HVAC Community Hub | Jameson | Activity https://hvachub.co/members/jamhughes_/activity/ Activity feed for Jameson. Sat, 26 Sep 2026 08:37:48 +1200 https://buddypress.org/?v=3.5.0 en-US 30 hourly 2 b25493500b724b1b02579763c1d9e5fd Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8991/#acomment-9047 Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:17:25 +1200 My list for any new tech starting out: Fieldpiece SC260 meter, Yellow Jacket manifold gauges with ball valve fittings, Klein 11 in 1, Klein wire strippers, 6 inch adjustable wrench, 10 inch adjustable wrench, a good headlamp, nut driver set 1/4 through 3/8, and a Veto Pro Pac tool bag if you can afford it or a basic bucket organizer if you… Read more

In reply to - Mathew posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Just passed my EPA 608 Universal yesterday. 3 months into the trade. What tools should I actually spend money on first vs what can wait? […] ]]> 47da90463e07db8c851fae55d0f82ec3 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8952/#acomment-8995 Sat, 12 Sep 2026 22:09:55 +1200 The problem isn’t when they start learning refrigerant, the problem is the companies that send first year guys out alone on calls with no supervision and expect them to figure it out themselves because they don’t want to pay for a senior tech to ride along.

In reply to - Logan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Alright I’ll say it. I don’t think new techs should be touching refrigerant in their first year. Not diagnostics, not charging, not […] ]]> be38044063533c678130925952aee59a Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8957/#acomment-8962 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:18:23 +1200 How often do you guys tell homeowners to pour a cup of vinegar in their condensate pump because I tell every single customer and maybe 2 out of 10 actually do it?

In reply to - Pietro posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs The smell when I cracked this thing open was unreal. Customer said the pump was running constantly but water was still backing up. Float […] ]]> 965aa3ec4685b892ed0fb062253b4fd2 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8821/#acomment-8824 Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:41:30 +1200 Is that a torch kit just laying on the driveway on its side? Pick that thing up before it rolls into the street man. 😂

In reply to - Charles posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Old and new. 2004 vs 2026. Changeout day. ]]> 89f2e7e0c918b0bbf8200b3fd3181e5e Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8766/#acomment-8794 Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:20:06 +1200 I can see the capacitor just sitting there exposed inside the open cabinet, if a kid or a pet touches that they’re getting a real bad day.

In reply to - Connor posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs LEAVE OPEN ]]> b261a8f3ac78359e5dde7cfad9f619b2 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8607/#acomment-8612 Sat, 15 Aug 2026 22:53:06 +1200 Who is the deck contractor because I have some questions?

In reply to - Grayson posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Customer said the system just stopped keeping up last summer and has been getting worse. Asked where the outdoor unit was. She pointed at the […] ]]> f3d3fa5f3d727d5ffe8439ea2c02f878 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8510/#acomment-8548 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 21:49:17 +1200 Kids swing set in the background while a bird is nesting on the AC unit. Everybody in this backyard is just trying to raise a family right now.

In reply to - Salvatore posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Got called out for a no cool. Pulled the fan grille off the condenser and found a tenant that didn’t file a work order. Three eggs sitting right […] ]]> 77a7a5492722ae02394cb765d3e9893d Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8318/#acomment-8355 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 06:31:08 +1200 Also check if there’s anything else wired to O/B on that board. I’ve seen guys tap accessories off that terminal and it drops the voltage just enough that the coil won’t pull in.

In reply to - Rahmir posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs

I’m having a problem with a unit I been working on. I’m not getting my 24 to reversing valve and when I test O/B to Common I onlyg get 14v but R […]

]]> 4bae84db22e96e3bd788fb35f1cc7f71 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8174/#acomment-8224 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 10:25:26 +1200 Found it.

In reply to - Robert posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs 2019 Bryant 2-ton R410A heat pump. Customer said the compressor made a terrible noise and then quit going. Outdoor fan runs fine, compressor […] ]]> fbfd3aef1f8577b1340a0efd52915b81 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8093/#acomment-8120 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 06:08:44 +1200 Is the customer commercial or residential? changes how much downtime they can tolerate.

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 […] ]]> 98a92cd09bf72d422506f20c71391696 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7963/#acomment-7965 Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:50:33 +1200 The vines didn’t grow overnight but okay.

In reply to - Jules posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Customer says the unit just stopped working last week. ]]> 38f162f24033c00e035b9629f511779e Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7695/#acomment-7742 Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:47:33 +1200 A tech crawling in attics all day at 46 hours is more depleted than an office worker at 60. Context matters.

In reply to - Hugo posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs 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 […] ]]> 7dea746ee59392b5882a875c3023e409 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7695/#acomment-7738 Sat, 20 Jun 2026 21:31:06 +1200 40-46 hours in attic heat feels like 80 hours. 90 degree days in a hot attic will take its toll. The number on the timesheet isn’t the whole story.

In reply to - Hugo posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs 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 […] ]]> a21969fc87c9a8bdcb38df36cca44fa0 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7672/#acomment-7685 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:15:14 +1200 I’m serious though. Do the math on what you actually keep at $125 after everything. It will scare you.

In reply to - Francesco posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs I have a chance to get into some decent work. Constant-ish. To get into it I have to lower my prices a good amount. Beat out two companies […] ]]> ae96b6169250676c419dfb4d22f34d8e Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7672/#acomment-7679 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:14:59 +1200 $125 doesn’t even cover wages what are you even doing. You would be better off financially just going fishing.

In reply to - Francesco posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs I have a chance to get into some decent work. Constant-ish. To get into it I have to lower my prices a good amount. Beat out two companies […] ]]> 0d6d41fc0cd80058867e3fcbf78f8736 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7553/#acomment-7589 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 02:08:59 +1200 Year 4 is exactly when it starts to feel different. You’re right on time.

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 […] ]]> 7885cf845aaea769557a5a3f4204037a Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7553/#acomment-7572 Sun, 31 May 2026 22:50:39 +1200 I walked away from a $78k salary with benefits to start my own company. Year 1 I made $41k and questioned everything. Year 4 I cleared $180k. The valley in between is where most people quit.

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 […] ]]> 51a1ec99cea8dcaee38e4ec41141d074 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7553/#acomment-7555 Sun, 31 May 2026 06:21:06 +1200 Started 8 years ago with a pickup truck and gauges. Had my license and zero clients. I been there man.

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 […] ]]> ae7e6dd0e806ad30feb7f801e9e50214 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7263/#acomment-7267 Wed, 20 May 2026 04:19:59 +1200 $28/hr for an experienced tech is probably the issue. Good guys are pulling $35-45 in most markets right now.

In reply to - Hunter posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices 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 […] ]]> aa881023cdc4650fd80d7f4e87938790 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7093/#acomment-7107 Wed, 13 May 2026 21:14:02 +1200 Too many variables in HVAC for exact online pricing.

In reply to - Hunter posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Seeing more HVAC websites lately adding instant quote tools and online pricing. I get why companies are doing it because customers wanna […] ]]> f6089e83f4f612736ea84b5389c9299b Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7037/#acomment-7102 Wed, 13 May 2026 20:44:20 +1200 I don’t think some customers realize how thin margins actually are for a lot of companies.

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, […] ]]> fcace50e79a3571d28532479c05fa1e8 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7052/#acomment-7096 Wed, 13 May 2026 19:17:42 +1200 Driving back out 3 times for the same issue gets old fast.

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, […] ]]> d4c527315f62b1f449c897dfc3c81648 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6886/#acomment-6954 Sun, 03 May 2026 04:02:49 +1200 Callbacks happen but if it’s the same issue more than once, you gotta slow down and check deeper.

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 […] ]]> d492d96aae16f6e48fde41557aafe088 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6886/#acomment-6944 Sun, 03 May 2026 00:20:38 +1200 Look at patterns not one job. If it keeps happening across jobs, that’s when you worry.

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 […] ]]> 8bf232d90286413e4774379a989794b3 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6812/#acomment-6852 Fri, 01 May 2026 00:20:17 +1200 Not really, I stay busy off referrals.

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 […] ]]> f8902298d2c2b4dacd11fd9ecf8a7c0b Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6812/#acomment-6815 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:16:34 +1200 We were 100% word of mouth for a long time. Last year started putting more effort into online and it’s definitely bringing in more calls now. Still trust referrals more though.

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 […] ]]> 9bedb36db4c3cf5388daf50b7e112176 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6608/#acomment-6643 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:34:43 +1200 You’re not too high you’re just not competitive.

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 […] ]]> 5c00628e414ed854b372bf05f54e6874 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6504/#acomment-6518 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:57:58 +1200 We’ve been using a newer tool recently, pretty smooth so far compared to others.

In reply to - Andrea posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Been looking into software for material takeoffs on commercial jobs and honestly getting overwhelmed with options. Trying to find […] ]]> 723f7b76d786c69a058b4f1461b438e5 Jameson posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Do you pull to 300 microns or 500 microns on a […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6430/ Sat, 21 Mar 2026 03:50:38 +1300 Do you pull to 300 microns or 500 microns on a residential install and has it ever actually made a difference in the real world?

]]> 7 a18c86f1bd8f65c95b48250dc71b6ede Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6357/#acomment-6364 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:12:58 +1300 Yeah this is way past fin comb territory.

In reply to - Grayson posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices March startups never disappoint. 🙃 ]]> 7547a63b88bd30f4ae990a3f96ad9c2e Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6248/#acomment-6256 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:11:38 +1300 Yeah tight spots make those picks interesting real quick.

In reply to - Luca posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs New RTUs just landed for a warehouse changeout. Three units going up on the roof later today. Always a bit of coordination getting the crane […] ]]> acef831cc9d0fbb2ad3e5dfb5e6f0605 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6155/#acomment-6162 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 01:22:00 +1300 Standing behind your work is getting expensive these days though.

In reply to - Grayson posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Most customers won’t remember the exact number on the invoice a year from now. But they’ll remember if you showed up when you said you would, […] ]]> 359318d1642f2abb4c3c4a09954f53b4 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6120/#acomment-6126 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 04:09:33 +1300 I swear elbows cause more problems than undersized trunks half the time.

In reply to - Luca posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Spent a good hour on this one just trying to balance it without overcomplicating the layout. Biggest headache was keeping velocity where I […] ]]> 45bd7d0139ab9bf249efdeb2357ab920 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6069/#acomment-6080 Sat, 14 Feb 2026 08:24:22 +1300 At least they were debating instead of just dumping refrigerant in it.

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 […] ]]> d45130d228d4dd577e136cc9dd00f790 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5932/#acomment-5934 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 02:26:50 +1300 If my tech rolls a truck and spends an hour diagnosing, that fee stands. Fuel, insurance, payroll don’t disappear just because they approved a repair.

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 […] ]]> 78d3cbbf339ee391afe00eaecbab1740 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5747/#acomment-5752 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 02:27:00 +1300 Customer probably says it was cooling fine yesterday too.

In reply to - Jules posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices I’m sure this thing cooled great… before the coil turned into a dust blanket and airflow became optional. ]]> 2883fe1d9ea873269843b99ef183503a Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5627/#acomment-5654 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:27:24 +1300 When good techs leave suddenly it’s usually because they already had something lined up and were just waiting for the right moment.

In reply to - Benjamin posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Hello All, ]]> 22d5faa48d055e4c926fc809c105f21f Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5576/#acomment-5596 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:25:38 +1300 Customer probably doesn’t want to hear coil or condenser replacement right now.

In reply to - Jack posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Coil is visibly collapsed and airflow is completely compromised. Between the bent fins and distorted coil face, heat rejection is shot […] ]]> f3cd681cbcf769d4c12fdaa3fe2bb519 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5141/#acomment-5157 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:30:55 +1300 Facts.

In reply to - Colton posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs This gauge tells you a lot if you actually pay attention. Pressure can look fine, but restrictions or flow issues usually show up here first. ]]> a9a16414389e25c7b3bbd5897ebcd4e4 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5001/#acomment-5023 Fri, 23 Jan 2026 10:10:11 +1300 I don’t even troubleshoot anymore. I swap the stat and move on.

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. ]]> a96dd020764f392e70d4a63fc88bccf0 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4862/#acomment-4881 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 07:45:19 +1300 Hard to justify fixing this when the customer won’t pay.

In reply to - Callum posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Started as a temporary fix. Somehow it became part of the system. ]]> b5b2bf75871d9578a96c3d705742ee41 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4663/#acomment-4671 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 03:05:59 +1300 Customer: How long will this take?
Me: staring at the gauge Depends what mood it’s in.

In reply to - Harry posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment Pulled up thinking this was going to be a quick in-and-out. Hooked up, started pulling down, and that’s when you already know how the rest of the call […] ]]> 14986da9d2fd20e5c7090fb5be1eb998 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4606/#acomment-4624 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:31:56 +1300 Comfort complaints are where humidity, insulation, and expectations all collide. Those are always longer conversations.

In reply to - Diego posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Checked humidity while wrapping up a service call today. Older house, customer keeps saying the air feels dry even though the system itself […] ]]> fa4d02dc049f21b721870e5e17279f5e Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4529/#acomment-4586 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 13:45:53 +1300 When the matches tell the truth faster than the meter 😂

In reply to - Mason posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment Alright HVAC fam… This tool + these matches… what am I hunting today? 😅 Who’s got it? ]]> 802bef0b9670423da17c3d3206ef088c Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4531/#acomment-4565 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 09:20:39 +1300 First year sucks, not gonna lie. You’ll feel dumb, you’ll miss obvious things, and you’ll go home replaying jobs in your head. It gets better.

In reply to - Zachary posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Starting out in HVAC and realizing how much there is to learn – any advice from the field? ]]> 25a0b81afa5a67931dcf8e85837ca17e Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4544/#acomment-4547 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:21:10 +1300 Before swapping anything, I’d check ground and incoming voltage. Seen boards act up when either one’s off.

In reply to - Jack posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Check ground and incoming voltage before blaming the board. A lot of ‘bad boards’ aren’t bad at all. ]]> acdcc83a808cbe9b30630bf726f7764a Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4360/#acomment-4380 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 05:05:35 +1300 Because it’s never one obvious thing – it’s layers.

In reply to - Jameson posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs The toughest troubleshooting isn’t when something fails loudly – it’s when everything almost works. Readings look acceptable. Controls respond. […] ]]> 876c8512f6f47ca30533e29fffee61d0 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4360/#acomment-4378 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 04:20:21 +1300 Yeah, subtle problems don’t sell themselves.

In reply to - Jameson posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs The toughest troubleshooting isn’t when something fails loudly – it’s when everything almost works. Readings look acceptable. Controls respond. […] ]]> a13398f746ac92b927115572fb0ded8c Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4360/#acomment-4375 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 03:48:33 +1300 That’s usually the right instinct.

In reply to - Jameson posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs The toughest troubleshooting isn’t when something fails loudly – it’s when everything almost works. Readings look acceptable. Controls respond. […] ]]> fad4a7ef8f82f6d0d6ba37f9e839c293 Jameson posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4360/#acomment-4374 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 03:36:46 +1300 Looks stable until you watch it long enough.

In reply to - Jameson posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs The toughest troubleshooting isn’t when something fails loudly – it’s when everything almost works. Readings look acceptable. Controls respond. […] ]]>