HVAC Community Hub | Theo | Activity https://hvachub.co/members/theorousseau/activity/ Activity feed for Theo. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:00:18 +1200 https://buddypress.org/?v=3.0.5 en-US 30 hourly 2 3f066682376477ecde3a5ffe289af793 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7619/#acomment-7646 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:40:19 +1200 What are you paying for that skill set if you find it. Genuinely curious what the market rate is for someone who can do all of that.

In reply to - Jordan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Looking to hire an installer, an advanced apprentice or mechanic who could install a basic 54k upflow with 2 ton coil and condenser by […] ]]> 1880192e40fdd07487ea97d19d2a7605 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7630/#acomment-7638 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:06:56 +1200 We just started offering it this year. My accountant told me to. I cried a little.

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, […] ]]> 844e08b3750b251e9559ca95b3ba4271 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7630/#acomment-7633 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:06:53 +1200 $52k all in. 7 employees 6 trucks. Now health insurance costs. Don’t get me started on that one.

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, […] ]]> b185b28166c09d2874869bbe201940a2 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7553/#acomment-7599 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:02:30 +1200 The fact that you’re asking for help instead of pretending you have it figured out already puts you ahead of most people at your stage.

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 […] ]]> 6c583adb9868e9ff2661b3a55aaad251 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7524/#acomment-7552 Sat, 30 May 2026 23:51:45 +1200 I had a customer forward me a Home Depot HVAC install quote last week trying to use it as leverage. I genuinely wished him luck and closed my laptop. Got a text 3 days later asking if my quote was still good.

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 […] ]]> 845b69853bd29347e75e75d0ebb1646e Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7421/#acomment-7459 Wed, 27 May 2026 21:05:39 +1200 The most practical thing I ever did was open a business line of credit during a good summer when the business looked healthy on paper. Never touched it until January. Knowing it was there changed how I slept at night even before I needed it.

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 […] ]]> c40290659f3dfec48b2509cc78f8c8fd Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7373/#acomment-7414 Tue, 26 May 2026 20:12:00 +1200 I know, it’s painful in the moment but those customers were never really your customers to begin with.

In reply to - Elijah posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices I’ve been in this industry for 11 years and I want to ask something that nobody really talks about honestly. Is HVAC still actually worth it […] ]]> bc584f964cc5ede7a5f32f6221948941 Theo posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs: People want quality HVAC work until they see what […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7293/ Wed, 20 May 2026 21:21:00 +1200 People want quality HVAC work until they see what quality HVAC work actually costs.
Then the cheapest quote in town suddenly starts looking really good.
Then they call you back 6 months later wondering why the cheap guy’s work is falling apart.
Every. Single. Time.

]]> 6 7be4dacf234f76d290b3e19af50d1c2b Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7052/#acomment-7195 Sat, 16 May 2026 06:27:36 +1200 You can burn half a day on a free repair real quick.

In reply to - Brandon posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Everybody talks about warranty like it’s free work for HVAC companies Meanwhile you’re driving back out, dealing with parts, labor, callbacks, […] ]]> d1b943a7cef6810c953fee286893693c Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7093/#acomment-7180 Fri, 15 May 2026 21:18:35 +1200 I think it works better for replacement estimates than service work.

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 […] ]]> 26ac8d84a46eb18c4838e4e5aa4091e6 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/7122/#acomment-7144 Thu, 14 May 2026 08:48:02 +1200 I’ve been building custom spreadsheets and calculators with it because I got tired of paying monthly for software that barely works.

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 […] ]]> bf560bdc933531434acdd4f446e9c503 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6800/#acomment-6862 Fri, 01 May 2026 05:38:03 +1200 Honestly I’d just patch it temporary and let someone local handle it later.

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 […] ]]> 101edcbac79123cb435c2a1a568f4d0e Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6608/#acomment-6609 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:59:20 +1200 Not always about price some builders already have their guys.

In reply to - Hunter posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Trying to get in with a few builders right now and still figuring out my pricing. Feels like I’m coming in too high because I’m not getting […] ]]> 6499152123b68b9bd8422ff8c34c9343 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6556/#acomment-6564 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:10:09 +1200 Downtime costs more than the tool itself most of the time.

In reply to - Robert posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Bought one of those cheaper tools thinking it would get me through a few jobs, and now I’m replacing it way sooner than expected. Starting to […] ]]> 534fa5137fcaed531439bbf443990d4b Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6521/#acomment-6528 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:51:40 +1200 Just bring the whole truck inside, problem solved.

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 […] ]]> e35068ef71b74db5f847fb8c2170162e Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6504/#acomment-6512 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:04:17 +1200 Tried a few, still switching.

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 […] ]]> 51f5694989aaceb07c99f5577fb76500 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6460/#acomment-6469 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:42:58 +1300 Mergers only camouflage corporate greed in the guise of economies of scale, ultimately degrading the quality of tools and service that a local, passionate retailer like Mingledorff once championed.

In reply to - Zachary posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Hey everyone, just heard the news about Mingledorff’s merging with The Home Depot. I’m curious what we think this means for us in the repair […] ]]> 80e397c44800d96603676bd159be7738 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6405/#acomment-6417 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:45:58 +1300 Honest answer I purge on new installs and on any braze longer than a few minutes on existing systems. Short repair on an existing system with good oil I use judgment. Never had a problem I’d attribute to that decision.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Nitrogen purge when brazing. Every time. No exceptions. That’s what we’re taught and honestly that’s what I believe. But I’ve had this argument […] ]]> 1565d42e7b82aaf3ad719fbfcd82caa6 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6306/#acomment-6334 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:45:32 +1300 Depends on the client. Commercial clients expect markup. Residential clients sometimes push back if they find out.

In reply to - Ethan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs When you guys bring in a sub on a job, do you usually mark up their labor or just pass their rate through to the client? ]]> e8e03af8fc16857a6ed72fabc4f95903 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6182/#acomment-6194 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:27:00 +1300 Exactly. Head pressure climbing all season and yesterday was just the final straw.

In reply to - James posted an update in the group HVAC Installation Best Practices Had a customer today tell me, It was working fine yesterday.” Funny how that sentence usually means I’m about to find something that’s […] ]]> 41542a5d73ae647476804840e0518f00 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/6088/#acomment-6113 Sat, 14 Feb 2026 20:14:02 +1300 Yep. By the time they call, efficiency has been gone for years.

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. ]]> 31af1222b05c313086c8ccde4a61c7d8 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5722/#acomment-5744 Sat, 07 Feb 2026 17:25:50 +1300 I waited until the trucks and inventory forced me into a shop. Then it made sense.

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 […] ]]> 5939831b70b622a557bcc7de77f21954 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/5362/#acomment-5405 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:14:44 +1300 When defrost starts but can’t clear, I usually see one of three things: weak reversing valve shift, early termination, or fan not fully locked out. Everything else tends to show up in pressures.

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 […] ]]> 95a01187376d6d004dba6bbb9be2b5bc Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4598/#acomment-4601 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 23:32:18 +1300 Resting physically, still working mentally. Never really shuts off.

In reply to - Juan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Honest question because I’m curious On your day off, are you actually resting or still thinking about work you shouldn’t be thinking about? ]]> 0a79d1addb10fe7cf1cf037137d01a35 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4402/#acomment-4419 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:08:06 +1300 That’s when systems matter more than skill alone.

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment When the call matters,everything moves faster. ]]> c10949a33aeb8b345602c7b9b2ffbfa2 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4402/#acomment-4416 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 06:20:12 +1300 Because the pressure starts before you even arrive.

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment When the call matters,everything moves faster. ]]> 2f9e84536c7a3fd936f1d40a946e0b25 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4402/#acomment-4413 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:46:54 +1300 That’s usually how the important ones start.

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment When the call matters,everything moves faster. ]]> abf8a3d9671d56a630150bba3cba028c Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4402/#acomment-4412 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:35:21 +1300 That’s the goal. Just real HVAC days.

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment When the call matters,everything moves faster. ]]> 658d1cb895dcb47c4fac71bddfaed36f Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4402/#acomment-4408 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 04:01:11 +1300 Once you’re moving fast early, the rest of the schedule feels different.

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment When the call matters,everything moves faster. ]]> 27c2518637e4384335304c54381b032d Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Tools & Equipment: When the call matters,everything moves faster. https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4402/ Fri, 09 Jan 2026 02:28:01 +1300 When the call matters,everything moves faster.

]]> 10 d2ef540249a29e8180cc4fc016498ed3 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4356/#acomment-4357 Wed, 07 Jan 2026 22:15:08 +1300 I’ve swapped more compressors in the last 3 years than I did in the previous 10.

In reply to - Lucas posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs A system barely a couple of years in, and the compressor is already done. Customer chose to move forward with a new R-454B system instead of chasing […] ]]> 0689d88a529c76b483ba00213a1db2f2 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/4248/#acomment-4257 Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:58:48 +1300 Makes maintenance harder too. Every time you open it, more junk comes loose.

In reply to - Liam posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Internal fiberglass insulation inside the unit has degraded and detached. The insulation has sagged into the airflow path, collecting dust and […] ]]> d3ccc1ae06fe08012380d080052cd4e6 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3096/#acomment-3099 Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:03:42 +1300 How many emails should a basic follow-up pipeline have? I’m not sure if mine is too short.

In reply to - Noah posted an update in the group HVAC Email Pipeline Builder |Nurture Leads. Follow Up. Close More Deals I’ve been noticing that a lot of members are working hard on improving their follow-ups, but the email […] ]]> a5371f17de7ee2e06bcc6bed56b9ac0d Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/3017/#acomment-3022 Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:20:28 +1300 Aftermarket motors are like dating apps. Looks right in the picture, total disappointment in person.

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 […] ]]> 4f939e948cafc3aabbb9c36fb41608c8 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2970/#acomment-2971 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:59:08 +1300 Classic. Probably just waiting for union break before starting.

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 […] ]]> 081fc3adc1f83bfabdbae77d646908a6 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2723/#acomment-2726 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 20:08:34 +1300 Try running nitrogen backward through the suction and watch your oil sight glass – if it’s in there, it’ll move.

In reply to - Dylan posted an update in the group Troubleshooting & Repairs Had something strange happen on a service call today. While pulling a core using a screw-style remover, the internal seal tore off and somehow […] ]]> f765076aba366697092a94d40fc4c045 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2525/#acomment-2526 Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:55:22 +1300 Switched to variable speed drives on all pumps – noticeable energy reduction already.

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 […] ]]> def929b3707d0d3d893b27482f5d3cbe Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2448/#acomment-2458 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:08:36 +1300 Good reminder! I’ll monitor the supply voltage over a full cycle.

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Been seeing some odd behavior with a variable speed drive on a rooftop unit. The motor won’t ramp properly, even though all the connections […] ]]> 2f0c7af3c55e4bdb28d4eb459e5a4482 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2448/#acomment-2456 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:08:35 +1300 Didn’t think of firmware – I’ll check the version and update if needed.

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Been seeing some odd behavior with a variable speed drive on a rooftop unit. The motor won’t ramp properly, even though all the connections […] ]]> 45090f799c322faaaf719ce24be959ae Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2448/#acomment-2454 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:08:33 +1300 That’s smart! I’ll hook up the logger to see the real-time data.

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Been seeing some odd behavior with a variable speed drive on a rooftop unit. The motor won’t ramp properly, even though all the connections […] ]]> 8732672d4f6ecb00b6243667c3bb8edb Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2448/#acomment-2452 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:08:31 +1300 True, I hadn’t considered mechanical drag. I’ll inspect the blower next.

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Been seeing some odd behavior with a variable speed drive on a rooftop unit. The motor won’t ramp properly, even though all the connections […] ]]> 53bb79f20b7e907f209e52cdce4aee7d Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2448/#acomment-2450 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:08:30 +1300 Good point! I’ll review the settings and see if anything looks off.

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Been seeing some odd behavior with a variable speed drive on a rooftop unit. The motor won’t ramp properly, even though all the connections […] ]]> 32c9b0c0d54b59c65c7a5e42b8ff2df4 Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors: Been seeing some odd behavior with a variable speed drive […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/2448/ Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:08:29 +1300 Been seeing some odd behavior with a variable speed drive on a rooftop unit. The motor won’t ramp properly, even though all the connections and voltages look fine.

Could it be a VFD programming issue, or is something mechanical going on with the blower? Would love to hear if anyone’s encountered this before digging deeper.

]]> 10 4cf58d1c86f50babd9f67084e98cce3d Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1959/#acomment-1969 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:05:29 +1200 Haha, don’t think my AC is ready for a soda party 😂

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Is it okay to flush an AC system with water before adding new refrigerant, or could it cause corrosion? ]]> 82b77546e52f05a0ee855fa5739f6822 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1959/#acomment-1967 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:05:27 +1200 Hmm, noted. Timing seems crucial then.

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Is it okay to flush an AC system with water before adding new refrigerant, or could it cause corrosion? ]]> a98af8920d79a3c7b80addeae7d6bbc5 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1959/#acomment-1965 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:05:26 +1200 Exactly! Safety and longevity first – no shortcuts

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Is it okay to flush an AC system with water before adding new refrigerant, or could it cause corrosion? ]]> fd42ae1b5ca1d1a95cdc09f962959ade Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1959/#acomment-1963 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:05:24 +1200 Got it, will make sure to dry everything thoroughly before adding refrigerant.

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Is it okay to flush an AC system with water before adding new refrigerant, or could it cause corrosion? ]]> 59083388a81f9da5608cae7a6c1b494f Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1959/#acomment-1961 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:05:23 +1200 Thanks! I’ll get a dedicated flush solution instead of risking water damage.

In reply to - Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors Is it okay to flush an AC system with water before adding new refrigerant, or could it cause corrosion? ]]> 030bc24c547685cbd423160da04197ec Theo posted an update in the group HVAC Contractors & Subcontractors: Is it okay to flush an AC system with water before […] https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1959/ Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:05:22 +1200 Is it okay to flush an AC system with water before adding new refrigerant, or could it cause corrosion?

]]> 10 0efd70234d31037b70b0b6db67e1f711 Theo posted a new activity comment https://hvachub.co/news-feed/p/1693/#acomment-1724 Sun, 07 Sep 2025 13:54:14 +1200 We set up a basic automation last month-already got 3 reviews without asking manually.

In reply to - Benjamin posted an update in the group HVAC Email Pipeline Builder |Nurture Leads. Follow Up. Close More Deals One thing I keep noticing in our community: many HVAC contractors are still treating email like […] ]]>