HVAC Community Hub | Salvatore | Activity

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 07:55:16 +1200

I’m not saying the name but you already know which one it is because they’re all like this.

In reply to - Salvatore posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs 45 minutes at the counter waiting for one contactor. One. The guy behind the counter has walked to the back three times, climbed a ladder […]

Salvatore posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: 45 minutes at the counter waiting for one contactor. […]

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 21:31:00 +1200

45 minutes at the counter waiting for one contactor. One. The guy behind the counter has walked to the back three times, climbed a ladder twice, and is now on the phone with another branch trying to figure out if they have it in stock. Customer has been sitting at home with no AC this whole time and I’m standing here watching two other techs… Read more

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 20:33:08 +1200

That thing is bowing inward from the static pressure which means the blower has been fighting that filter for a long time, check your amp draw on the blower motor because it’s been working way harder than it should have been.

In reply to - Jordan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Customer asked me why her electric bill doubled this summer.

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:51:16 +1200

Bill for it and move on, you can’t argue someone out of a feeling, she feels like it’s too loud and no amount of explaining is going to change that until she gets used to it on her own.

In reply to - Andrea posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Just got off the phone with a customer who wants me to come back and “fix” a system I installed 3 weeks ago. Her complaint? The vents make a […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 05:53:28 +1200

I told her I’ll come back with my extension ladder and we’ll do the maintenance properly but I also recommended she talk to someone about relocating the unit to ground level because this is going to be a pain every single time it needs work.

In reply to - Salvatore posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Genuine question for the group. How would you service this? Customer wants a maintenance done on their mini split and I’m standing in the […]

Salvatore posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Genuine question for the group. How would you service […]

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:35:00 +1200

Genuine question for the group. How would you service this? Customer wants a maintenance done on their mini split and I’m standing in the walkway looking straight up at it mounted 12 feet high on the side of the house with no platform, no ladder access point, and a bracket that’s already pulling out of the siding. I told her I’d need to bring… Read more

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 22:02:07 +1200

That lineset going into the wall is clean, proper escutcheon and everything, nice to see it done right for once.

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 […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 06:24:12 +1200

Window unit mounted sideways too. Those aren’t designed to run sideways. Compressor oil is pooling wrong in there. That thing is going to seize up any day now.

In reply to - Clifford posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Customer called and said the AC isn’t keeping up. Got to the house and the outdoor unit is actually running fine. Went to check airflow at […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:45:42 +1200

Two companies added refrigerant and nobody went in the attic. That’s all you need to know.

In reply to - Hunter posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Homeowner said the master bedroom hasn’t cooled right in over a year. Two other companies came out and both added refrigerant. Nobody checked […]

Salvatore posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: Got called out for a no cool. Pulled the fan grille off […]

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 07:22:00 +1200

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 on top of the motor. Fan blade had twigs jammed in it and couldn’t spin. Motor was humming and pulling locked rotor amps when the system called for cooling so the breaker kept tripping. Customer wants… Read more

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 03:34:49 +1200

We keep one full system on the shelf in our shop at all times specifically so we never have to tell a customer with kids to wait a week running window units. Expensive to sit on but it’s worth it.

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 […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 19:43:06 +1200

My wife makes me go to the chiropractor once a month. I’d never go on my own but she’s right every time.

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 […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:05:26 +1200

What’s your current revenue? that number matters a lot when evaluating whether 30% makes sense for either of you.

In reply to - Fabio posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Thinking about taking on a business partner to help with the office side while I stay in the field. Someone reached out wanting to handle […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:54:59 +1200

I give them the repair cost vs replacement cost and let them decide. My job is to make sure they have the information, not make the decision for them.

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 […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:25:29 +1200

Last week 😂

In reply to - Jules posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Customer says the unit just stopped working last week.

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:38:41 +1200

yep.

In reply to - Juan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Anybody else’s supplier just randomly stop carrying a part you’ve ordered for years with zero warning? Needed a specific contactor today, […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:28:43 +1200

Half the engineers I deal with have never set foot on the job after the drawings leave the office. Pure CAD warriors.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Whoever specced rectangular duct on this job clearly never had to install it in an 11 foot ceiling with beams every 6 feet. Switched the […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 05:29:00 +1200

Happens more than owners want to admit when commission is on the table.

In reply to - Dylan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Currently giving techs 10% commission on changeouts they sell. Gave them all the tools to quote jobs on the spot and they still aren’t […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 03:02:08 +1200

Well all you are doing is making a crook out of them. Is a perfectly fine repair being turned into a scam sale for commission. Honorable company or thieves. Which one.

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 01:33:11 +1200

What did you pay for part time office help and where did you find someone decent.

In reply to - Salvatore posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices I struggle with the field vs office balance a lot.When I’m in the field I’m making money but the business stuff piles up. When I’m in […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:03:07 +1200

That gap is exactly what scares me. I can see it coming and I don’t know how to bridge it financially.

Salvatore posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: I struggle with the field vs office balance a lot.When […]

Sun, 31 May 2026 21:08:00 +1200

I struggle with the field vs office balance a lot.When I’m in the field I’m making money but the business stuff piles up. When I’m in the office catching up on quotes and follow ups I feel guilty I’m not on a job generating revenue.Feels like I can never be in the right place at the same time.

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Thu, 28 May 2026 19:27:27 +1200

I picked up a contract with a property management company specifically for winter. They need boiler work, heating system checks, hot water maintenance. Work I wasn’t doing before. Not my favorite customer type but in January I have zero complaints.

In reply to - Fabio posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs How are you actually surviving the slow months financially as a small business owner. Not the textbook answer. The real one. January through […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Wed, 20 May 2026 02:17:07 +1200

The ones who ghost you on day 4 were already interviewing somewhere else. They were using you as a backup.

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 […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Sun, 17 May 2026 22:38:46 +1200

The confidence level is always way higher than the actual knowledge level.

In reply to - Matthew posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Homeowners are way more educated now but also way more confident in completely wrong information 😅 Feels like every other call lately […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Thu, 14 May 2026 19:01:19 +1200

Google and YouTube created a whole generation of professional homeowners.

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Thu, 14 May 2026 19:01:17 +1200

People mostly just wanna know if they’re looking at 8k or 25k before calling.

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 […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Thu, 14 May 2026 06:47:54 +1200

We started using AI for after-hours call summaries and missed call follow up. Office girls love it.

In reply to - Francesco posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Anybody here actually using AI heavily inside their HVAC business yet? Not talking about basic Facebook posts and emails more actual […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Wed, 13 May 2026 00:11:50 +1200

A clean install costs money. Good labor isn’t cheap anymore.

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

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:55:35 +1200

Feels like you either spend time learning the software or just do it yourself quicker.

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 […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:55:52 +1200

The one time you travel light is the one time the job turns weird.

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 […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:04:17 +1200

I stopped removing tools, just accepted the back pain at this point.

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:46:47 +1300

HP switch tripping at 445 on R410A at 74°F ambient is actually not unreasonable if the switch has drifted. Bench test tells you the trip point but doesnt tell you if it’s drifted under operating conditions with vibration and heat cycles over winter.

In reply to - Diego 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 […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:47:29 +1300

If the board is empty they come back to the shop. Clean vans, restock parts, organize tools.

In reply to - Brodie 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 […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 05:28:42 +1300

Would you run that in your own house?

In reply to - Nolan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Alright I need a reality check. Redoing some duct runs at my Dad’s place. He bought flex and left it sitting for a while. Mice clearly […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 06:25:39 +1300

Standing there wondering how airflow, electricity, and physics were all optional.

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

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 22:25:06 +1300

That’s always the weakest point, no matter how tight you tighten them screws, and always during the winter months.

In reply to - Nolan posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Another one from loose connections.

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:10:47 +1300

Seen this a lot on older units where the wire wasn’t strain-relieved properly from day one.

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 […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:27:04 +1300

That’s how you cook a transformer or take out a board for no reason.

In reply to - Davida posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Found this during a service call. Insulation gone, copper strands oxidized and starting to fray one vibration away from an intermittent fault or […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:23:07 +1300

Once resistance starts climbing, coil temp just accelerates the failure. You’ll see chatter next.

In reply to - Francesco posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Contact points are showing early signs of heat stress and wear. Pitting and discoloration suggest rising resistance, which can lead to voltage […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 14:14:50 +1300

Pretty much. Surprised it lasted as long as it did 😅

In reply to - Salvatore posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Chasing airflow issues and it turned out the return liner was pulled in and packed solid. Unit kept taking the blame, but air was […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 10:20:03 +1300

Probably, but it’s easy to miss unless you open it up.

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 08:46:20 +1300

Yeah, system was working overtime just to move air.

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 06:48:12 +1300

Return side only.

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:46:10 +1300

Way higher than it should’ve been. Explains everything.

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 23:05:47 +1300

Lined hard pipe. Liner came loose and folded in.

Salvatore posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices: Chasing airflow issues and it turned out the return […]

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:16:48 +1300

Chasing airflow issues and it turned out the return liner was pulled in and packed solid. Unit kept taking the blame, but air was never getting back to it in the first place.

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 08:47:24 +1300

I’ve seen this when return sizing or transitions weren’t right and people kept adjusting instead of reworking duct.

In reply to - Charles posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Someone before us clearly had a long day here. Arrows, notes, airflow directions written straight on the duct. You can tell they were […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 03:31:04 +1300

If nobody’s been logging approach, that HX’s been losing capacity for years. Doesn’t happen fast, just quietly.

In reply to - Carlos posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices One of my guys was on this shell & tube heat exchanger today and it turned into one of those jobs where nothing is failed, but nothing […]

Salvatore posted a new activity comment

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:27:17 +1300

When experienced techs stop getting feedback, small misses become normalized. Nobody’s wrong, but nobody’s catching drift either.

In reply to - HVAC Community Hub posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Callbacks are often blamed on lack of experience. But in many businesses, callbacks increase after technicians […]