HVAC Community Hub | Colton | Activity

Colton posted a new activity comment

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:44:59 +1200

I always check the attic access dimensions before I quote a changeout now because I got burned once quoting a job without looking and then showing up on install day and realizing we needed drywall work that wasn’t in the price, customer was not happy and I ate the cost.

In reply to - Leonard posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Tell me how I’m supposed to get a new air handler through this. That’s a 3 ton unit sitting up there and the access hatch is maybe 18×18. […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 05:55:20 +1200

You can still see the copper shavings on the ground near the pad, I know that feeling of wanting to get the photo before cleaning up 😂

In reply to - Charles posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Sorry for the late update, promised I’d post this after the job was done and completely forgot until now. Took a little longer than […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 19:20:31 +1200

I had one last year where the builder used the floor joist bay as the return trunk, no panning no liner nothing, just open joist cavity running 30 feet from the grille to the furnace. Found a dead squirrel in there that had been there so long it was basically mummified. Customer had been smelling something weird for months.

In reply to - Aiden posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Customer has been complaining about dust in the house no matter how often she changes the filter and said it smells musty when the heat […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 22:06:26 +1200

427 head pressure. That compressor was screaming.

In reply to - Callum posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Got dispatched for a “system not keeping up” call. Showed up and couldn’t even find the condenser at first. Homeowner pointed me to […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 06:45:06 +1200

That algae didn’t build up overnight. This has been going on for years not months. Previous homeowner knew about this and said nothing.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Went outside to check the condensate drain and found this 🙄. New homeowner, bought the house last year, system has never been serviced. The drain […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 03:53:19 +1200

I spent the whole day today cleaning minis. It is a matter of saving them money now and deciding that saving up in maintenance cost for those dirty blowers later.

In reply to - Pietro posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Does anyone have a moment would like to ask a few questions dealing with a situation got offered a job home is 1300 total sq ft 3br 1 bath with […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 22:32:24 +1200

61 and still out there. Don’t know what else I’d do honestly.

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 […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:08:15 +1200

I stopped setting revenue goals and started setting margin goals instead. Completely changed how I make decisions about which jobs to take.

In reply to - Liam posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Halfway through the year. Real talk time. Are you ahead of where you thought you’d be financially, behind, or honestly not sure because […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:41:02 +1200

I started doing a 15 minute monthly review with my bookkeeper specifically so I’m never in the “not sure” category again. Game changer.

Colton posted a new activity comment

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 19:10:36 +1200

Electrical tape as a splicing method should be a fireable offense.

In reply to - Tristan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Customer called because the system stopped blowing cold. Found this when I pulled the panel off.

Colton posted a new activity comment

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:40:43 +1200

lol this is every other call for me.

In reply to - Maxime posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs ok this is a vent more than a question. just got back from a call where the homeowner stood over my shoulder the entire time narrating what I […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:08:17 +1200

Thermostats are an easy one to stock. Cheap, common, and customers love a same visit fix when their old one finally dies.

In reply to - Felix 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 […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:30:41 +1200

Financing options also help you close bigger jobs faster. someone hesitating on a $9k replacement says yes immediately when they see $180 a month.

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 […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Sun, 31 May 2026 19:12:54 +1200

This is where I’m moving toward. The itemized quote just gives people things to pick apart.

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 […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:34:05 +1200

Fair enough.

In reply to - Matteo posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Had a moment yesterday that’s been sitting with me.Called out to a longtime customer. Widow in her late 70s, been using us for 11 years. […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Thu, 28 May 2026 23:48:22 +1200

How do we know you weren’t just upselling a vulnerable elderly woman on a system she didn’t need.

Colton posted a new activity comment

Thu, 21 May 2026 01:24:17 +1200

The problem is customers have no way to judge quality until something goes wrong. So price is the only thing they can compare.

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs People want quality HVAC work until they see what quality HVAC work actually costs. Then the cheapest quote in town suddenly starts looking […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Tue, 12 May 2026 22:39:31 +1200

Some owners don’t realize they’re losing money until tax season hits.

In reply to - Logan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs A lot of guys in this trade are great technicians but terrible at pricing jobs. Then they wonder why they stay busy all year and still don’t make money.

Colton posted a new activity comment

Mon, 11 May 2026 18:26:27 +1200

You either pay for it now or pay for it later.

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

Colton posted a new activity comment

Sat, 02 May 2026 19:27:18 +1200

I’ve had situations where everything was perfect and something else failed right after I left.

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 […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:28:34 +1200

Had a guy jump the contactor and left it like that… unit just running nonstop.

In reply to - Samuel posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Ever had a customer try to fix it themselves before calling you… and make it worse?

Colton posted a new activity comment

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 19:27:58 +1200

Biggest thing for me was actually understanding what’s covered not just the price.

In reply to - Jack posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Been reviewing our business insurance lately and realizing I probably don’t understand half of what we’re actually covered for. Feels like […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:45:55 +1300

Made the switch about 4 years ago. The physical side caught me off guard first. Residential you’re moving maybe 150 lbs on a bad day. Commercial RTU you’re rigging 800 lb units onto a roof with a crane and coordinating with a crew. Completely different animal.

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 […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 12:12:43 +1300

If it’s still cooling okay nobody digs deeper.

In reply to - Henry posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Seeing more systems lately that just run longer and feel weaker. Makes me wonder how much oil fouling gets ignored in residential.

Colton posted a new activity comment

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:02:50 +1300

Just didn’t know if having something on paper helped at all.

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 […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:13:43 +1300

What’s your defrost duration set to? Some units default short and never really recover once they’re iced heavy.

In reply to - Michael posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Outdoor unit icing up fast in heat mode. Ambient around 30°F. Suction 90 psig (R410A), evap below freezing. Defrost is initiating but […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:10:58 +1300

Lunch plans canceled.

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.

Colton posted a new activity comment

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:55:36 +1300

If you’re paying attention, the system starts talking early.

Colton posted a new activity comment

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:23:11 +1300

Numbers don’t always tell the whole story context does.

Colton posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: This gauge tells you a lot if you actually […]

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:35:11 +1300

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.

Colton posted a new activity comment

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:01:46 +1300

Also easy to walk away when you won’t be servicing it later.

In reply to - Colton posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs This room has had at least three different contractors work on it over the years. You can tell where each one stopped caring. Everyone fixed […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:02:21 +1300

Every single time.

Colton posted a new activity comment

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:22:38 +1300

Exactly. One small change breaks something else.

Colton posted a new activity comment

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 06:20:33 +1300

First visit is always an archaeology project.

Colton posted a new activity comment

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 04:25:10 +1300

Fair. But there’s a difference between not perfect and not thought through.

Colton posted a new activity comment

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:12:37 +1300

Design plays a role, but choices still get made in the field.

Colton posted a new activity comment

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 22:37:57 +1300

But someone always ends up dealing with them.

Colton posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: This room has had at least three different contractors […]

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 20:50:39 +1300

This room has had at least three different contractors work on it over the years.
You can tell where each one stopped caring.
Everyone fixed their issue, nobody owned the whole system. Now it all technically runs, but nobody wants to touch it without first undoing someone else’s work.
This is what happens when responsibility ends at the invoice… Read more

Colton posted a new activity comment

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 07:30:52 +1300

Every quick job starts with gauges saying otherwise.

In reply to - Hunter posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment Funny how one set of gauges can decide whether a job is simple… or turns into a long day.

Colton posted a new activity comment

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:45:57 +1300

Love when machines look perfect but act like they’re haunted.

In reply to - Alexander posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices We’ve got a dual-circuit water-cooled chiller where one circuit runs fine and carries load, but the other keeps cycling more than it […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 17:46:09 +1300

Running on paper, not in real life.

In reply to - Matthew posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Exhaust fan shows running status, but building pressure keeps creeping positive. Motor amps look normal, yet airflow clearly isn’t matching […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:13:10 +1300

Love it when the fan decides to moonwalk during a fire test. 😑

In reply to - Zachary posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Ran a smoke-control test earlier, and the return fan briefly reversed direction the moment fire mode engaged. It only flipped for a […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 22:19:51 +1300

Check the calibration offset in the controller. Sometimes the multipliers get overwritten after a firmware update.

In reply to - Felix 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 […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:21:13 +1300

Can you guide me on which group I should join first? I’m not sure where to start.

In reply to - Tyler posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment I’d love to see everyone getting more involved across all the groups here. Jump in, share your thoughts, ask questions, and support each other – it […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:59:15 +1300

If all fans are running fine after startup, it’s probably nothing to worry about. Some delay is normal.

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 […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 21:16:29 +1300

Could also be the return air sensor reading off and confusing the control logic.

In reply to - Samuel posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Economizer’s been getting stuck midway between open and close. Actuator checks out fine during testing, but in normal operation, it just […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:55:12 +1300

We fixed one by updating the controller firmware. The sequencing was off and ran one compressor harder.

In reply to - Felix 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 […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:55:30 +1300

Has anyone tried green refrigerants yet? Curious if the efficiency trade-offs are worth it.

In reply to - HVAC Community Hub posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Hey friends, Even small tweaks in how we operate, maintain, or design HVAC systems can make a big difference for […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:47:33 +1300

Sometimes we just call happy customers and ask for a quick testimonial -people are happy to help.

In reply to - HVAC Community Hub posted an update in the group HVAC Reputation Powerhouse-Win Trust, Dominate Reviews, and Stand Out Outline Hey friends, Ever thought about how much power your reputation has in your […]

Colton posted a new activity comment

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 18:35:56 +1200

Calibration once a year is overkill. Just swap when off.

In reply to - Oliver posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment Been thinking about our tools and their calibration lately. I like to keep my gauges and meters as sharp as possible, but I feel like I’m in the […]