HVAC Community Hub | Lucas | Activity https://hvachub.co/members/lucas_foster/activity/ Activity feed for Lucas. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:59:07 +1200 https://buddypress.org/?v=2.18.0 en-US 30 hourly 2 997ffb2903a0d0bedca024eb72729670 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6646/#acomment-6668 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:43:52 +1200 This is why we train guys to check static pressure early, saves time and callbacks.

In reply to - Edward posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Suction 60 psi, superheat 20+, looked like low charge turned out to be airflow. Static was through the roof. Fixed that and everything lined up. ]]> b14985c4fcbbd32ff607f863538f5658 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6583/#acomment-6594 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 07:36:59 +1200 We added a 2-minute final check before leaving, cut callbacks almost in half.

In reply to - Samuel posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Callbacks are killing time over small misses lately. Anyone else dealing with this? ]]> ef1b72cb065e73fc18a8d28d59e28333 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6511/#acomment-6534 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:37:37 +1200 Faster pull down is nice but I care more about how well it holds overnight.

In reply to - Tristan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Bought a new vacuum pump thinking it would speed things up, but honestly not seeing much difference compared to my old one yet. Maybe I’m missing […] ]]> 12dddf5bb46a729c0c87c607f867f126 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6353/#acomment-6358 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 01:11:17 +1300 Entering air 76°F, discharge off the top around 110°F. Delta is 34°F. Seems reasonable.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Carrier 24ACC636, R410A, 3-ton. First startup of the season. Suction 115 PSI Discharge 445 PSI. Superheat 8°F. Subcooling 18°F. Ambient 74°F. Charge […] ]]> 136e934c0fe73b0527503e169aa999dd Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6353/#acomment-6355 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 23:39:01 +1300 That’s where my head went too. But the valve is factory set, shouldn’t need adjustment out of the box.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Carrier 24ACC636, R410A, 3-ton. First startup of the season. Suction 115 PSI Discharge 445 PSI. Superheat 8°F. Subcooling 18°F. Ambient 74°F. Charge […] ]]> 04ea2a360cdca262a5449df86a49c6fe Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Carrier 24ACC636, R410A, 3-ton. First startup of […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6353/ Wed, 18 Mar 2026 21:52:37 +1300 Carrier 24ACC636, R410A, 3-ton. First startup of the season.
Suction 115 PSI Discharge 445 PSI. Superheat 8°F. Subcooling 18°F. Ambient 74°F.
Charge is correct weighed it in last October, nothing has changed. Coils are clean, condenser fan is spinning, TXV was replaced last fall and ran perfectly the rest of the season.
High pressure switch is… Read more

]]> 15 5bbe049f59963d3004af8aae821394b3 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6255/#acomment-6270 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:46:38 +1300 If there’s no calls I just send them home. I’m not inventing busy work.

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 […] ]]> 41a794af461ad551f48f3b080125de6f Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6013/#acomment-6052 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:10:18 +1300 If you can’t afford school right now, get EPA 608, watch everything you can, and apply everywhere. Someone will take a chance.

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 […] ]]> 9952b2e914e129e45f059073bc42400b Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5576/#acomment-5594 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:25:38 +1300 Any chance this is shipping damage or was it like this on the roof for a while?

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 […] ]]> ecd369a36162f64cd009e4373442bf6e Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5296/#acomment-5369 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:31:49 +1300 Full schedule beats fancy ads.

In reply to - Ryan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Been trying to figure out where the best return actually comes from when it comes to getting work in the door. We’re steady, but not booked out the […] ]]> e4c55a0c79d473544e9857034f163937 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4862/#acomment-4864 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 01:47:28 +1300 I’ve added to fixes like this because there’s never time to redo it properly.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Started as a temporary fix. Somehow it became part of the system. ]]> 846e94c86789d008c4c0264fabec5004 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4606/#acomment-4655 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:16:37 +1300 Exactly why we’re trying to address it now instead of later.

In reply to - Lucas 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 […] ]]> 8ee60251711a143930ac0eb08f889147 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4606/#acomment-4649 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:05:18 +1300 Comfort wins over gauges every time.

In reply to - Lucas 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 […] ]]> d643862b0d1fc81258223fbd3337c5f8 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4606/#acomment-4639 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:11:04 +1300 😂 that pretty much sums up the conversation.

In reply to - Lucas 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 […] ]]> f731e12e00f170a0007bc1979a6822b7 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4606/#acomment-4625 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 07:06:04 +1300 Yep, definitely not a swap a part and leave type of call.

In reply to - Lucas 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 […] ]]> 848ce29a355cd39eee7dbc6b4e6d70ba Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4606/#acomment-4617 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 04:56:28 +1300 We talked about that too. Trying to explain it’s not always an HVAC-only fix.

In reply to - Lucas 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 […] ]]> ffb365f5f339c0721009200661b3c4e8 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4606/#acomment-4610 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 03:23:11 +1300 Exactly what I was seeing. House leaks air everywhere, so the number doesn’t tell the whole story.

In reply to - Lucas 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 […] ]]> d9f8eb88a012fa15baf4705301b77c14 Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors: Checked humidity while wrapping up a service […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4606/ Wed, 14 Jan 2026 01:36:25 +1300 Checked humidity while wrapping up a service call today.
Older house, customer keeps saying the air feels dry even though the system itself is running fine.
Stat was sitting just under 50%, which on paper looks okay, but comfort-wise it still wasn’t there.
One of those jobs that reminds you the numbers don’t always tell the full story. Going… Read more

]]> 12 2eb789857a8b389b1c9ed3b532d68660 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4280/#acomment-4288 Sat, 03 Jan 2026 18:44:55 +1300 Humidity creep with steady OA/RA usually points away from controls for me.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Mixed air temperature keeps drifting even though outside air and return air readings stay steady. Economizer isn’t stuck, but indoor humidity […] ]]> 8d2204a0a8f00cc1bbef66ed2c5719fd Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4094/#acomment-4095 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:01:07 +1300 Adjusted and monitored is basically HVAC fortune-telling.

In reply to - Salvatore posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Walked into a job with a full service history attached… and still felt like I knew nothing. Notes said checked, adjusted, monitor, but none of it […] ]]> b39c47df65ddd59d2c34c1f71c1d41c1 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3843/#acomment-3859 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:17:30 +1300 They’re cleaner than most, but I’ll take a closer look.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Noticing condenser fan amps creeping up over a few weeks with no alarms and no visible mechanical issues. Fans still stage and respond correctly, […] ]]> 33c1a6d2809f2999d63d72fb8bbbb30a Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3843/#acomment-3857 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:17:29 +1300 They’re VFD-driven. I’ll confirm how amps are being calculated.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Noticing condenser fan amps creeping up over a few weeks with no alarms and no visible mechanical issues. Fans still stage and respond correctly, […] ]]> 72190e6d29a32330510fb852e74fa71f Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3843/#acomment-3855 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:17:27 +1300 That’s the feeling, unfortunately.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Noticing condenser fan amps creeping up over a few weeks with no alarms and no visible mechanical issues. Fans still stage and respond correctly, […] ]]> 26bdccfb5ff2f5b4b37e6ff906ee7ca3 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3843/#acomment-3853 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:17:25 +1300 That’s a scary one. Definitely worth meggering.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Noticing condenser fan amps creeping up over a few weeks with no alarms and no visible mechanical issues. Fans still stage and respond correctly, […] ]]> fb9cb70f3a26b08da8c3cd48fe4d7f59 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3843/#acomment-3851 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:17:23 +1300 😂 feels exactly like that.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Noticing condenser fan amps creeping up over a few weeks with no alarms and no visible mechanical issues. Fans still stage and respond correctly, […] ]]> 674be22defb62c6582a47d9e68ce8bc8 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3843/#acomment-3849 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:17:21 +1300 Trying to stay ahead of it before it turns into downtime.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Noticing condenser fan amps creeping up over a few weeks with no alarms and no visible mechanical issues. Fans still stage and respond correctly, […] ]]> a12f69916e96decb08a3519f1788a49b Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3843/#acomment-3847 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:17:18 +1300 That’s a solid way to isolate it.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Noticing condenser fan amps creeping up over a few weeks with no alarms and no visible mechanical issues. Fans still stage and respond correctly, […] ]]> adf9176bae116bbfc7fabd2e998cfd85 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3843/#acomment-3845 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:17:17 +1300 That’s where my head is too. No noise yet, but something’s changing.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Noticing condenser fan amps creeping up over a few weeks with no alarms and no visible mechanical issues. Fans still stage and respond correctly, […] ]]> 5749c0ef1688776d85a736f193d7e902 Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Noticing condenser fan amps creeping up over a few […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3843/ Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:17:15 +1300 Noticing condenser fan amps creeping up over a few weeks with no alarms and no visible mechanical issues.
Fans still stage and respond correctly, but efficiency keeps dropping quietly.
Feels like something degrading slowly instead of failing outright

]]> 16 aa2c8b0de4e1b43ee346991deaf3c96a Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3484/#acomment-3489 Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:13:17 +1300 Could be sensor placement too. Night mode exposes all the bad installs.

In reply to - Liam posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Mixed air temp decides to jump 6–8°F every time night mode kicks in, even though OA and RA aren’t moving an inch. Pretty sure the […] ]]> 77407dd152291d1ee6aa0134acef55b8 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2791/#acomment-2799 Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:55:23 +1300 Good catch! I’ll double-check the sensors. A small placement issue can really mess things up.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment Low suction pressure but superheat looks normal – any idea what could cause this? 🤔 ]]> a4d4290fee263fe17ddc32aade8d834f Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2791/#acomment-2797 Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:55:21 +1300 Didn’t think about airflow – I’ll check filters and blower speed. Appreciate it!

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment Low suction pressure but superheat looks normal – any idea what could cause this? 🤔 ]]> 22c3bf5ce1f11e41ee1e0cb620a65c0e Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2791/#acomment-2795 Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:55:18 +1300 True! I’ll check that next visit. Could narrow it down faster. Thanks for the reminder 👍

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment Low suction pressure but superheat looks normal – any idea what could cause this? 🤔 ]]> 9d47044c3648066bd030bf588d93ca3a Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2791/#acomment-2793 Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:55:16 +1300 Yeah, that’s a good point. I was thinking the same -might be worth checking subcooling too to confirm.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment Low suction pressure but superheat looks normal – any idea what could cause this? 🤔 ]]> 16631ed72f107a6275c78e22aede8bc7 Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment: Low suction pressure but superheat looks normal - any […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2791/ Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:55:15 +1300 Low suction pressure but superheat looks normal – any idea what could cause this? 🤔

]]> 8 1703b161fe4d8c02ab155bbccaf92d86 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2485/#acomment-2486 Sun, 19 Oct 2025 14:01:57 +1300 Check the TXV sensing bulb line-even a tiny kink can cause erratic readings.

In reply to - Adam posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Seeing suction superheat swing from 8°F to 18°F on a rooftop unit – airflow and charge look fine. Could this be TXV sensing line restriction or […] ]]> e31fd2a64d326b656088c121a0e644bd Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2195/#acomment-2201 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:09:09 +1300 Good reminder! I’ll compare readings with outside conditions to rule that out.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Condenser fan motor is running, but the system won’t reach the setpoint. Discharge pressures are high – not sure if it’s airflow, fan efficiency, […] ]]> ba6bb56c0e5e4bb269594a92c6971ee2 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2195/#acomment-2199 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:09:07 +1300 Makes sense, I’ll verify the charge before making any changes.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Condenser fan motor is running, but the system won’t reach the setpoint. Discharge pressures are high – not sure if it’s airflow, fan efficiency, […] ]]> bb04cac1eda3370c0592bfa1a2b0623d Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2195/#acomment-2197 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:09:06 +1300 True, I’ll measure the airflow and see if the fan is underperforming.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Condenser fan motor is running, but the system won’t reach the setpoint. Discharge pressures are high – not sure if it’s airflow, fan efficiency, […] ]]> 5b7c3733ae8ed2bb22bc1454d6ceb1f9 Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Condenser fan motor is running, but the system won’t reach […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2195/ Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:09:05 +1300 Condenser fan motor is running, but the system won’t reach the setpoint.

Discharge pressures are high – not sure if it’s airflow, fan efficiency, or something else. Anyone faced this?

]]> 6 813e7d26448f06761da649eec0868d6d Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2158/#acomment-2159 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:23:35 +1300 I shared a ductwork hack last month and got so many tips in return. This place is gold.

In reply to - HVAC Community Hub posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Hi friends, I just wanted to say – this community works best when everyone shares their wins, fails, and tips. Even a small […] ]]> f2f2f32b8b268787ebb07be65be6e89b Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2114/#acomment-2115 Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:58:24 +1300 Preventive maintenance really does save so much time and money. Learned it the hard way!

In reply to - HVAC Community Hub posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Hey HVAC pros, Here’s the reality: reactive repairs are costly, time-consuming, and stressful -both for your team and your […] ]]> 9b1f8af122a6bda1c610fabc4374f7dc Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1858/#acomment-1878 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 18:35:47 +1200 Invest in consistency.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Been feeling the pinch lately when it comes to hiring skilled techs, especially in VRF and automation systems. It’s like every new hire is […] ]]> 3d21d9bbcc243013bf6c53e8d0387cdf Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1858/#acomment-1876 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 18:35:45 +1200 Real-world scenarios drive success!

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Been feeling the pinch lately when it comes to hiring skilled techs, especially in VRF and automation systems. It’s like every new hire is […] ]]> b657401b2b6a6b1a0cc8509fd3d54e86 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1858/#acomment-1874 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 18:35:44 +1200 Training tailored for advanced systems is essential.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Been feeling the pinch lately when it comes to hiring skilled techs, especially in VRF and automation systems. It’s like every new hire is […] ]]> 6eba617510cd9649261ba90a028a0dce Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1858/#acomment-1872 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 18:35:42 +1200 Focus on solid fundamentals; they build confidence.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Been feeling the pinch lately when it comes to hiring skilled techs, especially in VRF and automation systems. It’s like every new hire is […] ]]> 1e8c26a4f227b183c523046911eda709 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1858/#acomment-1870 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 18:35:40 +1200 Diving in can spark great learning moments!

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Been feeling the pinch lately when it comes to hiring skilled techs, especially in VRF and automation systems. It’s like every new hire is […] ]]> 816d2453f7e9272165de22e699d3d10c Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1858/#acomment-1868 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 18:35:38 +1200 Unicorns? Better call the HVAC fairy godmother! 🦄🔧

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Been feeling the pinch lately when it comes to hiring skilled techs, especially in VRF and automation systems. It’s like every new hire is […] ]]> 7a8fa9352cb91ab0bd9ce212fe948eca Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1858/#acomment-1866 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 18:35:36 +1200 Great laugh! VRF is definitely more than rare!

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Been feeling the pinch lately when it comes to hiring skilled techs, especially in VRF and automation systems. It’s like every new hire is […] ]]> f0a221a19742516cfa29096419d95c22 Lucas posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1858/#acomment-1864 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 18:35:34 +1200 Sounds like a recipe for confusion! Keep blending those skills!

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Been feeling the pinch lately when it comes to hiring skilled techs, especially in VRF and automation systems. It’s like every new hire is […] ]]>