4 Air Conditioner SECRETS That HVAC Companies Don't Want You To Know About

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 867

  • @aldrive622
    @aldrive622 ปีที่แล้ว +281

    Man, this man is AC God. Got quoted 10K from a "reputable" large company in town to replace a 2 ton air con/furnace. Had a friend come over, put in 1 lb Puron, cleaned evaporator coil.. it's back to work like new, temp set 75F and supply air's temp 57F....$300 cost. Now I don't trust a big AC company, driving around town in large van, wearing white lab coat and carrying a tablet to write quote....Find some one-man contractor that you trust and stick with him.

    • @troy3456789
      @troy3456789 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      My neighbor just paid "Right Now Heating and Air" (they have these cute little vans that run around) $31,000 for an 80% efficient furnace + a 13 SEER AC, and they got a "free water heater" 🙃

    • @BabbyGuavaandfriends
      @BabbyGuavaandfriends ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Did they also try to locate the source of the leak? It shouldn't be missing that refrigerant. At best Schrader cores, at worst an evap coil leak

    • @boostismagic
      @boostismagic ปีที่แล้ว

      @@troy3456789 I got my 4 ton 16 SEER online 12 years ago for less than 3k. Friend helped install it. Still blowing low 50's from vent in 100+ Texas air. (it IS a blessing to have a good friend who retired from HVAC.) Oh well, I hope your neighbor is a Californian.
      They can afford it.

    • @DennisYounker-sf5wb
      @DennisYounker-sf5wb ปีที่แล้ว +14

      If he added refrigerant, you have a leak. That old handyman knows there's a leak, and it's more profitable for him to come back next summer and do the same thing. Charge you for time and the refrigerant, and I guarantee you it is R22, which is liquid gold for hacks like him.
      And here you are thinking you saved money lol.

    • @sharedknowledge6640
      @sharedknowledge6640 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      HVAC contractors sadly almost all charge obscene amounts often working out to $300 or more per hour to do really simple things. They try to protect their obscene rates but videos like these help inform customers to reality.

  • @AnnetteRintelmann
    @AnnetteRintelmann 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +58

    DUDE YOU ARE A TRUE AMERICAN. YOU ARE WHAT AMERICA USE TO BE LIKE.

    • @gemeinschaftsgeful
      @gemeinschaftsgeful 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      True. Everyone else got bitten by the corporate scam attitude.

    • @Raggzzaug11
      @Raggzzaug11 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I remember (early 70's) when K-Mart had tube testers and tubes for sale so you could fix your radio or tv.

  • @hdcsp3
    @hdcsp3 ปีที่แล้ว +197

    You're a good man bro
    Not many service techs giving out small easy tips to homeowners.
    Doesn't cost anything to be nice and I guarantee they'll be calling you when it really matters.
    Keep it going bud.

    • @diyhvacguy
      @diyhvacguy  ปีที่แล้ว +31

      The reality is there is PLENTY of people in my area that have no desire to do hvac repairs themselves and they call me. But I’m happy it helps the folks that do want to tackle it themselves :)

  • @dzanze3733
    @dzanze3733 ปีที่แล้ว +69

    This advice is spot on! I was quoted $750 to replace my Capacitor. I researched the repair process, located the part locally for $49 and replaced it myself investing 3 hours of my own time.

    • @boydguie8129
      @boydguie8129 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      My cost like 14 dollars I think .

    • @jellen7332
      @jellen7332 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      when they charged my dad 450.00 I told that kid you know an ac capicator costs 12.00 on amazon he said well there is 2 of us today and we have to pay for insurance and trucks etc. I said... fine --- charge 250. and do 10 a day 2500.00 a day. my dad was like I don't want to wait a week to have AC --- fix it!! they have brand new vans and probably 6 trucks... I guess always look for a ac company with an old van...

    • @hwrdwlls
      @hwrdwlls ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I am also an AC contractor in Florida. I've come behind DIY homeowners after cleaning their coils where they have used a high pressure nozzle and bent the aluminum fins. I would not recommend a homeowner cleaning their own coils. It could potentially cost then far more than they save.

    • @hwrdwlls
      @hwrdwlls ปีที่แล้ว +5

      My average price for replacing a Run Cap is 150 - 225 and I use AmRad capacitors, Made in America. Not the junk on Amazon made in China.

    • @crocodile1313
      @crocodile1313 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jellen7332 So true! I had an HVAC company that used to be an honest mom-n-pop place always do my HVAC work. Unfortunately they were bought by a larger company which I only found out about because of their name change. Our AC went out the other night, they came out and quoted me almost $500 for capacitor replacement! I told them to tell the new owners to go f**k themselves. We suffered with no AC that night, but the next day I learned how to do it on TH-cam, and replaced the capacitor for under $50.

  • @youdontknowme5969
    @youdontknowme5969 ปีที่แล้ว +68

    I keep one of each of these spare parts on hand for those just-in-case moments:
    1. outside unit cap
    2. inside blower cap
    3. outdoor unit contactor
    4. hot surface ignitor

    • @TM_Stone
      @TM_Stone ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Same with me. I'm even thinking of getting a spare motor.

    • @timd1833
      @timd1833 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I was proactive and replaced my capacitor. $12 on Amazon. Took 15 minutes to replace, start to finish. Had to unscrew many screws to get to it.

    • @fallenx6735
      @fallenx6735 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Spare 240v fuses for the disconnect
      And 3amp fuses for the blower

    • @Watchyn_Yarwood
      @Watchyn_Yarwood ปีที่แล้ว

      @@timd1833 I do this every 2 or 3 years. $12 is cheap insurance especially when you spread it over 3 years! Contactor is $15 on Amazon so I keep a spare for my house and my rental house as well as a replacement jumper wire for the cap to contactor wire. Ants love contactors and their presence will cause resistance in the connections and eventually one of the wire terminals will corrode and stop making contact. I had a contractor quote me $316 to come change an 8 inch jumper wire. Which, by the way, I did myself in about 10 minutes start to finish.

    • @BuckFu
      @BuckFu ปีที่แล้ว +5

      You left out #5. A second hot surface igniter for when you break your first one. Lol you rookie.
      All good things for a capable diy’r. If you don’t understand electricity, just don’t.

  • @alec1113
    @alec1113 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    Keep doing what you do , integrity is everything . We have just been quoted $31000 for a new system in a 1600sq ft ranch style home . I asked if they were quoting for the right house . It was the best verbal laxative I've every had .
    All the best 👍

    • @fattymatty5380
      @fattymatty5380 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Great comeback. It should have been 1/5 of that

  • @CC-og4pe
    @CC-og4pe หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I agree with many of the people who have commented. You can tell this guy is straight, honest, and provides extreme value to his viewers. I really appreciate what he does for us.

  • @stevenk195
    @stevenk195 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Neighbor just had his run capacitor go out. HVAC guy charged him hundreds. Wish he had talked to me. Anyway, it prompted me to go ahead and order my dual run cap and change it out ahead of time (10 years old unit). Cost: $30. I did check the dual capacitance levels on the old part with my fluke meter (measures capacitance). The measurement was within tolerance on the first half, the other capacitance half was already half value. Probably would have failed soon, as my house was built within a year of my neighbors and we have the same model A/C unit.
    Special note: My dual capacitor markings were deteriorated and I was unable to read the values on the metal can. I found out you can get the run capacitor values directly off the actual compressor pump and exhaust fan. I used a flashlight to see down the center of the a/c unit to read the compressor uF value. The exhaust fan motor was easy to read at the top of the a/c unit.

  • @kevinstearns2071
    @kevinstearns2071 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +18

    I have to say you are a good man for giving out these little check list on what could or did go wrong with your A/C unit and it's really cool how you give a ballpark on what the Technician should be charging. As a Contractor myself, all I can say thank you for being a honest Tech and I wish the best for you, I did not think there were any honest guys left in the business, keep up the good work and thanks again.

  • @mmane257
    @mmane257 ปีที่แล้ว +374

    Man you are from a bygone era. integrity and honesty.

    • @michaeltammaro482
      @michaeltammaro482 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      No doubt. God Bless him.

    • @Watchyn_Yarwood
      @Watchyn_Yarwood ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Well said and I agree 100%!

    • @quadrunner8244
      @quadrunner8244 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      God bless you for helping us

    • @hondapilot
      @hondapilot ปีที่แล้ว +3

      He’s the best. And honest !

    • @waynewells3297
      @waynewells3297 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yep, he’s awesome, but there were plenty of scammers back in the day too. I grew up in the Paleolithic Era, and a lot of the spears and clubs they sold back then were total shite.

  • @kennyray9252
    @kennyray9252 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

    I love Honest people. Thanks.

  • @chesterwisniewski9698
    @chesterwisniewski9698 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    My last a/c lasted 29 years and was working fine when I decided to replace it along with the furnace. The only repair I ever made to the a/c was to replace the capacitor two times at less than $20 each time. Thanks for all of your excellent videos.

  • @caramia1042
    @caramia1042 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I moved to Florida, and after a week, the central air stopped working. I went outside and traced where the drain pipe was. I took a shop vac to it and while I'm vacuuming the AC turned on ! The gunk was blocking the flow. I canceled my appointment with an ac tech. You saved me 100s of dollars. Thank You 😊

  • @CBrown07696
    @CBrown07696 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Great video! I have my first call of the season Tomorrow. I do service work for property managers with hundreds of doors. I asked the biggest one last year why he keeps sending me to look at AC problems when he has an HVAC guy. He said it’s because I troubleshoot and figure out what’s wrong instead of always wanting to replace the entire system. The HVAC guy is a good dude. He just doesn’t have the time to mess with life support on these units. Some of them are 20 and 30 years old and the furnaces have parts dated from the 70s on them. Time to get my mental checklist up and running.

  • @NoemyLeyva-w2f
    @NoemyLeyva-w2f 11 วันที่ผ่านมา

    The lord will bless this man! We need more honest professionals willing to help others . Thank you for this information!

  • @jdub976
    @jdub976 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Been through all this myself. Listen to this mans advice he is being 100% honest and he is spot on with his advice.

  • @DexQuin
    @DexQuin ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I love your honesty. I’ve seen companies that tried to rip me and other off! I made a friend that works on HVAC and the 1st thing he taught me was how to check for a bad capacitor!

  • @user-kr2vs8sw1l
    @user-kr2vs8sw1l ปีที่แล้ว +3

    i've been quoted twice now that I needed a whole new AC unit, when it was only the capacitor. You are a good man!

    • @brucecavey9759
      @brucecavey9759 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Same thing happened to me but he cut two wires to the system after I left him alone ! Saw it was ok prior to leaving him alone for 2-3 minutes snd came back and saw the wires cut. I was kind of dumbfounded at first thinking that I missed seeing that as I was talking to him about educating myself on.AC questions. He said oh you need a news system. I told him that I would have to talk to my wife about it. She called her cousins husband who came out later that day and said you don’t need a new system and repaired the two wires that he cut intentionally and cleaned out certain things. Didn’t wanna dime for it, but we gave him 100 bucks for histime. We were extremely grateful.

  • @kennethpayne7547
    @kennethpayne7547 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I keep my A/C drain clear by pouring 1 cup of 50% Clorox and 50% water down the condensate drain or use 1 cup of vinegar. Also, check your capacitor for numbers and have a spare on hand. It cost me $250 to replace a $12 capacitor a few years ago, not again! This is a great video to watch.

  • @Salty_Knuckles
    @Salty_Knuckles ปีที่แล้ว +4

    As soon as he said air filter first, I knew he was on the right track. GREAT VIDEO!

  • @jond890
    @jond890 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    You are our hero. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and helping the rest of us. If you had a company in my area, I’d hire you in a heartbeat. Please keep up the great work!

    • @diyhvacguy
      @diyhvacguy  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks so much! 🙏🏻 that means a lot

  • @Dazlidorne
    @Dazlidorne ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I was planning on paying for a service call to clean my condenser coils, but after watching this video, I'll do it myself and save at least $100. Thanks.

  • @brandondeshields1808
    @brandondeshields1808 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love this dude , I’m a new homeowner , just found out , we have no filter in our at all , thanks for the location to find. AC not blowing cold now and hope the filter and cleaning will stop the loud sound when kicking on that sometimes is forever lol.
    You have taught me alot with your honesty and videos. Man do i owe you a drink 🥃

  • @trinamangan5253
    @trinamangan5253 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I am a SAHM with a nonstop traveling husband, live in the CA Central Valley (HOT) and my AC never went under 80 degrees. YOU SAVED ME! I followed many of your videos and completely fixed my issues. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. Keep going!

  • @deanwells2859
    @deanwells2859 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I really appreciate everything you are sharing with the community. I once had an AC contractor come to my house, tell me that my internal AC coil needed to be cleaned. Because I trusted the guy I had him do it. He charged me $ 350. Several months later my AC system still was not cooling well and I had a different guy come out. He told me the same thing, had me watch as he sprayed the unit with a cleaner and then proceeded to really clean this coil. Needless to say, this well known contractor was never used again plus since the new guy showed me how to do it, I have cleaned my own coils myself. The total cost for the new guy with some extra Freon being added was around $ 100. It is best for the do-it-yourself people to do your own work. I certainly learned a huge lesson.

  • @boydguie8129
    @boydguie8129 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    All good advice . I have replaced my contactor and capacitor 2or 3 times each . 31 year old unit .

  • @gregbullington891
    @gregbullington891 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I subbed just because you seem like a genuine descent person.

    • @diyhvacguy
      @diyhvacguy  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks so much! 🙏🏻

  • @BlainsTube
    @BlainsTube ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My Trane system is 18 years old.
    I'm religious about filter changing, foam clean my condenser every year or two and keeping the evap drain clear.
    In that 18 years I've replaced the condenser capacitor and blower cap. (1 week apart, together less than $25). Last year I got an oil/refrigerant charge (evaporator freezing up), I paid my service guy $175. The bill was actually lower but I treat my HVAC guy good. He's lightning fast on service and has coached me over the phone when he was on vacation. Service like that, I want to reward and hang on to.

    • @Trust_but_Verify
      @Trust_but_Verify ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I was charged $250/lb R-22 for refill. How is yours so cheap?

    • @BlainsTube
      @BlainsTube ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Trust_but_Verify I didn't need a pound. My tech had a prepackaged oil/freon charged canister. He measured the initial pressure and said it was still good but could accept a little more. I guess there's a range for pressure. I explained that the filter was new, I had every vent full open, but the evap coil was still freezing up. He added the oil/freon charge and bingo, the ice melted and the system was going great again. The canister came in a small box.

    • @handlesaredumb1
      @handlesaredumb1 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@BlainsTubeI've been doing hvac for 5yrs and this sounds a bit odd. Refrigerant has oil in with it and if you have to add refrigerant you need a leak search to fix it if possible. Especially of its still under warranty so you can replace the coil before it's expensive.

    • @baronnucleus401
      @baronnucleus401 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Trust_but_Verify R22 is an old refrigerant that is rarely used in residential applications. The price of a 25lb bottle of R22 is crazy, so companies have to charge a lot (I will admit 250 per lb is still steep)

    • @Trust_but_Verify
      @Trust_but_Verify 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@baronnucleus401 My AC system is 20 years old, If it leaks out again I will replace the system. I have 2 zones, I plan to just replace the one that leaked, if the other zone/system is still working then just wait till it breaks down? I'd had capacitors replaced before.

  • @DB57RB
    @DB57RB 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +13

    One thing that I've noticed with the HVAC community is many of them like to take advantage of the elderly. It's truly disturbing how some people can sleep at night after being a scammer all day.

    • @joeystrains.9316
      @joeystrains.9316 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Their AC won't operate in hell.

  • @vart7767
    @vart7767 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

    You are a honest man I hope you prosper beyond belief.

  • @harshalshah4685
    @harshalshah4685 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Watched a couple of your diagnostic videos and i want to THANK YOU for the work you do. You saved me a small fortune.

  • @charleshovorka2773
    @charleshovorka2773 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Your a "Rock Star" May your cup over floweth!! From all of US who are trying to beat the man..Not be the Man..

  • @tedm4932
    @tedm4932 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I wish all service techs were straight and honest as you are !!! Not many around today !!!!
    God Bless You for helping many home owners !!! 🙏

  • @jazmanjef
    @jazmanjef ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You deserve that nice trailer in back of your home. You're an honest businessman and the Lord is blessing you for that.

  • @carlwheeler3403
    @carlwheeler3403 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I have been maintaining my AC units (3 & 4 Ton R-22) myself for the past 20 years. I had an AC tech charge me $335 to replace the capacitor, I later found that Amazon has the capacitor for $30 and they are easy to replace. I now keedp them stacked in my garage and replace them about every 2 years. I also check the the temperature difference on the filter drier as well. Thanks for the video !!!

    • @Trust_but_Verify
      @Trust_but_Verify ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Why bother replacing capacitor proactively? Just do it when it fails, my capacitor lasted 15 and 19 years. Amazon has next day delivery so no reason to "stock them", at most 1 is enough.

    • @Watchyn_Yarwood
      @Watchyn_Yarwood ปีที่แล้ว +1

      And I as well. My caps are $12 and contactors $15 on Amazon. I have my home and a rental house and I keep spares for both plus a 10ga jumper wire for the cap to contactor as ants love contactors. They nest on the contacts which builds resistance and eventually the wire ends will burn from excessive resistance or the contactor will burn out for the same reason. $27 is cheap insurance especially when spread over 2 or 3 years! And I change my filter every 45 days and vacuum my drain lines every spring. More cheap insurance.

    • @carlwheeler3403
      @carlwheeler3403 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Watchyn_Yarwood Yep, I have spare contactors as well. The heat here in Houston is brutal on the capacitors.

    • @handlesaredumb1
      @handlesaredumb1 ปีที่แล้ว

      Good on you. Most of my customers can't even remember to change their filters.

    • @gatesmw50
      @gatesmw50 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Trust_but_Verify Completely agree. I did 25 years of HVAC service and maybe encountered 2 or 3 service calls with bad run capacitors per year.

  • @82accs
    @82accs 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    A retired HVAC relative rescued us years ago with a quick capacitor replacement, showed me where it goes, and I went ahead and ordered up a spare for my parts shelf. Just had to use it this past Summer, and went right back and ordered another spare for next time...

  • @saundradodson2351
    @saundradodson2351 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Wish you were my HVAC man to call!!!You seem very honest and I'm glad to have found your page❤😊You explain things very well and very helpful!! Thank for helping us with what to to!!

  • @rogermartin404
    @rogermartin404 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I've recharged my whole house air unit with R134 freon for the past 20 years and it still works just fine.

    • @daddygc5814
      @daddygc5814 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Never heard of that.how's your pressure readings

    • @Matts_Crafty
      @Matts_Crafty ปีที่แล้ว

      lol@@daddygc5814

  • @Vic-ro2rp
    @Vic-ro2rp ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you for this video! I just had my entire HVAC unit break-down, had a new one installed, so this video will help understand the essentials of keeping it at 100%!

  • @WOW_AQUATICS
    @WOW_AQUATICS ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sir Because of your knowledge and empowering honesty, when my AC went down. I checked and changed my capacitor, and located the a short in my low voltage thermostat wire.
    Bam ! it worked.. so I bought the nu calgom condenser cleaner took off fan and cleaned that really dirty coil. Bought condensate pan tablets.. finally need to teardown the evaporator box to clean that coil.but I can do it thanks to you..BTW some "friend "told me it would be a grand to just get it going.
    Cost me 100 bucks for 😢 I have plenty for next season..Amana ASX 4 ton unit. THANK YOU FOR SHARING ALL THE GREAT INFO SIR!! next job is a soft start micro air due to living in Houston TX hurricane season generators are a necessity.

  • @e.balsamo6889
    @e.balsamo6889 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thank You for sharing an honest review. As a homeowner it's good to know at least the basic. I live in South Florida I have learned you always have an extra Capititor on hand. Always my fail a holiday or weekend. They are super cheap on Amazon. .
    If you have a mini split I would advise ordering all new sensors and replace them every two years. I have a 18k btu 20.5 seer unit.in my tiny house. It was acting up had a ac company tell me it needed to be replaced they wanted 6k I done research learned there is a small led light on the power board count the blinks there is a chart on top inside lid. Turned out it was the pressure heat sensor that was bad. I decided to replace all sensors done a good coil clean inside and out. Guess what today was 90 inside temp was 72. Total cost with shipping was under 50 dollars. Best to have these sensors and Capititors on hand. It's scary we live in a world where so many homeowners don't know where the air filter at don't seem possible. Again thank you for a honest video to help others. I would say never hire a big company find a small family owned or a private person.

  • @michaely1164
    @michaely1164 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you so much for all your videos, especially this one. You’re helping everyone watching to be informed and what’s expected for hvac repairs and particularly the costs. Knowing a homeowner’s basic maintenance can save thousands of dollars. Hope you can continue the videos, I’ll keep watching. Bless you.

  • @chrisokeeffe7624
    @chrisokeeffe7624 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I use filter buy and love it. Cheaper than the box store or ac supplies. They are good filters too.

  • @plc4012
    @plc4012 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for sharing. My air conditioner was not cooling. I was charged $250 to change my capacitor. Next day the air conditioner and thermostat would not turn on at all . I was charged $169 (not including pump) to have the condensation pump, replaced. Later that evening, when the air conditioner and thermostat would not turn on again, we discovered that we did not need a new pump replaced but that the pump was losing power due to a tripping outlet! Luckily, we were not charged for the third visit. (That outlet was wired to a GFIF outlet that had tripped). Beware of tripping outlets.

  • @John-mh6mi
    @John-mh6mi 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Thank you sir honest people like you are so need right now with the way everything is so expensive. God bless you!

  • @JonO387
    @JonO387 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I helped a guy do HVAC work one summer a few years back. I would say 50% of the calls we went on were capacitor replacements.

  • @poolfixer
    @poolfixer ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for advising laypeople on how not to get ripped off! In addition, this is why customers should be helicopters.

  • @pumpupjam9648
    @pumpupjam9648 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Gosh, your the best so far on You Tube! Straight forward and knowledgeable. I have a an electric furnace, and heat pump. It sits near other heat pumps. I've noticed leaves inside the bottom coils. I cannot get to the heat pump to vacuum it out. So am having someone come to do that. Truthfully, am just scared with so many crooks out there who claim to be HVAC "professionals." I called a service company that has been around for 50 yrs. But they are also trying to hire new people and you know today, people don't want to really work and learn trade. So this scares me. Scammers are everywhere! I was looking at one of their yearly maintenance plans $200.00. But first they said someone has to come out and inspect my furnace and heat pump to see if it is okay. If it's not, and I still want to the maintenance, up front $130.00 plus $70.00 if it needs a part to return the next day or week, and then $200.00 for the rest of the year. I think am getting ripped off what do you guys think? My furnace is 9 yrs old and it's electric. I've seen heat pumps in my community that are rusted and still run (top of fan cage). Some of them are 34 yrs old and still running. Trane furnace and heat pumps seem to last longer. The heat pump next door to me, this winter, I saw massive amount of ice from inside the the metal cage on the coils. I told the owner and he said there is nothing wrong with it. I see a fire hazard myself. And too, had snow, and went out there myself and dug out the snow from around my heat pump. I want nothing blocking air! Anyway, if someone could answer my question I'd appreciate it.

  • @Honestandtruth007
    @Honestandtruth007 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    That's Why I choose To do myself in Fixing everything that I can........ Like he said it depends on how much knowledge we have when talking to those Techs people...... You are A REAL Good guy 👍❤️👍

    • @troy3456789
      @troy3456789 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      There are many, many people that are probably smart enough; but have reservations about touching any part of an AC system (other than the buttons on the thermostat)

    • @Watchyn_Yarwood
      @Watchyn_Yarwood ปีที่แล้ว

      @@troy3456789You are so right. The only reason I can and do is because I was raised very poor and we had to fix any and everything we could. We had no other choice. Paying someone was completely out of the question. It helped build my confidence and totally changed my life. I was fortunate to raise both my children to believe in themselves and believe they could accomplish most anything they put their mind to.

    • @Honestandtruth007
      @Honestandtruth007 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@troy3456789 Fyi..... 8 years ago I installed Central Gas Heater and One year Later I installed a Complete System of A Condenser and Evaporator coil All by myself. But it took me a month of each Unit to Complete by working on my Spear time and Learning Process. Today, it's still working fine for all Units.👍👍

    • @Honestandtruth007
      @Honestandtruth007 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@troy3456789 But my first Testing on the Central Gas Heater, I told my family everyone go Outside of the house While I Running the Test 😁👍😅 and it was Good 👍

  • @billybassman21
    @billybassman21 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    You just covered about 70% of HVAC calls. This is doable for anyone with a technical mindset. With some gauges, temperature probe, freon and an EPA test you can also check the charge and charge with superheat and subcooling. Changing condenser fan, blower fan, blower capacitor, gas valve, flame sensor, igniter and other parts is also doable. I would leave system change outs, TXV replacements, brazing the lines and some others to the pros.

    • @LTDan-pk3mx
      @LTDan-pk3mx หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes but if you are Determined! You can do the whole job.. up to and including the complete installation.. Silver soldering is so easy just use metal sheets for fire protection and follow this guy for soldering as well.. All the rest is grunt work!! Crawl spaces and Attics!!

  • @fakechecknumber1198
    @fakechecknumber1198 3 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Really good video like the vibes you PROJECT at a DOZEN MINUTES "STILL NOT LEAVING "
    I TOTALLY AGREE SOFAR.CONTINUE

  • @ratingsbyringo6162
    @ratingsbyringo6162 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Awesome Job!!! I learned about the capacitor last year after paying the HVAC company. I watched him replace it and decided I will never pay someone to do that again. 😄

    • @diyhvacguy
      @diyhvacguy  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Rock on brotha. Glad you learned something from it

  • @gerardmccarthy2432
    @gerardmccarthy2432 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thank you for your efforts. It will pay you dividends later. No need to gouge anyone there is plenty of work to go around. The problem is most large hvac companies use the techs as salesmen (with commission) giving the incentive to replace rather than repair . I would suggest getting at least 3 quotes.

  • @TheAnticorporatist
    @TheAnticorporatist ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Yeah, we had these guys come through and convince my wife that we needed a whole new $5k unit, I called some local guys that we trust and they came through and fixed whatever was wrong with it for $50 or something.

  • @machokie
    @machokie ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks dude! 17 bucks and I’m back in the cool!

  • @Shorty_Lickens
    @Shorty_Lickens ปีที่แล้ว +5

    PSA even after the recent inflation you can still get higher quality capacitors for 12 to 20 dollars. The cheap ones are 10 dollars and dont last as long, so not only does it make sense to upgrade but also keep at least one spare on hand. Professionals will charge you hundreds to come out and replace the capacitor and usually they install one of the cheap models anyway.

  • @jerrycurls88
    @jerrycurls88 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Appreciate the info. The last two tips are really great. It'll help homeowners save a lot of money. If nothing else, it'll keep the repair reasonable when homeowners know the cost of the parts.

  • @ManuelSanchez-po9yq
    @ManuelSanchez-po9yq 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    May God bless this man for his heart!

  • @VP411Designs
    @VP411Designs 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    These videos are awesome and very helpful. Love these videos. Thank-you for being honest and helpful

  • @1mw4tch1ng
    @1mw4tch1ng 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Been watching several of your VLOGs and we appreciate showing home how to perform their own HVAC maintenance and repair.

  • @DiggininthecrateS100
    @DiggininthecrateS100 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you! We all need to make money for good work but a huge difference of taking advantage!!

  • @dcole7092
    @dcole7092 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for sharing your knowledge. So many in the industry are against you sharing your knowledge and helping the public keep contractors honest.

  • @SMNR777
    @SMNR777 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Love the simple explanations coupled with in depth details I have an old rv with an old ac unit and everytime I have tried to look up anything on learning how to fix an ac its always ads for professionals or schools and I'm unable to afford those and I need it fixed quick so I never fixed it and got a window ac, with this guys videos makes me want to learn about it again.. thanks for the vids brother 👍

  • @j.b.e.5149
    @j.b.e.5149 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks Eli. This is very helpful. Love your Caesars Sportsbook commercials with your brothers.

  • @eugenefirebird8938
    @eugenefirebird8938 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for being an honest guy.

  • @657449
    @657449 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for showing what we can easily do ourselves.

  • @triggerMB
    @triggerMB 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I followed your directions, took top off my outside unit. I could not believe how filthy it was. Hard to believe it was getting any air flow. Great advice.

  • @jamesmatticks70
    @jamesmatticks70 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Thanks, bro! Top grade service information!

  • @KpxUrz5745
    @KpxUrz5745 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very nice and helpful video. Homeowners really need this basic information. I really appreciate integrity, as other have pointed out in the comments.

  • @petef.4361
    @petef.4361 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    One video I would love to see you talk about is differences in efficiency between different types of systems. For example, let's say you need a new system, and you had a typical single-stage air conditioner. You would have the choice to choose the cheapest single-stage system, a system with a dual-stage compressor, or the newer variable speed compressors (I guess they can also be called inverter-compressors). I just had to make this choice recently, and went with a dual-stage Lennox split system with a dual-stage compressor and variable speed air handler. I wasn't sure how much I'd like it having never owned one, but I absolutely love the dual-stage over my last AC unit. I live in Southern Utah desert where the temps during the summer can frequently go above 100 degrees in the summer for maybe 3 or 4 months out of the year. The rest of the year is quite warm, but doesn't get that hot. What I have found is that 80% of the time, my A/C can run in stage 1 and keeps my house plenty cold (and I keep my thermostat at 69 degrees too). The other 20% of the time, it will kick into stage 2 when the house is not cooling down fast enough. Using some monitoring devices, I also discovered that when it runs in Stage 1, it uses almost half the power as it does when it kicks into Stage 2. This saves a lot on my power bill. I also like how when it runs in stage 1, rather than have a full-blast single-stage system running, it slows down the air handler fan and there is a constant, slow cool breeze throughout the house. I can't describe it in words, but the air feels cooler and more comfortable, perhaps because it removes more humidity as well and I hate humidity! I actually wanted to go with the variable-speed compressor at the time, but it was way expensive and the salesman warned me that replacing that compressor would be very expensive should it need it out of warranty, and he said he had not seen enough of them running long enough to know for sure if they are reliable yet. So for now, I am glad I did not go with that one, but in the future I would like to go with a variable-speed compressor if they are proven reliable. So what is your take on single-stage, dual-stage, and variable speed compressors? What is your experience with servicing them, and how well they have help up for your customers over time?

  • @mattc7270
    @mattc7270 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you very much. We need more honesty in the world and you are part of the solution.

  • @IamMugs
    @IamMugs ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Caps are the biggest scam, ever. Thanks for educating the folks that don't know better

  • @markadkins9290
    @markadkins9290 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you, I want to send this to my son. He's having some issues, wish you were there to help him. Maybe the knowledge might help. Thanks again!!

  • @pukaseek
    @pukaseek ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I wish your company was in the houston area. I don’t suppose you would know an honest AC guy over here, do you? I did service most of my working career and I learned to repair a lot of things around the house and on our cars. I will say that if you find a good honest auto mechanic or carpenter or AC guy hang onto them like grim death. I am in my senior years and am not physically able to do my own repairs. Thank you sir for your tips. God Bless!

  • @morgancoles914
    @morgancoles914 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thank you so much for these tips! I am a single mom of 3 and a recent college grad (between school and a "real" job) and looking to save money on my unit that went down recently. What can I do if I see ice built up? How long does it take to fully thatlw out once shutting the system off and to fan only? What other issues can cause ice to build up? Thanks for helping me thus far!

  • @josephpinal2434
    @josephpinal2434 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    thank you sir , you gave me the confidence to dive in and replace my own capacitor! thank you thank you thank you !

  • @twooldmuppets2767
    @twooldmuppets2767 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I really enjoy how you deliver information step by step. Thank You.

  • @davlogic
    @davlogic 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love FilterBuy, I got a geothermal system and many companies sell two-piece filters that are taped together since mine requires a 30”x36x2” filter but FilterBuy sells one piece filters.

  • @starhopper457
    @starhopper457 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    #5?? Evaporator coil cleaning. I agree with the other four. Starting to do these, thanks to you!

  • @dan4091
    @dan4091 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Never ever call the big AC companies for service, they are a guaranteed ripoff, yet they’ll show up on Google with a nearly 5 out of 5 rating because most folks don’t know better. A clogged drain line and bad capacitor are the most common issues, and both are repairs pretty much anyone with common sense can fix.

    • @Watchyn_Yarwood
      @Watchyn_Yarwood ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Man, yeah! My rental house. Big company wanted to charge me $100 service call and $216 to change the 10ga jumper wire from cap to contactor. Turned out the contactor had ant infestation which built up resistance which burned the end off the wire. I had wire in my garage and a $15 spare contactor. Total cost to me to fix it myself maybe $20.

  • @monkeyfinger7949
    @monkeyfinger7949 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Immensely helpful video. I'm thinking everyone with a home needs to watch this. Thanks.

  • @slramos
    @slramos หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great info for the layman. Thank you. Knowledge is power!!!

  • @JCN2000
    @JCN2000 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Keep calling your handyman it’ll get you far

  • @billsimpson604
    @billsimpson604 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nearly 90% of 'no cooling' calls in Louisiana are from failed capacitors. I keep a new one on hand. I need to check to see if I have a spare one for the fan inside the air handler, where I changed the motor and capacitor about 4 years ago.

  • @balloney2175
    @balloney2175 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you HVAC Guy, I wish I had seen your awesome post long ago because I will be suffering from so much heat this summer.

  • @Don-te3qg
    @Don-te3qg ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Dave; you are the BEST!!! I think you should put together a video series on hvac maintenance. How to install certain hvac parts and components. And a trouble shooting series. I would $ay for something like that to have as a stand alone at my home. Just my 2 cents. Keep doing what you are doing. I love your channel.

  • @Moon-tz9on
    @Moon-tz9on หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks man, you saved me a lot of money that I don’t have.

  • @leealtmansr.3811
    @leealtmansr.3811 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thank you. You are going to get more business for the real techs. Yes, our industry is worse than used car salesmen, but we know how to properly do things. Like washing the outdoor coils, I have seen to many homeowners damage the fins. As for electrical work... 😅 Another homeowner problem is that they will strip screws, although techs are just as bad. In a future video, you might say that depending on where you live. In my neck of the wood (desert), one should change their filter monthly. Otherwise, it's not a bad video, very informative.

  • @boatlover1875
    @boatlover1875 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I was well on my way to a 1K or more bill on my furnace due to soot on a flame sensor. I called the areas largest HVAC company and the parts changer replaced the control board and would have changed the gas valve if he was talented enough to get the old one off. $1 got smart and called the company that installed it in a new home and had done well with a warranty issue his partner failed to fix twice. $10 part and the guy was honest and had me up in running in five minutes. I went a month living with space heaters, fortunately I live in the south. This is even easier to replace than a capacitor. Have both in stock now...

  • @johnporter5828
    @johnporter5828 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Best general A/C maintainence video I've seen !

  • @josemorales8046
    @josemorales8046 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks brother for be honest ,it take you so far.

  • @andresbarragan8595
    @andresbarragan8595 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    FROM CHICAGO M YOUR #1 WACHING YOUR VIDEOS
    THANK YOU SO MUCH

  • @jacobbayer1581
    @jacobbayer1581 ปีที่แล้ว

    😲 I am speechless about the Filterbuy pricing! Such an awesome recommendation. That's where I'm buying all of my filters from now on.

    • @diyhvacguy
      @diyhvacguy  ปีที่แล้ว

      Make sure and use the link in the video description the next time you buy! Thanks so much! Cheers

  • @steveonthebeach2339
    @steveonthebeach2339 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Your videos are always informative. Thank you for sharing your hvac expertise!

  • @debmoore629
    @debmoore629 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I take my panels off each year on my air to remove all the cotton wood fluff that packs on there using my wet/dry vac.

  • @user-kr9mh5oi1q
    @user-kr9mh5oi1q 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    its amazing they don't cost more. Merv 8 filters I have purchased for years, in 2019 they were 6.19 each. Now they are 8.07 each

  • @michaelcinaz
    @michaelcinaz ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent video! Very good points. HVAC companies charge more than they need to. I would get multiple bids on any job that cost $1000 or more.

  • @linhchau9788
    @linhchau9788 ปีที่แล้ว

    Brother that's this day and age.. the more you can educate and learn to tackle it yourself, the better off for you..since I was a kid always try to do it myself than have someone fix it for me. I ll put that labor in my own pocket.

  • @marty0063
    @marty0063 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for sharing all of these tips. My husband is an electrical engineer, so he should be really helpful with this stuff after learning how from the video. Wish we would have known that about the capacitor sooner. The a/c broke on Friday afternoon in a small town, so no one could come out until Monday to fix it. It was also one of the hottest weekends of that summer. Over 100 degrees each day. Also a tourist town, so hotel rooms are pricey and scarce during the summer.

  • @WayneBain
    @WayneBain ปีที่แล้ว

    Ignorance can be very, very expensive. And any technical device is ripe for the rip off artists. People just do not know how or why things work. Educate yourself by watching videos like this great video.