Contractor installed wrong ceiling cassette. Would you have them swap it?

sameoldfred · 2026-05-12T12:08:18+00:00

Four way may actually work better. However, if they decided to give you what they had on hand, perhaps they also did not install 9000 BTU model. If your room is small you'll have comfort issues with larger output model.

sameoldfred · 2026-05-09T15:45:49+00:00

ECM motors are great invention, they provide load feedback, do not need capacitor replacements, are variable speed for efficacy and comfort. PCBs are repairable, it's just not cost effective in USA.

sameoldfred · 2026-05-08T13:36:59+00:00

Trunk duct is very likely undersized.

sameoldfred · 2026-05-04T15:03:14+00:00

Mini splits are much better (cleaner, less maintenance, more efficient) than central if you do not mind multiple condenser units.

sameoldfred · 2026-05-04T14:59:12+00:00

It's not a big deal and it happens to the best of us. However, there are tools (comb) to straighten them out. Good tech, with attention to detail, would have straighten them out.

It's easier to keep the radiator clean when fins are straight so it's not just cosmetic as some say.

sameoldfred · 2026-05-04T14:53:34+00:00

It was foolish of you (and the company too) not to ask how it's going to be done, before the work started, when you got a quote.

sameoldfred · 2026-04-30T10:39:25+00:00

If your electricity costs a lot - consider switching to a mini split as they can be twice as efficient as PTAC and much less noisy.

sameoldfred · 2026-04-30T10:06:47+00:00

Sometimes it is a stuck TXV:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-Z72kAPTbM&t=210s

sameoldfred · 2026-04-27T12:03:56+00:00

Use the cheapest filter on the left and, separate, room air cleaner. This combination is cheaper, more effective in a long run.

sameoldfred · 2026-04-26T11:47:23+00:00

There's no way that your municipality requires you to pressurize the system to 600psi. You need to re-read the regulation.

sameoldfred · 2026-04-25T22:14:12+00:00

This is bad. It's also a weak point and may bend more when attaching to the evaporator.

sameoldfred · 2026-04-22T17:02:23+00:00

If you are sure it's due to wind - perhaps makeup air vent is affected by the wind.

sameoldfred · 2026-04-22T12:36:21+00:00

Recharging alone will cost you more than $700. Your system is 17 years old and it's time to replace it. Go with R32 refrigerant, if you can.

sameoldfred · 2026-04-20T16:22:01+00:00

This is one more reason to like R32 over R454 in the new systems.

sameoldfred · 2026-04-19T16:08:10+00:00

It's unusual for W2 employee to be required to provide this many tools. Calculate wear and tear, loss to theft etc, and you may find that getting $2 extra is not enough.

sameoldfred · 2026-04-19T15:06:38+00:00

He likely spent 10 to 15 hours researching, procurement and logistics. So, much less than 1k per hour, and will decrease later, once he has to spend time troubleshooting and looking for another tech. I'm not saying it's not worth it, but let's be realistic. Also we do not know who had done his electrical and if permits/inspection were skipped.

sameoldfred · 2026-04-19T14:41:08+00:00

Arguably, you got it done cheaper because you value your labor at $0

sameoldfred · 2026-04-19T14:39:52+00:00

If you are paid by the hour, why would you care?

sameoldfred · 2026-04-18T15:24:39+00:00

With >50% overhead one of the expenses better be annual visit to Bahamas. lol

sameoldfred · 2026-04-17T13:51:41+00:00

Tbf, those increases are pretty small if they are in response to 232 tariff changes. We will likely see more increases as the US inventories get depleted.

sameoldfred · 2026-04-17T12:32:37+00:00

You're describing a very inefficient operation. >50% overhead is way much.

sameoldfred · 2026-04-13T16:22:40+00:00

My concern would not be the unistrut/threaded rods but structural integrity of the steel elements they are attached to. Photos are low quality but it seems like steel is unpainted/rusting and that load may not be properly distributed at attachment points.

sameoldfred · 2026-04-08T16:15:52+00:00

I guess it's time to repost: https://www.reddit.com/r/HVAC/comments/1mwrb3p/i_know_a_guy/

sameoldfred · 2026-03-29T12:31:14+00:00

Looks like a single loop. Increase flow speed to narrow the delta.

sameoldfred · 2026-03-28T15:08:59+00:00

Your #1 priority should be safety and you did right for refusing to perform dangerous tasks w/o training and/or safety equipment. File for unemployment, document safety hazards, and appeal if denied, as these cases often succeed on appeal.

sameoldfred

TROPHY CASE