I like how u took care of his dryer vent like that. Says a lot about a person. Takes you 5-10 minutes of ur day to save the customer headaches and money down the line. U seem like a great guy Ted
And screws are now allowed in dryer vents since 2012 I believe. For the exact reason you fixed, eg the vent ducts fall apart. They are limited to 1/4” inside as a compromise.
I’ve been in the industry for over 25 years and a can’t tell you enough Thank You for being a professional and taking care of not only the ac issue but stopped to fix something that you saw needed to be fixed and just fixed it. Keep doing what you do. Stay safe
Your work here and on other videos give me a good feeling that there are a few of us older journeyman techs that still give a s7/t about looks, and function together, like my father in law said and did. "an extra five or ten now may save you a costly hour(s) later. I saw the 80% Goodman install under home. ha. .. I see that daily up in Michigan alot..quick hack install and try to sell if code enforcement inspector don't flag it. Take care during the pandemic and keep learning.
Thank you for your honesty uncle Ted. I’ve been watching hvac yt for a short time and I’ve noticed a trend. Some do it for the love of the trade. Some do it for the views while getting traction for their work and honesty. And some straight rip people off and do it for views. All to chase they almighty dollar.
You sir are a true professional. Anyone can up sell and replace parts. Troubleshooting and diagnostics are invaluable. Honesty and integrity go a long way in this business.
I thought you would have pressurized with nitrogen. For all we know, the Teflon rings could be missing. Keep up the good videos. I like seeing what's out there in residential land
When you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras. They just forgot to tighten from fingertight to final torque. Shit happens. But it’s relatively unlikely that they’d *also* have made another big mistake at the same time. And draining the entire system, vacuuming, then nitrogen, then refilling... that’s a pretty big investment in time which equals money, for a low likelihood of an upside.
I had an an almost identical problem with a Trane in and attic at a allergy clinic. Same deal, the txt was loose leaking just like yours only not quite as bad. That was the installer on the one I worked on.
The last time I called a company to fix my hydronic boiler system, I told the tech, "I'm going watch everything you do, so the next time this happens I'm doing it myself." It cost me $700 with labor for a $100 Taco circulator pump (NYC thievery). I have 5 of those on my system. You do the math. Sure enough a few weeks later one of the other pumps went out. The system is about 15 years old. $100 for the pump and 4 new nuts/bolts, and an hour of my time I was back in business.
There’s a reason you’re paying that. So you don’t damage your machine or harm your family. Messing with any sort of combustion heat source without being an actual professional, is kind of like leaving you’re newborn with a sitter you find on the state register list. There’s levels to this shit man.
And just because your cousin Johnny was a duct sub for 3 months, doesn’t mean he can help you properly install you’re very own extra special super customer Platinum series Goodman furnace and vent pipe for some pizza and Busch light.
You're not just paying for the part. 9 out of 10 times, its not just a cut and dry remove and replace. You can cause a lot of damage if the proper process following the replace of a component is not done. Especially on a closed hydronic system where most all the air needs to be removed from the system.
There are lots of videos with a TIME IS MONEY attitude and some sloppy work as a result of only spending 30 min on the job for the flat fee charged. Its great to see an honest tradesman who cares enough to make the customer happy and earn repeat business.
Good catch on the dryer very. Very dangerous venting in the crawlspace. I would never have a dryer in my house where I couldn't vent it directly out the wall.
I like to use metal plumbing strap around the pipe and screw the strap up to the floor joist. This way I'm not overstepping any codes and keep the vent from sliding down/moving once it heats up. Great video- just a suggestion.
Christian Dwyer - the metal strap works and is cheaper than proper hangers. I just replaced the B vent pipe with my new furnace so I used a $5 hanger rather than the metal strap. It just looks better.
Hackers exist in every profession. Their are tons of “licensed” or “certified” hacks working in HVAC and auto repair. I have even run across several doctors who were nothing but hacks and only wanted to milk the insurance company.
On the dryer vent I get what your saying, but I always use foil tape and make sure it’s strapped up good. I had one last summer somebody put screws in and it was unreal how badly stopped up it was. I cleaned it out and ditched the screws and foil taped the life out of the joints. Another way would be pop rivets. But again I get why you did it the way you did. When your out in the field working you can’t always do everything the way you’re like to, especially when you have other calls to get to.
Great video. Being up north I never see heat pumps so always interested in those videos. Personally I would have put that sensing bulb outside the box horizontally, but that’s just me. Keep up the great videos and Merry Christmas.
Andy The Handy Man - If the TXV is inside the case, I usually install the sensing bulb inside also. I just installed a Goodman evaporator with an external TXV so I installed the sensing bulb externally. BTW, the sensing bulb can be mounted vertically, with the tail up.
i absolutely enjoy how you take care of your customers or potential new customers.the only difference between what you do and 50 other places that do the same thing is" customer service".one big family not customers.
The sad part is the guy probably came in and thought they were low, pumped them full of refrigerant, realized it was a TXV, so they paid for the refrigerant and the TXV, then you had to come in and fix the leak, and they needed all new refrigerant again.
Why is it more efficient with a plenum? Better airflow? JW cause my dads return is straight flex like that. It’s been like that since the house was built.
May be overkill, but my HVAC contractor has a service contract arrangement where I pay $15 per month (auto withdrawn) and they come every fall and check/clean the furnace and replace the filter, and in the Spring they checks/clean the AC and replace the filter. If something is wrong and I need parts while they are here I just pay the parts cost. If I have trouble between those re-emptive service calls I pay a reduced base service call fee plus parts. Seems a good deal for both of us and I am sure my equipment gets professional attention. Since I have a contract I go to the head of the list when I have trouble, including nights and weekends (well, along with the other contract holders).
Ever try little zip straps?? On txv’s I used 1 zip on the fill tube 2 on the bulb and snip them tight then I use 2pcs of scrap suction line insulation split in half. Cover the bulb top and bottom and zip strap it up tight. Snip all the strap ends. Put the top ins over the bottom and it looks really nice when your done. And the bulb is tight and well insulated Just my way tho. I hated those metal straps also. Lol.
If the previous tech didn't even know or be bothered to tighten the TXV fittings properly, he almost certainly didn't pull a vacuum either. I would have recovered and charged in known fresh, uncontaminated 410a, it's not like it's that expensive. Otherwise excellent work as always!
The only thing I would have done a little different than what you did was I would have pumped the unit down. And I would have done a pressure test. The technician that replace that TXV probably didn't pressure test with nitrogen. On a heat pump coil I pressure test at 350 PSIG. I would have let it sit for good 10-15 minutes and I would have Bubble tested those joints just to make sure. I replaced the Trane TXV on a old R22 unit and I did have to get it really tight. When it felt so good and snug it wasn't enough I have had to go a little bit more that's what the soap bubbles in the nitrogen did for me.
I never was a fan of just hand tightening all the fittings ... Lol ... The previous 3 Stooges HVAC/R company that did the job should carry wrenches in their tool bags ... Good fix Ted ...
With the valve being that loose I would guess that it didn't have a proper vacuum pulled on it. Also with it being 410 (not freon as someone pointed out🤓) it's a blend and cheap, would it not be easy to talk the customer into pulling a proper vacuum and replacing the, not freon?.
By showing the sticker of the hvac contractor on the condensor, are you saying they are at fault? Seeing it’s not a new install, I wouldn’t be quick to blame them. And why didn’t you put the bulb outside the evap cabinet on the suction line, assuming you know it belongs there and not inside the cabinet.
11:06 Would it be possible (and Legal of course) to use heavy-duty Zip-Ties to hold the sensing bulb in place or would the plastic tie just melt? (I don't know if the bulb senses High or Low temperatures)...
Thats good....Helicopter. At First that went straight on over my head. I dont do residential too much anymore BUT I will have to use that term if a HELICOPTER is hovering over me. 😎👍
Even better is when the homeowner is out recording you while you are recording lol. I don't work on residential stuff except for family and a few friends, I got my HVAC stuff to service radio customers comms shelter climate control systems alongside their comms equipment. It's easier for them to have everything on one ticker and PO
Basically my boss said to tighten those up as much as you can, but I think if they give a torque rating to use a torque wrench, cause you can over do it. For those sensing bulbs I like those metal pipe clamps that tighten via a screw.
The TX valve, did he check for leaks with bubbles? Before and after? The TX bulb, no use of heat transfer paste? Was the condensor fan coming on eventually? Checking all these allows you to drive off with confidence.
That's gorilla snot. We used it in place of all factory grommets. Tried to beat factory air tight ratings. Also TXV bulbs really should have copper brackets. The copper transfers heat into the entire bulb. Seen a lot of zip ties and Panduits.
Could you point me to a section of the mechanical code or even the residential code where it states no screws in vent pipe?I am under the understanding that two screws and a sealant be used (U182 silver tape or duct sealant )
You should have been selling a new system including ducts within the first half hour. What a poor install. Nice job finding the leaks. Any 410a system with leaks should be reclaimed and weighed back in. Thanks for the video.
The Furnace King seems to me that was the previous workers game plan. Do a poor repair to try and sell a new system once it fails again. Crooked work to try an sell for commission. Personal opinion...
I like how u took care of his dryer vent like that. Says a lot about a person. Takes you 5-10 minutes of ur day to save the customer headaches and money down the line. U seem like a great guy Ted
And screws are now allowed in dryer vents since 2012 I believe. For the exact reason you fixed, eg the vent ducts fall apart. They are limited to 1/4” inside as a compromise.
Would aluminum tape be a good compromise?
I’ve been in the industry for over 25 years and a can’t tell you enough Thank You for being a professional and taking care of not only the ac issue but stopped to fix something that you saw needed to be fixed and just fixed it. Keep doing what you do. Stay safe
Excellent above and beyond service. Being a stationary engineer I really appreciate seeing this type of customer service. Thank you!!
Damn an honest hvac guy. Not many of them around anymore
Caring about others comes back to you in double. Thanks for caring. Learning a lot from you. Keep it coming.
This is my first time viewing one of your videos and I really enjoyed it. You elaborated on each problem which was great for new techs. Thanks!
Your work here and on other videos give me a good feeling that there are a few of us older journeyman techs that still give a s7/t about looks, and function together, like my father in law said and did. "an extra five or ten now may save you a costly hour(s) later. I saw the 80% Goodman install under home. ha. .. I see that daily up in Michigan alot..quick hack install and try to sell if code enforcement inspector don't flag it.
Take care during the pandemic and keep learning.
Thank you for your honesty uncle Ted. I’ve been watching hvac yt for a short time and I’ve noticed a trend. Some do it for the love of the trade. Some do it for the views while getting traction for their work and honesty. And some straight rip people off and do it for views. All to chase they almighty dollar.
You are correct no screws in the vent and it's best to use the aluminum tape. Great work Ted,have a great Christmas!
Nate Peterson - Ted probably didn’t have the correct tape which is surprising since even I keep a roll of that on hand.
You sir are a true professional. Anyone can up sell and replace parts. Troubleshooting and diagnostics are invaluable. Honesty and integrity go a long way in this business.
It goes a long way in any business.
I thought you would have pressurized with nitrogen. For all we know, the Teflon rings could be missing. Keep up the good videos. I like seeing what's out there in residential land
When you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras. They just forgot to tighten from fingertight to final torque. Shit happens. But it’s relatively unlikely that they’d *also* have made another big mistake at the same time.
And draining the entire system, vacuuming, then nitrogen, then refilling... that’s a pretty big investment in time which equals money, for a low likelihood of an upside.
Insulation of the bulb is a great idea! Nice job!
The Fin Coils on the Outdoor Unit look seriously dirty, maybe for another day... Great work great Upload...
Nice job. I like the dryer bands for the joints. They are about 3” wide with two screws. I think RE Michael sold them. Merry Christmas Ted
Solid work by the gunslinger again!!! Keep it up ted
Excellent! Even little details like putting the caps on have a reason
Had a helicopter out here 😂
I had an an almost identical problem with a Trane in and attic at a allergy clinic. Same deal, the txt was loose leaking just like yours only not quite as bad. That was the installer on the one I worked on.
Fascinating to watch and listen to this man in action.
The last time I called a company to fix my hydronic boiler system, I told the tech, "I'm going watch everything you do, so the next time this happens I'm doing it myself." It cost me $700 with labor for a $100 Taco circulator pump (NYC thievery). I have 5 of those on my system. You do the math. Sure enough a few weeks later one of the other pumps went out. The system is about 15 years old. $100 for the pump and 4 new nuts/bolts, and an hour of my time I was back in business.
There’s a reason you’re paying that. So you don’t damage your machine or harm your family. Messing with any sort of combustion heat source without being an actual professional, is kind of like leaving you’re newborn with a sitter you find on the state register list. There’s levels to this shit man.
And just because your cousin Johnny was a duct sub for 3 months, doesn’t mean he can help you properly install you’re very own extra special super customer Platinum series Goodman furnace and vent pipe for some pizza and Busch light.
You're not just paying for the part. 9 out of 10 times, its not just a cut and dry remove and replace. You can cause a lot of damage if the proper process following the replace of a component is not done. Especially on a closed hydronic system where most all the air needs to be removed from the system.
Excellent video in several levels. Thank you!
There are lots of videos with a TIME IS MONEY attitude and some sloppy work as a result of only spending 30 min on the job for the flat fee charged. Its great to see an honest tradesman who cares enough to make the customer happy and earn repeat business.
You are to be commended sir, your work ethic is Top Shelf.
Thank you for your knowledge, I'm learning a lot from you by any chance do you have a video explaining to how to read your gauges?
Good catch on the dryer very. Very dangerous venting in the crawlspace. I would never have a dryer in my house where I couldn't vent it directly out the wall.
You the Man, Great Teacher and Mentor....
using the leak detector was always the favorite part of working with my dad on a job hehehe
I like to use metal plumbing strap around the pipe and screw the strap up to the floor joist. This way I'm not overstepping any codes and keep the vent from sliding down/moving once it heats up. Great video- just a suggestion.
Christian Dwyer - the metal strap works and is cheaper than proper hangers. I just replaced the B vent pipe with my new furnace so I used a $5 hanger rather than the metal strap. It just looks better.
Great job! I hope you and your family have a safe and very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Thanks Chris... same to you and your's !!
Ted, for the dryer vent pipe, rivets would probably work better that screws.
Many nuances -- thank you.
(And great videography. HVAC today, brain surgery tomorrow.)
I always use flat metal straping on a dryer vent
Components only function properly if installed correctly, great video.
I enjoy the commentary of a Master at work.
Great video thanks. Happy holidays.
Thx for all you do Ted, Merry Xmas.....
You are a damn good technician and you keep your cool!
I CAN NOT believe all of the hacker's out there!!
Knowledge is power!!!
Hackers exist in every profession. Their are tons of “licensed” or “certified” hacks working in HVAC and auto repair. I have even run across several doctors who were nothing but hacks and only wanted to milk the insurance company.
On the dryer vent I get what your saying, but I always use foil tape and make sure it’s strapped up good. I had one last summer somebody put screws in and it was unreal how badly stopped up it was. I cleaned it out and ditched the screws and foil taped the life out of the joints. Another way would be pop rivets. But again I get why you did it the way you did. When your out in the field working you can’t always do everything the way you’re like to, especially when you have other calls to get to.
Foil tape isn't necessary that far away from the heat source. Good tape is the key.
Great video. Being up north I never see heat pumps so always interested in those videos. Personally I would have put that sensing bulb outside the box horizontally, but that’s just me. Keep up the great videos and Merry Christmas.
Andy The Handy Man - If the TXV is inside the case, I usually install the sensing bulb inside also. I just installed a Goodman evaporator with an external TXV so I installed the sensing bulb externally. BTW, the sensing bulb can be mounted vertically, with the tail up.
What filters do you normally stock on your van, and commonly use...?
I love this stuff. Another great fix. I have to get a set of gauges like you use. Has any one used copper based anti seize for the bulb?
i absolutely enjoy how you take care of your customers or potential new customers.the only difference between what you do and 50 other places that do the same thing is" customer service".one big family not customers.
The sad part is the guy probably came in and thought they were low, pumped them full of refrigerant, realized it was a TXV, so they paid for the refrigerant and the TXV, then you had to come in and fix the leak, and they needed all new refrigerant again.
Dryer vent ive been using foil HVAC tape for fiberglass ducts
Is there a reason that you didn't spray leak detector on the joint before checking it for tightness with a wrench?
Why is it more efficient with a plenum? Better airflow? JW cause my dads return is straight flex like that. It’s been like that since the house was built.
Oh cool.. you are located right in my neighborhood! I live in Mauldin.
Nice thoughtful guy, but with the oil loss might need another ounce for the pump longevity.
Good find! Get your self a set of line wrenches!
Great job again like always
May be overkill, but my HVAC contractor has a service contract arrangement where I pay $15 per month (auto withdrawn) and they come every fall and check/clean the furnace and replace the filter, and in the Spring they checks/clean the AC and replace the filter. If something is wrong and I need parts while they are here I just pay the parts cost. If I have trouble between those re-emptive service calls I pay a reduced base service call fee plus parts. Seems a good deal for both of us and I am sure my equipment gets professional attention. Since I have a contract I go to the head of the list when I have trouble, including nights and weekends (well, along with the other contract holders).
$250 for a $10 contactor seems reasonable.
It's a Christmas miracle 😁👌
lol
Lol
Ever try little zip straps?? On txv’s I used 1 zip on the fill tube 2 on the bulb and snip them tight then I use 2pcs of scrap suction line insulation split in half. Cover the bulb top and bottom and zip strap it up tight. Snip all the strap ends. Put the top ins over the bottom and it looks really nice when your done. And the bulb is tight and well insulated Just my way tho. I hated those metal straps also. Lol.
Great video... thank you for sharing your expertise. I just learned I'm a "helicopter" LOL : )
Is there any particular leak detector you like or would recommend...?
Did you recover the existing gas and pressure test then put in new gas it’s 410 zoetrope? Good video
what do you think of the black flex seal rubberized spray paint?
If the previous tech didn't even know or be bothered to tighten the TXV fittings properly, he almost certainly didn't pull a vacuum either. I would have recovered and charged in known fresh, uncontaminated 410a, it's not like it's that expensive. Otherwise excellent work as always!
No sense in being wasteful.
Does home ac unit oil have dye to help find leaks?
butcher hack job LOL that title gave me a good laugh. Thanks for the video
you did good job on that job, you nice guy . Great video, thank you for sharing ^_^
On the txv the person should watch some of your top notch u tube videos. They can learn something good!
The only thing I would have done a little different than what you did was I would have pumped the unit down. And I would have done a pressure test. The technician that replace that TXV probably didn't pressure test with nitrogen. On a heat pump coil I pressure test at 350 PSIG. I would have let it sit for good 10-15 minutes and I would have Bubble tested those joints just to make sure. I replaced the Trane TXV on a old R22 unit and I did have to get it really tight. When it felt so good and snug it wasn't enough I have had to go a little bit more that's what the soap bubbles in the nitrogen did for me.
Nice! But am I wrong when I believe you have to use aluminum tape on a dryer vent? It holds great but costs alot
You saw what happened when they used duct tape..
I have used gear clamps on the dryer vent. No screws and holds better than tape
I do this job from 1982, for leak the best test is with foam.
I use one or two hose clamps for the best connection.
Overlook my typos my iPads gone berserk on me and I can’t seem to get it straightened out.
Nice informative video..keep it up
#mechanicalhvacr
Why is there a six-degree temp difference on your two thermocouples before you even hook them up? @2:55
Good job, good money Merry Christmas
Watching all your videos, and now I’m paranoid about finding the right company for my first home.
Well if your in the Mauldin SC area, you don’t have to worry, just call Ted Cook HVAC :)
I never was a fan of just hand tightening all the fittings ... Lol ... The previous 3 Stooges HVAC/R company that did the job should carry wrenches in their tool bags ... Good fix Ted ...
Eddy - The three stooges used to work in the construction 🔨 trades so that’s where they got some of their funniest gags.
Little extra work can go a long way!
nice work but, The bulb should have been mounted horizontal
Man they had that TXV flappin in the wind.
They used to do that on cars on the fill valves, so that they needed freon a a out once a year.
With the valve being that loose I would guess that it didn't have a proper vacuum pulled on it. Also with it being 410 (not freon as someone pointed out🤓) it's a blend and cheap, would it not be easy to talk the customer into pulling a proper vacuum and replacing the, not freon?.
LOL .... yea he pinged me on that but he is an awesome viewer !! Thanks for watching.
Good episode as usual.
Good work! Keep it up
By showing the sticker of the hvac contractor on the condensor, are you saying they are at fault? Seeing it’s not a new install, I wouldn’t be quick to blame them.
And why didn’t you put the bulb outside the evap cabinet on the suction line, assuming you know it belongs there and not inside the cabinet.
You are incorrect ... the bulb is mounted inside the cabinet from the factory.
Anti DIY HVAC Ted is 100% correct. Bulb goes inside cabinet.
would pop rivets be allowed in dryer vents?
Yes pop rivets can be used, also some 3/8" screws are up to code, NOT 1/2" screws.
Thing about the dryer vent..it likely had back pressure from clogged lint which helped blow the thing off..they should replace the whole thing.
Well there your problem is sir, the condenser fan is barely turning. :P lol
In heat mode the fan doesn't run. ;)
11:06 Would it be possible (and Legal of course) to use heavy-duty Zip-Ties to hold the sensing bulb in place or would the plastic tie just melt?
(I don't know if the bulb senses High or Low temperatures)...
I wouldn't, they get brittle when frozen/cold and they will not pull as tight as the copper bracket does. Nylon will eventually fail with age too.
Mastic tape. Supposed to go directly on the metal seals of ductwork. Not on insulation wrap.
That bulb I said it was looser then a gooses ass and he said loose as a goose 😂 has me laughing
How much gas will you put in?
as professional techician, i prefer using box wrench versus crechen wrench.
Why was the condenser fan running so slowly? I don't recall seeing one run that slowly unless the motor was bad.
It's not running slow it's the camera he's recording with making it seem slow, also you didn't notice it seemed to be running backwards also??
Is that fan motor working? looks like its bad
Thats good....Helicopter. At First that went straight on over my head. I dont do residential too much anymore BUT I will have to use that term if a HELICOPTER is hovering over me. 😎👍
Even better is when the homeowner is out recording you while you are recording lol. I don't work on residential stuff except for family and a few friends, I got my HVAC stuff to service radio customers comms shelter climate control systems alongside their comms equipment. It's easier for them to have everything on one ticker and PO
Basically my boss said to tighten those up as much as you can, but I think if they give a torque rating to use a torque wrench, cause you can over do it. For those sensing bulbs I like those metal pipe clamps that tighten via a screw.
They have a set torque value, for the TXV
Yes but after installing those a hundred times or so, you know the feel rather well enough to get it right.
The TX valve, did he check for leaks with bubbles? Before and after? The TX bulb, no use of heat transfer paste? Was the condensor fan coming on eventually? Checking all these allows you to drive off with confidence.
Nathan condenser fan is on, the frame rate is what’s giving the impression something is wrong. But I’d have used bubbles also
Well done!
I would take that whoopdi out of the return when you're back there for service. Air flow is key and that is low hanging fruit.
That's gorilla snot. We used it in place of all factory grommets. Tried to beat factory air tight ratings. Also TXV bulbs really should have copper brackets. The copper transfers heat into the entire bulb. Seen a lot of zip ties and Panduits.
Could you point me to a section of the mechanical code or even the residential code where it states no screws in vent pipe?I am under the understanding that two screws and a sealant be used (U182 silver tape or duct sealant )
Look up the code in your area.
You should have been selling a new system including ducts within the first half hour. What a poor install. Nice job finding the leaks. Any 410a system with leaks should be reclaimed and weighed back in. Thanks for the video.
The Furnace King seems to me that was the previous workers game plan. Do a poor repair to try and sell a new system once it fails again. Crooked work to try an sell for commission. Personal opinion...
In service is best to fix something and then recommend other services.
i love the titles lol "Sabotage Butcher Hack Job" 👌