HVAC Community Hub | Michael | Activity https://hvachub.co/members/michael_z_hang/activity/ Activity feed for Michael. Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:42:00 +1200 https://buddypress.org/?v=3.3.0 en-US 30 hourly 2 b2f6fed9fd68c0042a6f7067b0651716 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8418/#acomment-8450 Sat, 08 Aug 2026 00:00:32 +1200 I see bare copper sections mixed with insulated. That’s going to be a conversation about energy loss depending on what the customer cares about.

In reply to - Aiden posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs First visit to a new commercial customer today. They said the previous company just stopped showing up about 6 months ago and nobody has been in […] ]]> 6eccf3ed996479e8635e8a454348ed38 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8417/#acomment-8446 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 20:34:51 +1200 What did you pay for the filter drier. Feels like they’re $40 now for something that used to be $12.

In reply to - Michael posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Early morning supply house run. Got a changeout today, 3 ton Carrier split system going into a ranch style home with a crawlspace. Customer has […] ]]> 860a15f072eb1d62af2a9c803b1394ff Michael posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Early morning supply house run. Got a changeout today, 3 […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8417/ Thu, 06 Aug 2026 22:11:00 +1200 Early morning supply house run. Got a changeout today, 3 ton Carrier split system going into a ranch style home with a crawlspace. Customer has been waiting since last Wednesday because the air handler was backordered. She’s got two kids under 5 and has been running window units all week so I’m trying to get there by 8 and have everything up… Read more

]]> 11 c6da3dad22241c8eb90ef13a9565d44b Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8300/#acomment-8313 Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:04:38 +1200 That carbon scoring around the crack means combustion gases have been leaking into the airstream for a while. This family has been breathing that in. This is serious.

In reply to - Grayson posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Called out for a no heat. Found this. Customer said the other company was out last month and told them everything was fine. ]]> ce997b46ba40e096b6268062f9c9f290 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8174/#acomment-8265 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 01:58:36 +1200 I love how 30 people just diagnosed a system they’ve never seen from a Facebook post.

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 […] ]]> 1b580289ddee05a4898c976c4b9f2657 Michael posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: How many CSR/Dispatchers do you guys have for your […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8240/ Sun, 26 Jul 2026 02:42:00 +1200 How many CSR/Dispatchers do you guys have for your business? Specifically businesses with around 3-4 service technicians and 5-6 installers in the field. Mainly residential with light commercial as well. Would like to know how many as well as if you’re utilizing AI or software to lessen the burden on the office staff.

]]> 5 f981916ebc6b6d1b8bf17bf797a2bd77 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/8027/#acomment-8034 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 23:09:14 +1200 Board on a 14 year old Goodman is going to run you $300-400 plus labor. New system starts at what, $4500 installed? The math isn’t hard but some customers just aren’t ready to hear it.

In reply to - Nathan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Alright fellas, genuine question. At what point do you stop repairing and just tell the customer it’s time to replace. I’ve got a 14 year old […] ]]> 5fe409b4bc932fcd88e96c52624e42b6 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7991/#acomment-8008 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:12:41 +1200 I stopped feeling guilty about repair calls years ago. My job is to fix what they ask me to fix and recommend what I think is right. After that it’s not my call.

In reply to - Owen posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs If your customer has been “repairing” a unit that looks like the one on the right for 6 years and you kept taking the repair calls without pushing […] ]]> bcc8027dd74fb173fd236760fdf8f2a9 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7991/#acomment-7998 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:41:57 +1200 This take is going to make a lot of guys uncomfortable because it’s true.

In reply to - Owen posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs If your customer has been “repairing” a unit that looks like the one on the right for 6 years and you kept taking the repair calls without pushing […] ]]> aa0f944bccbf1823ce620fcd3351bde7 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7968/#acomment-7985 Sun, 05 Jul 2026 23:50:43 +1200 That’s not dust that’s a ecosystem.

In reply to - Jules posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs No filter. Ever. Apparently. ]]> 910b33ac486fd7ece0339ff217cb2206 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7823/#acomment-7847 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:55:26 +1200 Had a guy hold his phone up recording the whole thing like I was on trial.

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 […] ]]> 66f93b1f8cb94a16226f4250aba35b24 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7825/#acomment-7838 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 19:18:47 +1200 AI doesn’t know your market, your overhead, your insurance, or what it actually costs to keep a truck rolling. It knows averages scraped from somewhere. I tell people that straight up.

In reply to - Tyler posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Anyone else getting customers who pull up ChatGPT mid-call and start reading you the “correct” price for the repair? Happened twice this week. ]]> bbc7a217785b38c6e0aa6d3735e23609 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7553/#acomment-7574 Sun, 31 May 2026 23:52:22 +1200 following this. 8 months in and needed to read this whole thread.

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 […] ]]> cf197ce6264e530a2add8c3cd6a208b1 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7524/#acomment-7537 Sat, 30 May 2026 19:06:18 +1200 I’ve thought about this but feel weird showing cost. Does it ever backfire.

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 […] ]]> 175e22a14c3157e08a766fef2d5a638c Michael posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Anyone else feel like equipment prices are just never […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7524/ Fri, 29 May 2026 22:46:00 +1200 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 was $2840. Four years ago that same unit was $1650.

]]> 23 70add51c0b0d6cd90793cb4d8e24d155 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6861/#acomment-6874 Fri, 01 May 2026 19:01:51 +1200 Sometimes it’s not even the customer kids or someone else flipped it.

In reply to - Samuel posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Do you still charge a service fee if it turns out to be something simple like a tripped breaker or switch off? ]]> 37300091411b03bfe34de77ff55c88b0 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6861/#acomment-6869 Fri, 01 May 2026 08:23:44 +1200 I always ask before heading out now is the disconnect on? You’d be surprised how many times that’s it.

In reply to - Samuel posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Do you still charge a service fee if it turns out to be something simple like a tripped breaker or switch off? ]]> a82bc946a18784a544ac12d8d361f414 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6677/#acomment-6714 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:07:41 +1200 We’ll think about it usually means you already lost 😄

In reply to - Grayson posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Quoted a job customer said they’ll think about it… then you see the same job done a week later by someone else. No feedback, no call back, […] ]]> e5a8bd13c2704e75f98b38fa2b8b10f1 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6521/#acomment-6529 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:20:17 +1200 I tried organizing once, lasted about two days.

In reply to - William posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Every time I try to lighten my tool bag, the very next job needs the one thing I took out… so now I’m basically just carrying everything […] ]]> de1c1797a513512c6d44d516ec2a268b Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6458/#acomment-6499 Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:18:15 +1200 Also, ensure the refrigerant levels are checked, as both low and high levels can prevent the system from cooling properly.

In reply to - Alessandro posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Hey folks, ever hit up a service call with a complaint of no cooling, only to find the system running fine? It’s one of those perplexing […] ]]> a342b31652e54e79f8c2a5d4e3b0be71 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6442/#acomment-6453 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 17:46:59 +1300 Which one did you get. There’s a big difference between a $50 one and a $150 one in terms of accuracy and reliability.

In reply to - Mason posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Finally picked up a micron gauge this week. Been in the trade 9 years and have been judging vacuum on the manifold needle the whole time […] ]]> 9157cd15e75be9d4b6df43cd61ead92b Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6315/#acomment-6325 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:46:15 +1300 Depends on the customer honestly. Elderly lady in July with no AC and a slow leak? I’m getting her running today and coming back with a plan. Commercial building with a maintenance contract? We’re finding it before I touch the gauges.

In reply to - Andrea posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices System is low on charge. No obvious leak. No oil staining anywhere on the lineset, no traces at the fittings, coil looks clean. Customer […] ]]> 26ed819d906d8198b4a7079e96416407 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6271/#acomment-6295 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:49:35 +1300 If there isn’t one… wireless stat and move on.

In reply to - Tyler posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs ]]> 5228d1507f4ae51e5dcc511741a6cd35 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6160/#acomment-6173 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:36:38 +1300 You already know… short by 2 inches every time.

In reply to - Juan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices 30’ ceilings + scissor lift all day. Trying to keep the trunk straight while dodging steel and sprinkler lines. Whoever drew this on paper […] ]]> a918935971053b9d5b19cc7e0ebc8926 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6013/#acomment-6063 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:10:14 +1300 Online stuff is good for terminology so you don’t sound completely lost. But this trade is hands-on.

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 […] ]]> 2439c908e6761eafe2f59b72c7bf14fd Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5885/#acomment-5921 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:38:18 +1300 I’ll at least eyeball drains, pans, switches, obvious stuff. Not running modes that shouldn’t be run.

In reply to - Jacob posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Hello All, ]]> 57dbc0b70808c8890f87df2ec8245079 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5847/#acomment-5903 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:40:01 +1300 You’re overthinking it. Grounds don’t magically “half fail.” Either it’s there or it’s not. If it was ground, you’d see garbage numbers immediately.

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. ]]> 33d945ad421b50ef7eb74ded319b5162 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5683/#acomment-5697 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:08:34 +1300 Where is this located? Near the blower or compressor section?

In reply to - Austin posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Found this inside the unit today insulation split open and the copper conductors exposed and fraying. Not failed yet, but this is exactly […] ]]> b9a7e1a911826eb95f1528dd901e4ff1 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5627/#acomment-5662 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:25:50 +1300 This trade’s messed up right now. Good techs bounce the second something better shows up.

In reply to - Benjamin posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Hello All, ]]> cbe5e7b58d501afad5f16c4a2842ec85 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5500/#acomment-5507 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:02:12 +1300 Tried a few platforms. Most are overkill unless you’re doing volume replacements.

In reply to - Mason posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Looking for recommendations on sales quoting software for unit replacements. Not trying to overcomplicate things just want something consistent, […] ]]> ab7ca8cd4ee4238d28172f21468a939f Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5362/#acomment-5408 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:20:41 +1300 That lines up with what I’m seeing. Reversing valve feels solid, so leaning toward termination or fan control.

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 […] ]]> e73696bafb88ff6225e225944b8c78bd Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5362/#acomment-5400 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:49:11 +1300 Clearance is good and coil’s clean. Frost pattern looks uneven though.

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 […] ]]> 642548ad98be476b27fc5975a9bfc104 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5362/#acomment-5393 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 06:47:14 +1300 That’s on the list. Want to compare real coil temp vs what the board thinks it is.

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 […] ]]> 09ddbbb54ff8efc3f9dd710285e8e129 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5362/#acomment-5384 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 04:50:26 +1300 Yeah, humidity hasn’t helped today.

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 […] ]]> 3b6bfb9958ee365d3026daf60e896e1b Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5362/#acomment-5374 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 03:02:13 +1300 Timer looks conservative. Might be dropping out on termination temp too early.

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 […] ]]> a5b8615eae766e01236536d6dbce4423 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5362/#acomment-5370 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:35:47 +1300 Fan’s supposed to be locked out, but I’m seeing it come back sooner than expected. Checking board logic next.

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 […] ]]> 196509c98850b519193e5b4cdf06cad8 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5362/#acomment-5366 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:01:40 +1300 Sensor is there, but I’m not convinced it’s making solid contact once the coil ices.

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 […] ]]> 04227c3c3cbc0bf72c0105ff11e66129 Michael posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Outdoor unit icing up fast in heat mode. Ambient […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5362/ Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:15:41 +1300 Outdoor unit icing up fast in heat mode.
Ambient around 30°F.
Suction 90 psig (R410A), evap below freezing.
Defrost is initiating but not clearing the coil before it drops back into heat.
Looks like either weak heat during defrost or defrost ending too early.

Anyone seeing more sensor placement or defrost timing issues lately in these temps?

]]> 14 2cc4252ce48afd4bc4e0b7d995d52a31 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5087/#acomment-5108 Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:30:24 +1300 And somehow it’s always your fault when water hits the floor.

In reply to - Luca posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Got called out for a small leak and yeah… it wasn’t small. Unit’s running fine, but the condensate line is backing up and dripping right at the fittings. ]]> ab1ccdb71f97cbea7e42d022632bd165 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5015/#acomment-5029 Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:11:50 +1300 I think this is where experience shows. Knowing what can wait and what absolutely can’t is a skill on its own.

In reply to - Eric posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Didn’t even plan to post this, just snapped the picture and moved on. One of those moments where you see it, your brain goes huh… okay, and […] ]]> d612394a0c0982fb63c776f2974e642a Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4888/#acomment-4906 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:21:55 +1300 Both sides feel the pain later.

In reply to - Michael posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Saw this setup today and honestly, this is where experience quietly matters. On the surface everything looks installed properly – piping […] ]]> 2eb9050ac63287a13a2323326ec0ab2e Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4888/#acomment-4905 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:21:25 +1300 Both sides feel the pain later.

In reply to - Michael posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Saw this setup today and honestly, this is where experience quietly matters. On the surface everything looks installed properly – piping […] ]]> f9312ad513e18c805efd9b86de3f5840 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4888/#acomment-4900 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:10:01 +1300 That conversation never gets easier.

In reply to - Michael posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Saw this setup today and honestly, this is where experience quietly matters. On the surface everything looks installed properly – piping […] ]]> beb05f833a526eaec9e9297d2e99a63c Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4888/#acomment-4894 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:44:19 +1300 That false confidence gets expensive.

In reply to - Michael posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Saw this setup today and honestly, this is where experience quietly matters. On the surface everything looks installed properly – piping […] ]]> 83b6053a9b62d05a23ebeb16f4f397b9 Michael posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Saw this setup today and honestly, this is where […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4888/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 09:50:36 +1300 Saw this setup today and honestly, this is where experience quietly matters. On the surface everything looks installed properly – piping routed, controls mounted, insulation in place – but once you spend time around systems like this, you know how much coordination went into making it run smoothly. Multiple components tied together,… Read more

]]> 7 2ec709e1383e013f76366aa7eb16176e Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4862/#acomment-4887 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 09:49:09 +1300 Hard to sell a proper fix when the customer sees duct tape and thinks it’s fine.

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. ]]> 7290df5fbd1f866784aa8d9d11a6ffd7 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4503/#acomment-4514 Sun, 11 Jan 2026 22:55:09 +1300 That’s when you just laugh and keep going.

In reply to - Jack posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment Just started the day… and yeah, this is how it’s going. ]]> b80692b889c315d0d29cc3cf63ba95d3 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4402/#acomment-4411 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:31:23 +1300 Dispatch says routine, but you already know it’s not.

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment When the call matters,everything moves faster. ]]> c546fd1ad4a6c3fa72c0122688f97495 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4386/#acomment-4396 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:50:23 +1300 This is why I stopped trusting numbers alone. If something feels off, I slow down.

In reply to - Noah posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Ever leave a job thinking, System’s running… should be fine? Pressures look okay. Air’s cool. Customer seems satisfied.Then your phone […] ]]> 152d84ffc658820be12bdac95898f0a0 Michael posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4196/#acomment-4201 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 19:36:14 +1300 We’ve started factoring access into estimates after getting burned too many times.

In reply to - Ryan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Access looks fine in drawings. Up here, it’s a different job altogether. ]]>