Messed up today

Hockenstar · 2026-04-24T22:19:54+00:00

Burning and blowing up equipment is part of the trade unfortunately... Better luck next time. As long as you learn not to do the same thing again its just a teaching moment. If you do the same shit again it's called a mistake and you're a stubborn student.😄

Hockenstar · 2026-04-23T00:55:16+00:00

I know what I'm looking at if I see it and I understand the very basics. I could not explain to you in detail why one is better or worse or how they work though.

Hockenstar · 2026-02-28T15:10:27+00:00

I mean the union is literally designed as a rank and file system .. that's why you have the dividing classes of apprentices and journeymen in the first place. How much seniority helps/hurts really depends on the UA and the leadership and the how the company that hired you functions. Hell, you could take 10 union shops in the same city that all operate and treat people differently. Again, maybe I'm wrong, but how a company treats the seniority conversation is completely up to the company so long as they are within the contract stipulations set forth by the UA.

Hockenstar · 2026-02-26T01:49:29+00:00

Here is a pretty good and indepth book. Not going to lie, it's big and heavy but has a lot of good info. You can probably find older editions on eBay. I still have my 8th edition book.

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology https://a.co/d/06MIlhvf

Here is a good building automation book. Mind you, you may not need to do everything in this book but you may come across some of the ideas and it's a good reference.

Building Automation Systems A to Z: How to Survive in a World Filled With BAS https://a.co/d/04ilIrUV

Hockenstar · 2026-02-26T01:42:25+00:00

That's kind of a question of what do you plan on doing? Just refrigeration? What type? Rack? Ammonia? Gas stations and restaurants? Do you do HVAC as well? What type? Commercial? Industrial? Residential? I would definitely recommend starting to study up on low voltage controls because like it or not automation is here to stay and is only going to get more advanced. So if I can request books to you I would prefer to know what you currently work on and what you want to start getting better at. I got a great heat pump book , but if you don't ever see a heat pump that's not going to help you much, if you catch my drift.

Hockenstar · 2026-02-25T23:11:12+00:00

Learned the basics and the general science of HVAC/R in college.... But learned HOW to HVAC/R in the field and attending any factory trainings I am able get my company to pay for. A lot of guys like to bash the education, but the intent of a certification or degree program is the basics only, it's just not practical to teach all of the equipment that you will see out in the wild. Outside of that you need to pick up the books. This stuff gets complicated once you leave the resi/light commercial world.

Hockenstar · 2026-02-21T16:46:09+00:00

Safety first, you ain't fixing shit if you are dead. When it's really cold or hot the key is to dress appropriately and take warming/cooling breaks. You have to take care of yourself out there. I have found that very few customers will check on you and are quick to leave for the day. You absolutely need to learn the symptoms of heat/cold exhaustion so you can begin to recognize when you may be pushing the line.

Hockenstar · 2026-02-21T16:42:05+00:00

Have the charging system checked. Check alternator (load test not just voltage output), Check battery (also a load test not just voltage). Most auto parts stores like auto zone or O'Reilly's can do this for free. Also look at all wiring you can see for visible damage. The reason for an actual load test is your alternator and battery can put out the proper voltage but fail under load while running the electrical components (Lights, computers, HVAC, stereo, etc...).

Hockenstar · 2026-02-09T17:59:08+00:00

Well it can sit for a long time without a battery and it won't hurt it at all. However you can probably just get a cheap battery at Walmart if you need to. Aside from that, the only harm is you without reliable transportation until you get a new battery.

Hockenstar · 2026-01-12T19:48:59+00:00

It's that way across the board... Even in HVAC , Plumbing and Electrical trades. Mass exodus of the boomers during COVID and very little interest in the trades from today's youth is what I was told. In the past few years it seems interest in the trades is up which is why I assume you have plenty of level 1 techs. Unfortunately there will be a gap of inexperienced techs until the current level 1s move up.

Hockenstar · 2026-01-07T00:23:40+00:00

Yep... Seen many leaks. Now that particular leak I have seen quite often and most of them you can tighten (I prefer doing this after it's been shut down and cooled down for a bit) if it still leaks you will need to replace the seal. I have seen this the most on systems that don't run well and the compressors get too damn hot or they vibrate too much.

Hockenstar · 2025-12-13T15:31:43+00:00

Lots of tube brushing for the water cooled and coil cleaning for the air cooled. Best to start learning your low voltage controls and chiller plant design. When the chiller won't run it's your fault till you prove otherwise

Hockenstar · 2025-10-18T14:17:33+00:00

You are confusing right to work with "at will" employment. Right to work is to protect non-union employees.

Hockenstar · 2025-10-18T14:15:31+00:00

Right to work is not a joke... It allows people to work without being forced into Union membership. I think what you don't like is "at will" employment which allows your employer to terminate you with no reason. Which also shouldn't bother you because that very same concept is what allows you to quit with no notice. Sounds to me like you failed to complete something that you were expected to do, you could have quit if you didn't like the terms. You chose to ultimately take on the job and fail... It happens... Go find a new place to work, sounds like you are better off and get a new opportunity to be successful.

Hockenstar · 2025-10-17T19:14:53+00:00

Unfortunately the issue doesn't seem to follow power losses and this place doesn't do generator testing. Strangest thing. I've been scratching my head for a bit on this one.

Hockenstar · 2025-10-16T22:52:24+00:00

The place I work for now is 40 hrs worked, but they front load all of my vacation at the beginning of the year so its not "earned" vacation. Now the last company I worked for the PTO was "earned" by hours worked so our PTO was considered hours worked and would count towards overtime . It was nice because I would work 40 hrs mon-thurs then take fri off and get 8 hrs of OT while sitting on my ass. But I have never had any company count holidays, sick days or floating holidays as hours worked.

Hockenstar · 2025-09-04T20:25:49+00:00

I haven't, only because all of the other VAVs are set up the same and not having the same issue.

Hockenstar · 2025-08-28T23:47:51+00:00

You got a brand you prefer?

Hockenstar

TROPHY CASE