I really enjoy your videos. 1) for educational reasons 2) because it helps to know I'm not thr only technician dealing with stupidity. 3) with your knowledge and experience it helps me with my troubleshooting. 😊
Well done Curtis, you get to work under all types of conditions, also may be purchase a Whipper Snipper to tidy up the grass around your work area . 😵 Au
6” 1/4” hex and 6” 5/16 impact rated nut drivers gets into those tight spaces and enough distance to get the drill out of the way so you can get square on the head of the screw.. worth the carry …bet they become your go to
I am sure everyone wants to know more about the second service call you made at the yellow house with the black Mercedes sedan and in ground pool. Tell us more.
Nice fix; always interesting trying to figure out what the last guy did. Can you replace a single-pole contactor with a double-pole, or might the hot leg that's always on be running a board or transformer?
I would suggest you get a small drill bit and an ink pen Mark where you want the hole drill it with the drill bit and then put the screw in, to hold the capacitor.
@@rickdiego5 He's probably using self drilling sheet metal screws. If you don't have one, buy an Irwin or Milwaukee step drill. Great for sheet metal work.
Another method would be to use a center punch or one of those that hand held type that automatically punch a davit into the spot for the self tap screws. When using a hex driver, its difficult to keep hold of the hex head on the screw so it takes some talent using those and sometimes a long extension to keep a good 90 degree angle on the screw so it goes in straight and drills into the location.
@@Garth2011 it's not difficult if you use a quality magnetic nut driver in a variable speed drill and use self drilling screws. NOT SELF TAPPING. There is a difference, one has a drill tip.
@@JamesAgans My error on the self drilling screws, yes. In this video however, you will see Curtis having some difficulty getting his nut driver to fit square enough onto the head of the screw plus a fairly large angle when he is attempting to self drill a screw into that cabinet for the capacitor strap. A long extension would have helped him hold the nut more square with the cabinet material, maybe or as above mentioned, a small center punch to assist due to the angle. I have used those, Milwaukee and all, and it is difficult to get a self drilling screw with a hex head started when at an angle due to the interface with the hex socket and the hex head on the screw. I have seen how many of the HVAC techs use their equipment from those 4 in 1 hand hex to the cordless nut drivers and many of them could benefit with a simple longer extension or a replacing their existing worn out hex. Everyone has their methods and some techs are borderline meeting the pro skills and tools. Curtis here likely has one of the best outfitted trucks and tools so this doesn't really apply to him but there are cases where the "arm chair" tech can see room for improvement in a few cases. It's hard work so I get the fact that many techs do what they do especially when coming behind complete hacks who made a mess with the previous service call. Thanks for the correction.
@throttlebottle5906 Yes, its likely the gas company sent a rep with only limited responsibilities, to lock it. But, who they sent to unlock it should have been a regular technician who would confirm normal operation and open the valve.
@@throttlebottle5906 Yes but they sent a low skilled person who apparently only has permission to turn the shut off valve. Not a good idea, a pro should have been there to turn it on and see that there is no risk inside or outside once its on.
they make these Milwaukee bit holders that are the best i ever used holds all types of bits it has small black release collar at back and comes in various lengths magnetizes the bits to hold screws really well so you can switch to a long or short version to get in those tight spaces with the screws
Best way to heat for the least cost with high electric rates and high gas rates. They are extremely effective except heat is not evenly introduced to the homes so there are cold areas the farther away they are from the heater unless there is a ceiling fan or other type of fan(s) to help circulate the air.
did you ever try a magnetic wrist band to keep screws handy i have one i never got around to using it LOL seems like you are always having those screws escape on you.
Question...is there a disadvantage to using a double pole contactor vs a single or vice versa? That first job on the circulating fan for the wall furnace just needs a couple of drops of 20w oil (3 in one) to free it up and keep it lubricated. Or replace it to guarantee the work. The second job with the "electronic sending meter readings" that was disemboweled seems to be why the gas was off in the first place, the gas co was not getting their readings from the meter transmitter so they sent a person out to turn it off and lock it not noticing the tampering of the electronics. Then, they sent a person out there to unlock the gas shut off who also didn't notice the guts were removed from the reader transmitter. Sad it is the local people they send out aren't qualified to see anything further that a shut off valve. A real gas tech should be going once a lock is placed on a meter to unlock it and make sure its safe and working correctly.
contactor, in most cases a single pole can be replaced with a double pole, but sometimes they have crank case heaters with power off the always on buss bar side or other devices that need continuous power, so you have to pay attention and replace with the same or field modify the wiring accordingly(move wires to other side). from manufacture, they use the contactor as the wiring division point, all the machine wiring on the "load side" and nothing crossed over and connected to "line side". I think it's some underlying appliance/electrical code/requirement to be UL listed and others or they'd need a terminal block before the contactor for field wired "line" power in. wall furnace fan motor, unless there's visible "oil ports", it likely needs replaced as the oilite bronze bushing are worn out of "impregnated oil" and the shafts tend to rust with high humidity, even with oil ports once it's rusted it will never work long term again. gas meter the person who locked it off may have taken a bad meter screen off and forgot to note it, maybe ants damaged it and they were notified to get an exterminator before they'd repair and turn gas on? I don't think it needs the screen/display portion to function and communicate the reading electronically, pretty sure the sub base part does all the work and counting.
@@throttlebottle5906 Likely so on the fan motor, cheap is more of the issue however, a dab of oil will get him a little time so he can get a replacement. I've got several electric desk fans, pedestal fans etc. and none of them have "bearings". They use bushings/sleeve type and the only option to keep them alive is to get a needle oiler in them and fill what is there for a sponge or "wick" to maintain lubricity. I'm no tech but have learned over the years that ball bearings rule and sleeved bearings require oil at some point. Where we live, the gas company will not allow anyone else to turn on a gas shut off that they locked for safety reasons. Good points of view.
I'm just waiting for all the calls for smelling smoke in the apartments I work at. Every year the dust burns off the heating element since it wasn't used all summer.
the fire departments love that time of year also, smoke alarm calls rolling in from the dust burning off. it's exciting when it's a hotel full of people.......
Warmer areas in California use wall heaters in smaller homes, especially in southern California. Wall heaters have replaced gravity floor furnaces which were popular in the 1940s and 50s.
Yessiree...if you smell a strong odor of gas, we didn't use a flame but to check for leaks etc. we used a flame often. Still applies today you have the talent.
Had those wall heaters in many houses in California; last one in Santa Cruz 2020, certain it's still there today. Using a flame to check for gas leaks was always discouraged but very common until spray bottles became common place.
I agree, there are some job conditions that a tech is better off clearing the growth away from the condenser vs trying to work around the stuff that slows down work and increase safety hazards. If its a fair amount of time to do so, you simply charge for it such as "gain access to HVAC Equipment"
If that's a rental property, most landlords will get cheap jack legs to do repairs, and when you go behind them to do repairs, you have to deal with half ass work. I deal with it everyday at an adult living facility (lack of a better word) and its a sh!* show.
@@jeffkorman8465 It's all relative to your environment. You and I would find 67 a nice comfortable temp. But when you live in Curtis's state, 100F is day time high and you need AC, which get's it down to a more comfortable 80F. But at night your down in the 60's which we find as good sleeping weather and there so used to the warmer temps, they need heat and warmth to be comfortable.
I found a lot of those dam extended reach lighters don't work for crap the bic ones have gone to garbage scripto brand is the way to go they make a 2 pack a folding one and a torch like one and they are really reliable. I had a funny one a womans water heater died at her apartment so i went to the place. she didn't speak English she spoke Dinka the most obscure language so i put new water heater in her kids were climbing all over me while i was working in basement I didn't have a lighter tried sign language to see if she had a match to light pilot light so we had to send kid a block or two away to get somebody to interpret that i needed a lighter. got neighbor to tell her and lit water heater up. next day i get a call water heater is not working they are all angry I drive over there and turns out the kids were in basement by themselves playing with it after i left and turned the knob off. had to send for the interpreter to tell her you have to keep kids out of the basement I am not coming back again to relight the water heater and turn it on.
You were able to buy a water heater with a pilot light in 2024, or is this a very old story? I can't believe what you service guys that deal with the public have to deal with. The level of ignorance is appaling. The lady knows a tech is coming and doesn't clear the unit of her shit, then cops and attitude when Curtis asks her to move her shit.
@@JamesAgans the story of me changing a water heater with pilot light is old around 20 years ago the last one i did had the new electric ignition with thicker insulation on it and a snorkel for garages to not suck up flammable gases from floor that was back in 2019 all new rules.
@@ranger178 LOL...All or most garages were vented down below near the concrete floor for that reason but now that vehicles have fuel injection I'm seeing new construction without those vents. So what if I bring home a couple of 1969 Chevy's and park them in a new garage?
yeah, it is crazy people have plants grass bushes right up against the unit i put in large gravel area to keep it nice and clean, so dam seeds don't get sucked into the coil
@@garrettspivey not where i live in South Florida. After having look at several videos it appears that lots of people doesn't change filters or maintain the outside unit clean, at least what i see on videos.
If you leave the cleaning up to most homeowners or tenants they will not change filters or clean units, no matter where you are at. Even though they could take a few dollars off their power bills.
Alot of times the previous resident will turn it off to prevent the pilot light burning all summer long. He did say the other guy moved out a couple months ago.
I absolutey hate when technicians change out an ECM motor for a PSC. Stop putting in old technology in place of much better motors like the ECM's. I don't know they put in that package unit, but we don't have those here in Colorado, but it can't be much different than a single stage split unit. That wiring in horrendous. Nothing is strapped and all a rat's nest.
@@bobboscarato1313 Yes, they certainly are and they work great and more efficient. plus US motors and Evergreen make less expensive replacement s it most are in warranty. They push through and PSC have no flow when static pressure is high. Technology costs money just like a car, computer, iPhone, etc. the good costs more, If they wanted a PSC in that system they would have put one. EPA likes power efficient systems that push through. Half the time is a module because of no surge protector. They make inline surge protectors now for them. OEM can be very expensive but many under warranty. 10 years is a long time.
I’m sorry but PSC motors are much more reliable than the ECM’s. I’ve been in this business for almost 30 years and I can tell you the failure rate of ECM’s are insanely high. I’ve had to replace them within a year of installation of a new unit, I’ve had that type of failure with PSC motors. New technology vs reliable technology.
You’re the best HVAC UA-camr, im dying on that hill
Thanks
We enjoy the old component part tear downs to see just what went wrong.
I really enjoy your videos. 1) for educational reasons 2) because it helps to know I'm not thr only technician dealing with stupidity. 3) with your knowledge and experience it helps me with my troubleshooting. 😊
Hey! I'm parked beside this guy at a supplies house right now!!
Well done Curtis, you get to work under all types of conditions, also may be purchase a Whipper Snipper to tidy up the grass around your work area . 😵 Au
Great job,Curtis
Even my OCD kicked in on the last one when I saw those wires everywhere
Nice work Curtis.
Thanks!
That hounddog has no worries :)
You must be crazy to go in the rain your the best.😊
I’m going stir crazy. It’s been raining for a week
It's kind of frustrating seeing others work, but ya got to laugh at some folks half ass work to keep from getting mad.😅
Will you ever make a video about all your tools? Maybe you have because I just subscribed maybe 2-3 weeks ago so just curious thanks
Knights of Labor
Good video
Thanks
6” 1/4” hex and 6” 5/16 impact rated nut drivers gets into those tight spaces and enough distance to get the drill out of the way so you can get square on the head of the screw.. worth the carry …bet they become your go to
always like the teaching you do. BUT, the fan motor black wire needs a strain relief !
It's like a banjo string
Curtis awesome videos! Nice!
Curtis you work in some of the less than favorable conditions in some of these residents. You must have to decontaminate when you get home!
I am sure everyone wants to know more about the second service call you made at the yellow house with the black Mercedes sedan and in ground pool. Tell us more.
Nice fix; always interesting trying to figure out what the last guy did.
Can you replace a single-pole contactor with a double-pole, or might the hot leg that's always on be running a board or transformer?
Yes
@@HVACGUY Which please; yes to the replacement, or yes to the always-on leg running something?
@@OnusBonesyou can replace with a 2 pole. Just have to be careful
@@HVACGUY Thanks!
All that spaghetti drives me bananas. loL
Nice work!
I would suggest you get a small drill bit and an ink pen Mark where you want the hole drill it with the drill bit and then put the screw in, to hold the capacitor.
@@rickdiego5 He's probably using self drilling sheet metal screws. If you don't have one, buy an Irwin or Milwaukee step drill. Great for sheet metal work.
Another method would be to use a center punch or one of those that hand held type that automatically punch a davit into the spot for the self tap screws. When using a hex driver, its difficult to keep hold of the hex head on the screw so it takes some talent using those and sometimes a long extension to keep a good 90 degree angle on the screw so it goes in straight and drills into the location.
@@Garth2011 it's not difficult if you use a quality magnetic nut driver in a variable speed drill and use self drilling screws. NOT SELF TAPPING. There is a difference, one has a drill tip.
@@JamesAgans My error on the self drilling screws, yes. In this video however, you will see Curtis having some difficulty getting his nut driver to fit square enough onto the head of the screw plus a fairly large angle when he is attempting to self drill a screw into that cabinet for the capacitor strap. A long extension would have helped him hold the nut more square with the cabinet material, maybe or as above mentioned, a small center punch to assist due to the angle. I have used those, Milwaukee and all, and it is difficult to get a self drilling screw with a hex head started when at an angle due to the interface with the hex socket and the hex head on the screw. I have seen how many of the HVAC techs use their equipment from those 4 in 1 hand hex to the cordless nut drivers and many of them could benefit with a simple longer extension or a replacing their existing worn out hex. Everyone has their methods and some techs are borderline meeting the pro skills and tools. Curtis here likely has one of the best outfitted trucks and tools so this doesn't really apply to him but there are cases where the "arm chair" tech can see room for improvement in a few cases. It's hard work so I get the fact that many techs do what they do especially when coming behind complete hacks who made a mess with the previous service call. Thanks for the correction.
They may have started installing self reading meters, they have had them in my area for about 10years.
That is what that was only someone removed the guts of it. Likely why the shut off got locked closed.
@@Garth2011 the gas co. should have caught that and replaced or put in work order and notified if not the same person/crew.
@throttlebottle5906 Yes, its likely the gas company sent a rep with only limited responsibilities, to lock it. But, who they sent to unlock it should have been a regular technician who would confirm normal operation and open the valve.
@@throttlebottle5906 Yes but they sent a low skilled person who apparently only has permission to turn the shut off valve. Not a good idea, a pro should have been there to turn it on and see that there is no risk inside or outside once its on.
they make these Milwaukee bit holders that are the best i ever used holds all types of bits it has small black release collar at back and comes in various lengths magnetizes the bits to hold screws really well so you can switch to a long or short version to get in those tight spaces with the screws
Just as a rule of thumb…the start capacitor is usually around 3 times the rating of the run capacitor…
Need a weed wacker to clear your work area or get a goat!
Heat? Really!
A wall heater.......haven't seen one in years.
Best way to heat for the least cost with high electric rates and high gas rates. They are extremely effective except heat is not evenly introduced to the homes so there are cold areas the farther away they are from the heater unless there is a ceiling fan or other type of fan(s) to help circulate the air.
Working on slumlord owned rentals is the pits. I am fortunate to be able to turn that work down.
did you ever try a magnetic wrist band to keep screws handy i have one i never got around to using it LOL seems like you are always having those screws escape on you.
Question...is there a disadvantage to using a double pole contactor vs a single or vice versa?
That first job on the circulating fan for the wall furnace just needs a couple of drops of 20w oil (3 in one) to free it up and keep it lubricated. Or replace it to guarantee the work.
The second job with the "electronic sending meter readings" that was disemboweled seems to be why the gas was off in the first place, the gas co was not getting their readings from the meter transmitter so they sent a person out to turn it off and lock it not noticing the tampering of the electronics. Then, they sent a person out there to unlock the gas shut off who also didn't notice the guts were removed from the reader transmitter. Sad it is the local people they send out aren't qualified to see anything further that a shut off valve. A real gas tech should be going once a lock is placed on a meter to unlock it and make sure its safe and working correctly.
contactor, in most cases a single pole can be replaced with a double pole, but sometimes they have crank case heaters with power off the always on buss bar side or other devices that need continuous power, so you have to pay attention and replace with the same or field modify the wiring accordingly(move wires to other side). from manufacture, they use the contactor as the wiring division point, all the machine wiring on the "load side" and nothing crossed over and connected to "line side". I think it's some underlying appliance/electrical code/requirement to be UL listed and others or they'd need a terminal block before the contactor for field wired "line" power in.
wall furnace fan motor, unless there's visible "oil ports", it likely needs replaced as the oilite bronze bushing are worn out of "impregnated oil" and the shafts tend to rust with high humidity, even with oil ports once it's rusted it will never work long term again.
gas meter the person who locked it off may have taken a bad meter screen off and forgot to note it, maybe ants damaged it and they were notified to get an exterminator before they'd repair and turn gas on? I don't think it needs the screen/display portion to function and communicate the reading electronically, pretty sure the sub base part does all the work and counting.
@@throttlebottle5906 Likely so on the fan motor, cheap is more of the issue however, a dab of oil will get him a little time so he can get a replacement. I've got several electric desk fans, pedestal fans etc. and none of them have "bearings". They use bushings/sleeve type and the only option to keep them alive is to get a needle oiler in them and fill what is there for a sponge or "wick" to maintain lubricity. I'm no tech but have learned over the years that ball bearings rule and sleeved bearings require oil at some point. Where we live, the gas company will not allow anyone else to turn on a gas shut off that they locked for safety reasons. Good points of view.
I'm just waiting for all the calls for smelling smoke in the apartments I work at. Every year the dust burns off the heating element since it wasn't used all summer.
Gas heaters have the same problem with dust on the heat exchanger. My area the heating season runs November to April. Then no heat for 6 or 7 months.
the fire departments love that time of year also, smoke alarm calls rolling in from the dust burning off. it's exciting when it's a hotel full of people.......
I think those heaters were banned here in New Brunswick Canada.
Warmer areas in California use wall heaters in smaller homes, especially in southern California. Wall heaters have replaced gravity floor furnaces which were popular in the 1940s and 50s.
@@dfirth224 Yes, many homes had small basements and they used gravity, the best method.
How old was that heater in the first clip?
Wall heater didn't look that old. I've seen wall heaters from the 1940s that are still working.
Back in the day we found leaks on gas furnace/water heaters with a lighter, tenants or pansies were scared and ran into other rooms.
I've seen that done in attics; very dangerous!
Yessiree...if you smell a strong odor of gas, we didn't use a flame but to check for leaks etc. we used a flame often. Still applies today you have the talent.
Had those wall heaters in many houses in California; last one in Santa Cruz 2020, certain it's still there today. Using a flame to check for gas leaks was always discouraged but very common until spray bottles became common place.
No heat in September?
Leak Test
I'd recommend getting a battery operated weed whacker....
I agree, there are some job conditions that a tech is better off clearing the growth away from the condenser vs trying to work around the stuff that slows down work and increase safety hazards. If its a fair amount of time to do so, you simply charge for it such as "gain access to HVAC Equipment"
I'm feeling a bit worry 🧐🥴
If that's a rental property, most landlords will get cheap jack legs to do repairs, and when you go behind them to do repairs, you have to deal with half ass work. I deal with it everyday at an adult living facility (lack of a better word) and its a sh!* show.
I’m surprised the mosquitos don’t eat you alive.
They do
Those are expensive valves !
Yes they are
What temp is it that you have at least 3 heat calls?
67
That’s what we keep our house at in the winter in Michigan
@@jeffkorman8465 It's all relative to your environment. You and I would find 67 a nice comfortable temp. But when you live in Curtis's state, 100F is day time high and you need AC, which get's it down to a more comfortable 80F. But at night your down in the 60's which we find as good sleeping weather and there so used to the warmer temps, they need heat and warmth to be comfortable.
Great job,Curtis!
I found a lot of those dam extended reach lighters don't work for crap the bic ones have gone to garbage scripto brand is the way to go they make a 2 pack a folding one and a torch like one and they are really reliable.
I had a funny one a womans water heater died at her apartment so i went to the place. she didn't speak English she spoke Dinka the most obscure language so i put new water heater in her kids were climbing all over me while i was working in basement I didn't have a lighter tried sign language to see if she had a match to light pilot light so we had to send kid a block or two away to get somebody to interpret that i needed a lighter. got neighbor to tell her and lit water heater up. next day i get a call water heater is not working they are all angry I drive over there and turns out the kids were in basement by themselves playing with it after i left and turned the knob off. had to send for the interpreter to tell her you have to keep kids out of the basement I am not coming back again to relight the water heater and turn it on.
You were able to buy a water heater with a pilot light in 2024, or is this a very old story? I can't believe what you service guys that deal with the public have to deal with. The level of ignorance is appaling. The lady knows a tech is coming and doesn't clear the unit of her shit, then cops and attitude when Curtis asks her to move her shit.
@@JamesAgans the story of me changing a water heater with pilot light is old around 20 years ago the last one i did had the new electric ignition with thicker insulation on it and a snorkel for garages to not suck up flammable gases from floor that was back in 2019 all new rules.
@@ranger178 yeah, I thought so. The pilot light with thermocouple was too simple and too good for the morons to leave alone.
@@ranger178 good tip, thanks
@@ranger178 LOL...All or most garages were vented down below near the concrete floor for that reason but now that vehicles have fuel injection I'm seeing new construction without those vents. So what if I bring home a couple of 1969 Chevy's and park them in a new garage?
I don't know but it is unbelievable how people doesn't take care of their outside units out there where you are.
yeah, it is crazy people have plants grass bushes right up against the unit i put in large gravel area to keep it nice and clean, so dam seeds don't get sucked into the coil
"where you are" like this isn't the case in every single town in the entire world
@@garrettspivey not where i live in South Florida. After having look at several videos it appears that lots of people doesn't change filters or maintain the outside unit clean, at least what i see on videos.
If you leave the cleaning up to most homeowners or tenants they will not change filters or clean units, no matter where you are at. Even though they could take a few dollars off their power bills.
Hopefully you didn’t leave that fan like that on the first service call!
What a wiring nightmare 😮
You need a longer nut driver or extension.
AMEN!
Hi from England .R u self employed
Yes
My only question is, WHY are these people trying to use the heat at this time of the year?
Older. lol 😊, I know because I’m getting there
🇺🇸👍👍👍👍👍
3rd here
Yeah, that filters going to be dirty if you never clean your filthy house! 😖
Hi limit should have tripped
It can work with or without the fan. The fan is an accessory sold to go with it.
@@HVACGUY must be a colman
Why dont you just turn the cap upside down and screw it in up higher??? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Why would they unlock the meter and leave it up to you to turn it on, and not check it? Looks like a liability for you. Wow.
Alot of times the previous resident will turn it off to prevent the pilot light burning all summer long. He did say the other guy moved out a couple months ago.
Hi bro
What's up?
@@HVACGUY nothing much
I absolutey hate when technicians change out an ECM motor for a PSC. Stop putting in old technology in place of much better motors like the ECM's. I don't know they put in that package unit, but we don't have those here in Colorado, but it can't be much different than a single stage split unit. That wiring in horrendous. Nothing is strapped and all a rat's nest.
Those ECM motors are quite a bit more expensive!
@@bobboscarato1313 Yes, they certainly are and they work great and more efficient. plus US motors and Evergreen make less expensive replacement s it most are in warranty. They push through and PSC have no flow when static pressure is high. Technology costs money just like a car, computer, iPhone, etc. the good costs more, If they wanted a PSC in that system they would have put one. EPA likes power efficient systems that push through. Half the time is a module because of no surge protector. They make inline surge protectors now for them. OEM can be very expensive but many under warranty. 10 years is a long time.
I’m sorry but PSC motors are much more reliable than the ECM’s. I’ve been in this business for almost 30 years and I can tell you the failure rate of ECM’s are insanely high. I’ve had to replace them within a year of installation of a new unit, I’ve had that type of failure with PSC motors. New technology vs reliable technology.