5 HVAC Installation Mistakes that cost Customers Money!

In this video, Joshua Griffin goes over five HVAC installation mistakes that contractors make installing HVAC equipment that end up costing customers money in the end. Knowing these five installation mistakes can help homeowners in deciding who they will hire for their next installation to avoid costly repairs and problems over the life of the HVAC system. Many issues HVAC systems have can be traced back to the original installation and these five mistakes.
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--------------Chapters-----------------
0:00 5 HVAC Installation mistakes
1:25 Acid from moisture
3:20 Ductwork ignored
6:47 Sizing
9:50 Growth Groups
11:46 Tools
14:19 Instruction manuals
#hvac #installation #heatpumps

[@jw3843]

Doing a proper vacuum and pressure test is one of the biggest install issues. Lots of installers do not do them properly if at all. The company I worked for hired an installer the manager loved because he would install units is 2 hours. They would pay him for a full day no matter how long he worked for the day. Got lots of call backs from units that he installed.

[@gocafilpovic1261]

Angry. Pissed. Mad.. Bought new Trane last summer. Company from Clinton Township MI installed. We called 2 days after install to complain about run time of unit and poor cooling. Same tech came out and said "low on refrigerate". WTF, just got installed. Just had checkup on unit done. Pressure 73. I demanded new unit and new install. Owner, coming this week to do. I'm a nurse. Yup, female. Just ask yourselves this HVAC guys: what would happen if I did my job as sloppy as most HVAC guys. You die, just as my new unit. I check and double check and have pride in providing excellent care for my patients. Do better!

[@vandyman9957]

I move Commercial air for a living... cfm, velocity, duct sizing,... it's my jam. This man is 100% correct, install/sizing (cfm) is everything. Must Move the Air in every building;.. we can heat or cool the space later Awesome job Josh!

[@NewHVACGuide]

Send me an email. I’ve got a question for ya!

[@vandyman9957]

@@NewHVACGuide did you get my email?

[@drewsbenmad]

The problem is the customer expects miracles from the technician giving them one day to install a whole system regardless of whether there was existing issues with the old system. The line set and ductwork are often reused because it’s expensive to replace them and time consuming. But these two items are also some of the biggest problems so your new system will suffer if they don’t replace them. I would at least flush the line set and check the ductwork for proper sizing and leaks.

[@NewHVACGuide]

All good points. Fast may not always be right.

[@Garth2011]

Contractors are just as guilty if they allow a customer to tell them how to do the work. As long as it is all explained as to the risks involved in cutting corners and as long as the contractor isn't exposing themselves to liability and writes down what they suggest but customer declines, in writing, then you can always go back and point of the facts, "customer declined this or that". In many cases, its probably best to not take the job if a customer is cutting a bunch of corners and the performance is sacrificed giving the HVAC contractor a bad reputation. I'd say those jobs are not worth it if you are in business for the long run. Large HVAC companies who send out "salesmen" to do replacement quotes are also guilty of the same when it comes to allowing a customer to dictate a job. All they want to do is get a sale which in the long run turns sour plus, so much for all of the benefits we are supposed to be getting with the "new efficient" equipment. I've been there...I've walked away from folks who won't take the minimum professional advice and I have no regrets. There's a limit. Most 1 day replacements aren't done that well anyway...likely those have lots of issues.

[@user-cz8do7xl8u]

I let the customer know that I take days to do an install. I also show them every step if they're interested or what was accomplished that day.

[@bruceelias4964]

@drewsbenmad We always look back at old construction etc. in Europe and America, how much pride and tallent!!! Last forever and the beauty of people who understand quality. SO WE PAY 16,000 FOR ONE DAY!!! CAN YOU IMAGINE IF A CONTRACTOR TOOK 2 DAYS WITH TWO GOOD MEN. WOULD THIS MAKE A COMPANY BETTER OR BROKE?? As a customer I find this compromise unfounded

[@bruceelias4964]

@@drewsbenmad My experience has been to leave them alone I personally needed mine from scratch. My attack is open with easy access. I've never been a helicopter. I love watching good contractors who video. I know they are proud! The good ones always communicate with the customer. I'm not a contractor, but I've had some not so good experiences.

[@DS-fb9te]

I paid for a new system and broke down with in 7 months 😢. Must of the things that need to be done were ignored. You are 100% right.

[@elginmercado5082]

Exactly! That’s why I bought and installed my own system. So far it’s been working like a charm. HVAC is overrated! Between $9,000 and $15,000 for a system. It’s ridiculous! And then it works for 7 months like your case and you are hosed. You need an HVAC Tech to tell you something you can research on your own. I did all the calculations including a load calculation, come to find out that my system was undersized. So I upgraded from a 3 to 4 ton and it solved my upstairs room issue where the rooms were always warm and my old unit would run constantly. I installed new line set, Trane furnace, coil, and AC for under $6,100 including a couple of tools. It ain’t rocket science, just do some research and go for it!

[@laukobol832]

@@elginmercado5082 You are right for many but not everyone is capable as you for various reasons. I am happy for you. Great to have contractors who cares.

[@firstlast1732]

HVAC guy here 46 years Most customers who want over size are correct because their original units were undersized 1/2 ton never a problem regardless only helps regardless of moisture removal

[@kevinc8811]

Exactly!

[@davidsharkey3483]

I agree, companies have people installing before they can spell air conditioning. I still maintain the biggest problem is lack of proper training.

[@bruceelias4964]

You are correct!! I had a load j calculated by contractor. Big mistake Afterwards had a expert come and told me on hot days I'll be sorry I only have one supply in master He said two 6 inch would be correct. Also needed more return air. I would of paid another $1000 Also one downstairs duct is in hall between garage door and half bathroom. I shifted vent toward living space myself Tech had 3 way pointed to half bath. Still okay but feel like I need a small portable in master bed. Thank you Josh

[@carlmccoy662]

In the manual: very important to put drip tray and air deflectors in correct position or take it out, depending on orientation of the air handler. Seems like most the units I take out missed that page in the instruction manual.

[@GuitarPlayer42]

Exactly this. On my third round of cleaning an absolutely filthy evaporator coil I noticed that an interior baffle wasn't removed during installation. Thus there was even more crud trapped behind that panel. After a quick check of the manual I was able to remove that panel, which not only increased airflow to the coil (which was the original purpose), but finally allowed me to clean that area and make some significant progress in air quality.

[@NewHVACGuide]

I remember calling a supplier and asking for a downflow kit, the instructions pointed out. He said he had sold hundreds of that unit to different contractors and no one had ever asked for one.

[@gregorysuarez7978]

POE oil is hygroscopic which basically a moisture sponge. As long as the line set is properly sized and leak-free, a good RX-11 Flush can clean out the residual mineral oil sufficiently. Moisture & heat = acid formation in a refrigeration system regardless of lubricant.

[@lightfusegetaway]

It's pretty bad when 3 out of 4 AC companies don't even do a Manual J let alone a load calc. That was my recent experience. And the one that did the Manual J was a bit half-hearted about it. They all ended up saying 4 ton, so I went with the lowest bidder with the longest track record and the best reviews. Overall happy with my Carrier heat pump package unit, plus got the $2k tax credit.

[@silvertbird1]

Good info. The AC tech I finally hired seemed very competent and has good reviews (selected in part because he's local, and I thought he would be more involved, but he met his crew and then left during the install), but he only recently started his company and may be overwhelmed with all the new work and trying to do so much himself. He wanted to install a 4 ton but a larger company quoted for a 3 ton. In the end, I had him put back a 3.5 ton and it is short cycling all the time. He installed a hard start kit on the new compressor, but now I'm wondering if that may cause problems in the long run. It's so frustrating to try and make the best decisions when spending $9000 for a new system, yet not convinced the system was installed correctly. And how can I really know at this point?

[@elgringoec]

Increase thermostat hysteresis.

[@molabearair]

My house in Washington state is 1650 sf with 2 tons of heating cooling. Keeps the house temps great summer thru winter. My exterior walls are 2 by 6.

[@ptg7712]

Harrison in Smithfield doesn't even open the instruction packet. Lots and lots of problems.

[@paulioshak9438]

Thanks for the great care and going the extra miles to do the right thing for the right reasons. I imagine you could never do enough research or enough details. Bit it's great that you are open to trying and working hard at it. Even though many people do not have the time to appreciate that care and developed skill level

[@kindervelt2005]

If the existing system is working well and is properly sized, most of the calculations are not needed when replacing system.

[@eduardoquintero7205]

Hey Josh I have a 410a ac unit 3.5 ton is there a replacement for it and what replacement should I use or better to use

[@elgringoec]

I could add line routing. Once they're in, there's no relocating without pumping down the system and all that jazz which is going to be costly. So if it's in the way of future renovations, too bad. You'll just have to drop that ceiling or raise that floor or put that new wall elsewhere or cut around the deck board, etc etc. These things should be put in to be out of the way and not become a future inconvenience. The installer needs some sense but also should talk to the homeowner and maybe an architect. I can't tell you how many stupid routings I've seen that looked like installer convenience was at the top of the priority list.

[@roadrunner3563]

They didnt tighten up the expansion valve circuit in the air handler on a new install. Leaked all the freon out :( was not very happy.

[@fredwilliams8898]

Thanks for this!

[@NewHVACGuide]

My pleasure!

[@ericb.8119]

I’m building a new house with a heat pump for the HVAC. I noticed on the thermostat it doesn’t have “AUX Heat” on it and only emergency heat. How would I know if my system would have auxiliary heat if the heat pump can’t keep up with the desired indoor temperature? Would it just say “emergency heat” whenever the electric heat strips turn on? Thank you to whomever comments

[@garyr.8116]

IF you only have electric heatstrip as backup then 'Emergency Heat' is fine/normal on thermostat. 'Aux Heat' would be if you ALSO had like a propane furnace in addition to the electric heatstrip.

[@ericb.8119]

@@garyr.8116 Gotcha. There is electric heat strips so even though there’s no “aux heat” on the thermostat, if the heat pump can’t keep up with the heat demand, the electric strips will kick on automatically to help support the heat pump?

[@garyr.8116]

@@ericb.8119 Correct. Also for 'defrost' in the wintertime (when the system automatically reverses itself to defrost the outside coil, it will turn the electric heatstrips ON for a few minutes so that it doesn't blow quite so cold air on the inside.)

[@ericb.8119]

@@garyr.8116 thank you for the explanation!

[@vandyman9957]

Gary is 100% correct

[@anniereynolds1094]

Great great advice! Thank you so much.

[@NewHVACGuide]

You’re welcome! Thank you for your kind words!

[@anniereynolds1094]

😊

[@s.j.5850]

How many HVAC companies/Installers are triple evacuating an A/C unit? What percentage of them are taking the time to do this procedure?

[@RockoRocko-rz7kx]

0

[@vandyman9957]

we did 4 times on a leaking 5 story line set Thursday.. gotta find the leak in a closed system

[@Phone-sh7jg]

How long does it take for the machine to do evacuate the line-set when connecting to an existing lineset.

[@NewHVACGuide]

Depends on many variables

[@user-cz8do7xl8u]

3 times as long as the first time.

[@Phone-sh7jg]

@@NewHVACGuide 25 feet. 4 ton. Goodman GSXC160481. A/H AVPTC49C14.

[@vandyman9957]

til they get to 1000 microns as long as the line set size is tight and correctly sized... goal is to eliminate moisture with no leaks

[@AutoDudes]

Hey dude, quick question. I have an 80 percent furnace in my basement. I need to move my furnace in my basement so I can finish the basement out, can I vent it out the side of my house? I have an inducer motor on the furnace, just can’t seem to find a clear answer. The area where I’ll be venting it out of does not have any windows or openings around it.

[@dustinpomeroy8817]

I'm guessing it vents into your chimney now?

[@keithsac2542]

Just remember on manual j calculations "Garbage in equals Garbage out. Without doing blower door testing, the infiltration rate can only be guessed and also duct leakage testing needs to be done.

[@NewHVACGuide]

Send me an email. I’ve got a few questions for you. Thanks!

[@NewHVACGuide]

[e-mail]

[@keithsac2542]

@@NewHVACGuide What's your questions.

[@gailann226]

🌟🤗✅GREAT Information for homeowners! I want the air unit installed properly, I don’t want problems later.

[@allnoyz1414]

I was watching some other channel where a guy brazed in a new accumulator without any flow (no nitrogen)... He said he was 'tired'... Of course, the negative effects come later, so he was able to scam his customer into thinking he had a good technician...

[@scotts4125]

I'm in another trade but it drives me nuts when I have guys applying for a job. I ask them about experience and they always scowl and tell me how many years they have been in the trade. I have seen so many guys doing it wrong for years. I always ask those guys how they would handle a situation and there are always more than one way to skin a cat. They skip steps, take short cuts because they are lazy and set in their ways. I point things out and their reaction is nobody does that and it's not necessary. Thankfully they always tell me who they are and I would never hire these clowns.

[@NewHVACGuide]

The more experience you have, the harder it is to be humble

[@scotts4125]

@@NewHVACGuide Yup. Both our fields are constantly changing with technology. You have to be willing to learn new ways of doing things. Some guys just don't have that in them.

[@mainj54]

How is all this moisture being introduced in a new system with new condensing unit , coil, line set and new drier?

[@NewHVACGuide]

Ambient air has humidity and moisture

[@mainj54]

@@NewHVACGuide With a evacuation it will boil off any moisture that will be in the small amount of air that is introduced upon installation even if it not triple evacuated.

[@nancybarker9131]

some more good advice!

[@michaeltristan86]

They need to read the instructions before they show up for the install and just refer to it as a review in the field.

[@jonsaircond8520]

We have a running joke every 3rd change out gets a 5 ton. Hard to talk a homeowner thats been uncomfortable for years into fixing issues not just adding more tons

[@AM-fg9cr]

Well job done ❤

[@Pennconst101]

PROPER DUCTWORK IS M-O-R-E IMPORTANT than a fancy high efficiency system. I have worked for companies and had them sell “New duck Work “ on a reference I made to the customer, and they went back with literally the exact same thing🤯. And then insult to injury don’t even set the blower speed correctly ?!!?? 🤯🤯🤯Exactly 2% of service people correctly evaluate ductwork! Make no mistake, it is the absolute most important thing on that system. Time and time again I see companies replace systems and don’t address ductwork! And often times, you don’t have to completely replace it. I find a lot of times a couple tweaks on a few runs can make all the difference in the world. Great video by the way.

[@crazysquirrel9425]

I want my vents to blow as hard as a hair dryer! lol Upping your capacity 1/2 ton generally won't give you problems. More than that can easily cause you problems. Remember, as a unit ages, it's CAPACITY goes down. As the climate heats up your AC needs will go up too. Temperature clamp? LOL. Mine are my thumbs and index fingers. Works like a champ! Old timer taught me that one. HVAC system should last a lifetime. Literally. Designed obsolescence just makes companies richer and you poorer. I notices the author did not discuss return air temperature and supply air temperature at the vents. Hmm.... You want no less than 18-22 deg F difference.

[@gregpayton6935]

Climate change, lmao 🤣🤣 uu

[@kaadeg]

Titled “HVAC Guide for Homeowners”, but learned nothing that would be helpful to a homeowner. Lots of complaints about HVAC techs. Sound like you guys need to clean up your industry.

[@mikewinn1484]

Please disconnect your nose hair from your mustache. Looks like your nose is running.

[@NewHVACGuide]

I will work on that

[@davidfoley5817]

This is the second type of videos I’ve seen HVAC TECH’S SUCK & THIS IS WHY I’m all for educating the homeowners and customers but calling your own out on a decent size channel is pretty crappy in my opinion. In my opinion this is a way for you to get clicks views and subs nope it’s also for you to run a commercial in the middle of this video!! A homeowner should see this and should know your talking out of your butt to sell a master class lol I’ve been in the trade for over a decade and any tech that sees this will understand and so should you!!

[@MrSilence99]

Are you butt hurt because your field has a bunch of scamers in it and they are getting called out? Sounds like you feel a little guilty.

[@Anon-oy5gb]

Well I became interested because some of this and more is happening to me right now via a complete failure to do almost anything at all correctly per the frickin instructions let alone checking load or ducting...almost everything was done incorrectly. The only reason we used the HVAC guy was because he was recommended by a lic. electrician who redid our house with all new breaker panel etc., etc. and we were new to ALL of this. I believe the guy took the rebate we should have recieved and when repeatedly asked for an invoice, he'd say, "Oh yeah, I'll have to get that to you." It never happened and he became the flakiest person I've ever known. If I don't get paid from his bond, I'm 100% suing his ass. There's more but, I'll end there. I'm grateful for a video like this and if a follow up about the correct steps to take to go after the person's bond were made, I'd be more than grateful for that too. I'm documenting all and have a new HVAC company that is doing the same on my 1st invoice so far. So screw whomever doesn't like the infomative video.

[@GG-iu8ut]

​​@@Anon-oy5gbAgreed!! I've like, subscribed, and obviously commented now. I'll be looking at past videos and looking forward to future ones because I'm in a similar situation as you it sounds like where I was royally screwed. My HVAC guy mistakenly took my kindness for weakness and I will have recourse, somehow someway. Thank you HVAC Guide For Homeowners👍👍

[@s.j.5850]

@@GG-iu8ut I got so fed up & annoyed with HVAC techs from the home-warranty company that I went to the community college to take a HVAC class. I got my EPA 608 certification, bought a recovery machine, vacuum pump, refrigerant, nitrogen tank, manometer, etc. to maintain my own system. At the very least I can now observe an installation & point out what is being done improperly, or not done at all. To me the investment was well worth it.