HVAC Community Hub | Nicolas | Activity

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 10:49:08 +1200

Water dripping from the ceiling means the primary drain backed up and the secondary is either clogged too or doesn’t exist. What does the emergency pan look like up there?

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 […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 05:32:30 +1200

How old is the furnace?

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.

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 21:24:16 +1200

Negative subcooling means there’s barely any liquid in that system. It’s low. End of story. Find leak, fix leak, charge, move on. Everyone overcomplicating this.

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 […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:45:24 +1200

If there is an attic always go central. Mini splits are for certain situations where there’s no other option and garages.

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 […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 20:07:23 +1200

Trane, none in stock anywhere in my region for 6 weeks minimum.

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 […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 19:36:19 +1200

😂😂 every single time

In reply to - Jules posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs No filter. Ever. Apparently.

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 22:16:31 +1200

To be fair sometimes they’re not totally wrong, just missing 90% of the context.

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, […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:14:27 +1200

Fair enough.

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 […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:54:09 +1200

13 employees about $55k.

In reply to - Charles posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs What’s everyone paying for insurance these days. Workers comp, general liability, commercial auto. Small company, 3 techs, 4 trucks, […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:26:41 +1200

17 employees. 5 mil revenue. $100k for everything.

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 23:49:21 +1200

Got a call 14 months later. Compressor was gone. Full replacement.

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 […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:14:45 +1200

Job security. Every one of those DIY installs will need a professional eventually.

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Sun, 31 May 2026 07:46:48 +1200

$200 and a truck. Respect. Most people won’t even try.

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 […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Thu, 28 May 2026 17:45:28 +1200

Only property management, realtors, or flippers would say that. You’re definitely low.

In reply to - Elijah posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs What are yall charging for service calls? I have been told im way too high @ $125 and $60 per hour per man.

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Thu, 14 May 2026 19:51:25 +1200

https://www.signs365.com

In reply to - Emiliano posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Need to order new company shirts, hoodies, equipment stickers and yard signs before things get busy again. Last batch looked great for about a […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Sat, 09 May 2026 07:50:27 +1200

Steady repeat customers , constantly chasing new leads.

In reply to - Dylan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Realizing lately being good at HVAC and actually growing a company are two completely different things 😅 Feels like everybody online’s selling […]

Nicolas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Had a weird situation recently with a customer after a […]

Wed, 06 May 2026 21:25:00 +1200

Had a weird situation recently with a customer after a job was already wrapped up.
During the work everything was normal. Walked through everything with them, system running, no complaints while we were there.
Then once the invoice gets sent over it suddenly turns into well what about this and I noticed that.
Stuff that was never brought up… Read more

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Fri, 01 May 2026 21:55:13 +1200

I look at it like this first callback I assume something else failed. Second time I start questioning my work. Third time I’m tearing the whole thing apart.

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 […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:27:15 +1200

What part exactly?

In reply to - Dylan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs staying with family out here and ran into a small ac issue… looks like a pinhole somewhere. i’ve got some tools on me but not enough to fix it […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:20:39 +1200

Late fee fixes that pretty quick.

In reply to - Harry posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Got a couple small commercial accounts that are good for the money, but every invoice turns into a wait. Not chasing bad debt, they eventually pay… […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 07:01:40 +1200

Good techs don’t get callbacks for small things.

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?

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:34:38 +1300

That disclaimer conversation is key. Set expectations upfront.

In reply to - Luke posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices How are you guys handling leaking evaporator coils these days? Are you still repairing them when it makes sense, or just going straight […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 01:05:16 +1300

30’ on a scissor? Hope that slab was level. Nothing worse than that thing rocking while you’re trying to pin a joint.

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 […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:41:05 +1300

Until something leaks, trips, or cracks… then they start asking about coverage.

In reply to - Samuel posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Hello,

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 13:48:00 +1300

Short cycling definitely doesn’t help. Especially with oversized equipment.

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.

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 13:27:13 +1300

Customers don’t care where you’re based as long as you answer the phone.

In reply to - Jack posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Been running things out of my garage for a few years now and it works fine. lately been thinking about getting a small shop but can’t shake the […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:55:05 +1300

Seeing that comparison a lot. Ease of use is high on my list.

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?

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:21:12 +1300

Installer must’ve run out of wire AND patience.

In reply to - Marco posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Low-voltage conductors pulled out of the control compartment with exposed copper and improper terminations. No strain relief, insulation nicked […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 04:51:36 +1300

That’s helpful. We already use HCP, but payroll being weak worries me.

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?

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:50:16 +1300

If the guys hate it, it’s not worth switching.

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?

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:12:35 +1300

That part is really appealing. Taxes and comp are the biggest stress points for us.

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?

Nicolas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Thinking about switching payroll providers. What are […]

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 23:20:04 +1300

Thinking about switching payroll providers.
What are you using and would you stick with it?

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 06:11:15 +1300

Check actual coil temp with a probe during defrost. I’ve had sensors reading warmer than the coil by 8–10°F.

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 […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:31:27 +1300

Flow issues hide in plain sight. This is usually the first clue.

In reply to - Lucas 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.

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 08:10:59 +1300

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… […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 20:53:16 +1300

These are the ones that burn hours because nothing is technically wrong.

In reply to - Caleb posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment Chilled water valve is fully commanded open and actuator tracks correctly. Pump responds as expected, flow is present, but temperature difference […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:36:52 +1300

Need to get a proper trend going. Baseline is all over the place.

In reply to - Nicolas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Got an AHU coil losing every time the CHW pump VFD ramps down, even though the control valve shows 100% open. Strainer’s clean, no air, CHW supply […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:36:51 +1300

Water side is where I’m leaning too. Just weird how it only shows up at low flow.

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:36:50 +1300

That’s sneaky… but yeah, could be hiding something.

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:36:48 +1300

Not sure on the exact circuiting spec – I’ll dig up the submittal.

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:36:47 +1300

That’s what it feels like. Pressure just falls off a cliff when the pump slows.

Nicolas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Got an AHU coil losing every time the CHW pump VFD […]

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:36:46 +1300

Got an AHU coil losing every time the CHW pump VFD ramps down, even though the control valve shows 100% open.
Strainer’s clean, no air, CHW supply steady – but the coil just starves the second flow drops.
Feels like a valve authority issue or bad circuiting, but curious if anyone’s seen this exact behavior.

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 22:19:53 +1300

If the BAS says it’s perfect, then it must be perfect. Just ignore the real world.

In reply to - Ethan 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 […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:21:03 +1300

I’ve seen this when the PID loop is too tight. Fan keeps over-correcting even with tiny pressure changes.

In reply to - Hunter posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Been dealing with an AHU today and the supply fan just can’t sit still. No setpoint changes, nothing happening on BAS, but the fan keeps […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:20:31 +1300

Agreed. Coil is clean, so airflow is the missing piece here.

In reply to - Nicolas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Out on a commercial RTU today and the “new” condenser fan motor isn’t moving air the way it should. Voltage and cap are spot on, but the RPM is […]

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:20:29 +1300

😂 That’s too accurate. “Compatible” until the moment you turn it on.

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:20:27 +1300

Could be. Nameplate says 1.6A, it’s pulling 1.1A. That’s a big difference.

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:20:25 +1300

Exactly what I’m thinking. Specs look fine until you actually run it under load.

Nicolas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Out on a commercial RTU today and the “new” condenser […]

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:20:24 +1300

Out on a commercial RTU today and the “new” condenser fan motor isn’t moving air the way it should.
Voltage and cap are spot on, but the RPM is clearly low – head pressure starts creeping up way faster than it should when load picks up.
Starting to think this replacement motor just doesn’t match the original’s curve, even though the specs… Read more

Nicolas posted a new activity comment

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:59:14 +1300

Seen that before – control board relay contacts half burnt. Fan gets voltage late every few cycles.

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 […]