1300

Housecall Pro payroll isn’t great in my opinion.

In reply to - Nicolas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Thinking about switching payroll providers. What are you using and would you stick with it?

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:21:11 +1300

Does it settle at all if you let it run long enough?

In reply to - Matthew posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Runs. Moves air. Still wrong. Temps won’t hold and nothing points to a clean failure. Been staring at duct and balance longer than I planned.

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:11:00 +1300

How bad was static when you checked it?

In reply to - Salvatore posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Chasing airflow issues and it turned out the return liner was pulled in and packed solid. Unit kept taking the blame, but air was […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:10:37 +1300

Posting HVAC tips never did much for us. Faces and jobsite clips worked way better.

In reply to - Owen posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs For companies using social media, are you posting yourself or having someone else handle it? Worth the effort or mostly branding?

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:31:04 +1300

We’ve used Next and also worked through a broker before. Direct insurance like Next was simple and quick, especially when starting out, but once the business grew, having a broker helped us understand gaps things like umbrella limits, workers comp, and exclusions that weren’t obvious at first. Both worked, just at different stages of the business.

In reply to - Adam posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Hey everyone 👋

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:33:36 +1300

Cold room systems do this when air gets trapped.

In reply to - Owen posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Unit running flow not stable tracking it.

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 06:10:02 +1300

I’ve seen worse. At least it’s metal and not flex doing gymnastics.

In reply to - Connor posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Walked into the basement and just stood there for a second. No idea who designed this run or how many hands touched it. It works… […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:10:59 +1300

Seen one where the screen worked but Y was calling randomly.

In reply to - Grayson posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Customer said the unit keeps doing its own thing. Pulled the thermostat off the wall and suddenly the system made a lot more sense.

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:45:17 +1300

I’ve opened walls and found worse tape splices, lamp cord, you name it.

In reply to - Luca posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Opened the wall expecting to swap a control wire and walked straight into this. No box, no connectors, bare copper twisted and buried like it was […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:20:27 +1300

Facebook local groups > everything else for us. No ads. Just answering questions and being helpful.

In reply to - Benjamin posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Curious how many guys in here are actually using Facebook, Instagram, or anything else to bring in work. Does it really help, or is it mostly […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 23:08:51 +1300

We’ve learned it’s better to give them the time to figure it out properly than deal with it again later.

In reply to - Hugo posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Sent our technician in for what looked like a routine check, but the numbers didn’t line up once he got into it. Appreciate him sticking with it and […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 23:01:27 +1300

We’d rather do it right than fast.

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 22:55:10 +1300

That’s the truth.

Hugo posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Sent our technician in for what looked like a routine […]

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 21:28:09 +1300

Sent our technician in for what looked like a routine check, but the numbers didn’t line up once he got into it.
Appreciate him sticking with it and working through the details instead of forcing a quick answer.

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:06:31 +1300

Honestly, this is what happens when installs are rushed to meet move-in dates. Service access is always the first thing sacrificed.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices From the floor everything looked normal, nothing to flag until the ceiling was already open and the ductwork was right there, packed tight […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 23:47:34 +1300

People think HVAC is just changing filters.

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:47:03 +1300

Hard to sell fixes when nothing’s broken.

In reply to - Nathan posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment Spent time in a commercial space today where nothing showed up as an obvious fault, but the comfort just wasn’t right. Areas close to the unit felt […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:58:42 +1300

We had a site where this kept happening every year. Relined twice before someone finally questioned it.

In reply to - Liam posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Internal fiberglass insulation inside the unit has degraded and detached. The insulation has sagged into the airflow path, collecting dust and […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:27:16 +1300

Callbacks don’t increase suddenly. Tracking just starts too late.

In reply to - HVAC Community Hub posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Callbacks are often blamed on lack of experience. But in many businesses, callbacks increase after technicians […]

Hugo posted a new activity comment

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:00:25 +1300

Clients don’t read contracts. They remember conversations.

In reply to - Aiden posted an update in the group HVAC Pricing & Contracts Masterplan Running into an issue with a maintenance contract that looked fine on paper but keeps getting stretched in real life. Client keeps […]