Changeout SOLO | HVAC tech | working alone installing system

[@discostuchannel]

Love the content! Showing an install in a simple and concise way is awesome.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Appreciate it!! Didn’t get to show the whole process, glad your enjoyed 🫡👍🏻

[@ftwbreeze]

I'm enjoying comments as much as video. The man is showing what can be done and his style of installation. I'm guessing 4-6 hours or more of work, maybe 2 hours getting equipment and supplies if things go accordingly. Being diligent and working solo is satisfying. No helicopter is a plus. Thank you for sharing this video, just another day in paradise.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Mannnn!!! Much appreciated 🫡 I just wanted to document a video to a minimum extent, not a full on how to do!! I’d assume if ppl watch the video it would be those that enjoy doing the work and have some what of an understanding of what goes on into an install. Again appreciate you Breeze thanks for watching!!

[@ftwbreeze]

Absolutely. I loved it!

[@jeffkablock3229]

I have been doing comm and res for 42 years in florida lol your the first young one to do the job right good job bubba !

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Right on Jeff!! That means a lot brother 🙏🏻 out there crushing it dude for 42 years 🫡

[@briancencelewski55]

Love your channel brother!! nothing but positivity with you!!! stay cool, my brother

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

MUCH appreciated 🙏🏻 🫡 that’s what it’s all about brother!! Same to you 💪🏻

[@richlikeg3722]

So nice that air handler right there in the garage. Makes it so much more pleasant to work in.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Definitely makes for a more “enjoyable” job 😅 😂

[@cesartrejo385]

nice install,pretty smart idea on taking out the coil and blower before putting the air handler up there I usually have someone to give me a hand ,muscle it up there in one piece but i might try this if i ever need to go solo on an upflow install.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Definitely would love to just hump it most days, but I was ready to fight it at that point in the day 😂

[@IDrNasti]

When i run into airhandlers or furnaces that wedged in like that, with the flages bent into the supply or return can. I pull the blower and use my millwaukee nibblers to cut the top half of the cabinet off.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

That’s pretty slick!! I’ll have to remember that!! Only had one crazy time where I needed to sawzall the old one out

[@jakbo_]

Why do I do this shit all day and then watch somebody else do the same shit? Haha HVAC is fun. Keep up making the videos man, we're all out here with you fighting the good fight.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Absolutely 💯 lol I’m the same way dude!! We’re all on the same team 💪🏻 crushing it that’s what it’s about, appreciate you 🫡

[@Eddy63]

Krauss , the one man wrecking crew ... Great looking install my brotha ...

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Eddyyyy!! Thanks brother 🙏🏻 much appreciated!

[@davidlopan6649]

Great job on the install. I like the removal of the 90s and you put a couple of sweeps on the lines I'm definitely going to use that in the future. Only thing I seen that kind of erked me is no nitrogen used while brazing. Other than that I can tell you take pride in your work. You got a sub from me, brother.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Definitely allows for better flow! I get it, I didn’t flow at condenser but flowed at evap, also flushed, I have another changeout coming up to show a better process ! Thanks for the feedback David 🫡

[@cityboyz4life]

That how i am a onr man army person the job looks super clean 💯💯 i always add sheet metal to my platform when i install the verticals .

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Hell ya bro let’s Go 💪🏻 🔥 I’ve never seen the sheet metal on the platform before would love to see how it looks and stands up over time?!

[@markcotter2355]

Good job one man crew.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Appreciate it Mark 🫡

[@kobie4238]

Nice install, that garage gym was sick though 👀

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Much appreciated 🙏🏻 definitely was a badass setup 💪🏻

[@tonydelgrego2906]

Nice professional install

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Thanks Tony 🫡

[@alias177]

looks good, going for my license myself.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

There you go!! Good luck 💪🏻

[@bigdaddy9083]

You’re a beast 🔥 straight quality🔥🔥

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Much appreciated my dude 🫡 💪

[@rottweiler9535]

Very nice install

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Appreciate that Rotty 🫡 🙏🏻

[@GaryHuettner]

Hey, worked alone the same way for 35 years. Question:: Didn’t see you flush the refrigerant lines. How do you work that??

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Dang man 35 years?! Hats off brother!! But I flushed it, didn’t film, or previous install I show it, in a lot of my previous videos I preach flushing, just didn’t record that amongst others steps!

[@bigcat.mattyahoo]

What didn’t you like about the fieldpiece vacuum pump Love your videos HVAC in Minnesota large and in charge bigcatmatt

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Was just a bit of sarcasm, being a vacuum pump and it “sucked” 😂 but honestly that’s a warranty one my first one burned up in about a 15 months. I change my oil religiously! Hell Yeah BIG CAR!! Get Some 💪🏻 🔥 🫡

[@dnell6854]

I did one solo and Man!!!!A Good Dam Workout!!!

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Hell ya 💪🏻 🔥 putting it work!!

[@shaynebyrne650]

Some tools I have had been used once or twice and never again Like the variable speed motor tester, I used this twice EVER

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

I was always curious about those testers!

[@shaynebyrne650]

@KoolinwithKrauss where exactly are you working out of? Which city/state I am in the lake Wylie sc area myself

[@jakbo_]

What's up with that pipe facing up dripping water

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

It’s florida 🤦🏼‍♂️ 😂 basically the copper (in most cases) and drain line run under a 4” chase through pvc in the foundation, and it’s brought up out the ground as an access point almost like a trap! Now why it’s done that way 🤷‍♂️ its a pain

[@Brian_541]

Nice clean looking solo install Krauss. I dig it 👍🤙

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Appreciate it dude 🙏🏻 was digging it at the end!

[@HVACGUY]

Nice job man

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Right on!! Appreciate it Curtis 💪🏻 🙏🏻

[@daffron101]

does the air handler not need a ptrap and vent to drain properly? you capped both vents? i was always taught to cap then vent on electric units. good video brother

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

In Florida, the drain lines generally go down, into the foundation and then up and outside creating a trap! For sure should always have a trap on negative pressure!! Appreciate it 🫡

[@hvactechpr7872]

Cool job!! Been busy fixing mad reefer stuff peps start calling when everything's broken 😅😅

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Hell ya dude!! That’s when it happens bro!! 🔥

[@SkilledLabor]

How’s Ruud been for you? Wish air handlers were in garages where I work, generally it’s condos or attics 😁. Where are you located?

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Woooo that’s tough dude!! We definitely have the fair share of attics but a lot more garages!! And Orlando based. But Ruuds been really good and reliable. They have their flaws but who doesn’t, but our distributor is really good!

[@kodiefreburger9350]

You use pressed pads? More power to ya!

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

These dang hurricane rated pads 🤦🏼‍♂️ 😂

[@GabrielLopez-h9h]

Nice 🔥 Can you show the wiring or talk about it please

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Definitely 👍🏻 appreciate you watching 🫡

[@lancelawrence3259]

Nice work

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Appreciate it lance 🙏🏻 💪🏻🤘🏻

[@ZPVM]

That smart probe kit looks awesome what brand do you use?

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Those ones there are the testo smart probes, the first gen, since then they have come out with another set!! And I predominantly use the fieldpiece now!! Thanks for watching

[@richd314]

You mentioned this was on older R22 system that leaked out entirely. Just curious, did you clean the existing line set using solvents or PIG or something like that?

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Is that something I should be doing?

[@SoCaL884]

Great Job, why was the pad so heavy?

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Appreciate it!! It’s a hurricane pad for here in Florida (code) ready for the 150 mph winds 😃 😂

[@gabesotelo9906]

The foot work !

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

🤣 let’s go!!

[@parkerjohnson5420]

Krauss!…where you been man!

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

YOOO Parker!! Been just busy and “life” 🤣🤦🏼‍♂️

[@parkerjohnson5420]

@@KoolinwithKrauss I hear ya. Great video glad you’re still with us. Lol

[@lahoucinelamlih3214]

That was neat 👌

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

MUCH appreciated 🙏🏻 🫡

[@NYCHvac]

Great work bro 💪🏼💪🏼. I have a question. If you have a horizontal hanging air handler, would you do it solo too? Only asking because I recently did one and I was stupid and left everything inside of it before taking it down (coil and fan motor) you inspired me that I can do a change out all by my self. 💪🏼💪🏼

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

I’d rock most of them solo! But would DEFINITELY unload that thing and make it easier 😂 I learned I use to want to be a bill but learned, now if someone’s with me, I’ll hump it with everything!! I’m just not equipped to do installs, if I outfitted my truck to do both would definitely help as well!! You got this ish homie 💪🏻 💪🏻 🔥 🔥

[@georgesummerlin1602]

Where I live, you can not stack pads unless you mortar

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Dang really?! Even if it’s poured!?

[@austinhowell5312]

How come you said that fieldpiece vacuum pump was trash? I’ve been wanting to get one myself

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Nah it’s good I meant because it’s a vacuum!! 😂 so it sucks

[@anthonymarino3003]

Clean brother. Clean. Did you go out on your own or still with the shop you mentioned before?

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Yoooo!! Thanks bro, nah still where I was, bout a year here so far, still only tech tho 💪🏻 how’s it there dude?!

[@anthonymarino3003]

@@KoolinwithKrauss that’s cool man.. at Kalos? Wouldn’t work anywhere else I don’t think. I have and this place is just different. Great people. My next step would be going out on my own but nooot just yet.

[@jonathanreyes-pf6qt]

Impressive

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Appreciate it 🙏

[@dnell6854]

I need them gloves dude,Where did you buy??

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Grabbed those at the depot 🤘🏻

[@itsnotfar]

Filter dryer inside vs outside. What your opinion or any reason why. Thanks for any advice.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

When I first started in the field, the head dude at the Ferguson I went to always said inside, to help that txv as much possible

[@carlsmith5919]

The filter should be installed as close to the evaporated as possible. But since some of them are so hard to get to in closets, crawl spaces or attic. They are allowed to be installed outside next to the condenser.

[@huntereakin4288]

Nice job, Definitely don’t miss those Central FL summers! What do you think about the new Rheem equipment?

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

I can feel that sentiment 😂 love it tho!! And honestly, 50/50 right now, I like the 2 stage on it and all that but for whatever reason the assembly feels very “cheap” not very stable

[@huntereakin4288]

@@KoolinwithKrauss I agree with ya and it’s funny they want more for a cheaper/not as well built product! Keep on keeping on brother!

[@patrickvillegas3885]

When did you flush the system with R11? You don’t flush the system when you change refrigerant?

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Used Rx11, didn’t record it, much like a lot of the other processes, I show it in the previous video to this

[@carlsmith5919]

As time goes by and back pains and the knee pains sit-in we've learnt to get help. Sure there is more profit when you're by yourself, but at what price does your body pay for it.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Definitely agree!! Won’t be many of these going forward! I like the smart a safe route for sure 👍🏻 given the circumstances for the job, it was the way it played out!

[@ponzo1967]

Omg that has to Florida 🥵

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

True story 😂 😅

[@Devdevbruh]

I'm looking into going to a 8 month trade school for HVAC but it looks intimidating tbh

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Just hump through it!! Short time to be in school when looking at the big picture 💪 crush that 💩

[@Devdevbruh]

@@KoolinwithKrauss thank you man 💪

[@shiverrmetimberss]

What part of FL are you in?

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Central!

[@slabslayer258]

Working alone who wouldn’t want to do that . I do it a lot doing this profession. I do use a ratchet strap to strap the new or old condenser to the dolly so I can rock it back and not have to fight the weight trying to hold dolly and unit with each hand . Can rock back and roll and it keeps on dolly not sliding off in a un level yard or something .

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

It’s great I usually do!! Maybe one out of every 500 calls I’ll have some one with me, I don’t typically do installs and my van isn’t outfitted to well for it, but I’m definitely going to throw some straps on there, thanks 🫡

[@robquin2460]

didn't flow nitro?!

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Is that a thing?

[@lostthenfound3160]

My guy you put the new pad on top the old on don’t be that guy. You gotta dig the old one out and stamp the new one in.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Negative, that shit was buried in the ground and solid poured 5”, definitely not moving it

[@lostthenfound3160]

@@KoolinwithKrauss it will be heavy yah no doubt and a pain but the right ways isn’t the easiest way

[@lostthenfound3160]

@@KoolinwithKrauss I’ve done it many times just roll that mf

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

@@lostthenfound3160 idk what your deadlift PR is but mine is 500 and that shit wasn’t budging 🤣 last one I did, had another guy with me and it broke the welds on the hand truck, maybe I’m just a b***h 😂a little 2” poured one sure all day but 5” no bueno for me dude!! I’m with you tho this wasn’t the perfect install by any means!! Edit: cubic foot of concrete is 150 lbs, this is half the size and prob about a 4x4, damn near 1200 lbs 😅

[@lostthenfound3160]

@@KoolinwithKrauss your stronger then me bro. Hey if it ain’t coming out then it ain’t coming out then just throwing out my advice didn’t mean to insult you or anything.

[@MohammedAbdulRazzak-k7u]

Hi I am considering to be a HVAC tech in Canada - Ontario, can you please tell me how much money do you make roughly on an install or in general what is the income for a small business owner after getting license

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Oh your mileage may vary drastically, depends on if you work for a company, whether you get paid hourly,commission or piece rate etc. If being an owner is your goal it’ll depend on margins and what you pay yourself and reinvest back to the business.

[@MohammedAbdulRazzak-k7u]

@@KoolinwithKrauss thanks for the reply! I am actually in healthcare management now but the pay is not good and considering to switch to HVAC, its very hard to connect to licensed techs in Toronto and not much info online.. just wanted to understand how much income difference would I be looking at after spending 5 years in apprenticeship; thank you!

[@reusinkinstallatietechniek6256]

Hello, this is mike from amsterdam holland I heard to say that the old system was r twenty two I didn't see you brace with nitrogenium You didn't change old line set r twenty two is not compatible with other gases

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Hey Mike 🫡 there’s a few other comments with same question. Basically I didn’t film the entirety of the processes taken to do the install. I did flow nitro, . I also flushed the lineset with Rx-11. My previous install video I show flushing and using nitro, just was getting hot and didn’t have time to film every little thing. But in a bunch of my previous videos I speak to be sure to flush and use nitro 👍🏻

[@reusinkinstallatietechniek6256]

@@KoolinwithKrauss Hello, good morning mike from amsterdam That's great man I love your video i'm also an havc guy from the netherlands

[@venvnco6259]

My Ruud is 4 yrs old and the coil is leaking. My last one was Ruud and lasted 18 yrs. The new ones are junk just ask anyone who has one. Sad part other brands are not any better.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

All manufacturers have their flaws and it’s a darn shame!! The days of long sustainability are far and few in my opinion. Or at least you’ll have one or 2 “major” repairs in the lifespan

[@shaynebyrne650]

Sir they make a kit with tools that allow you to easily negotiate that nut on the conduit at the outdoor unit. I make light work of that every time with such a tool. 1/2 and 3/4 Also, there are tubing expanders kits that make light work of the intended new braze connections. There are also tubing bender kits that can turn 7/8 copper 90 degrees without kinks I'm sure you already know all this Not sure why your using such primitive tools honestly To each his own But my life is exceedingly easy out here BECAUSE of the massive quanity of high end tools I keep on hand

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

I prefer the cobras from Knipex instead of the lock nut wrench’s. I have a few different variations. I used a swager by SPIN in the drill easy peezy and also used benders, appreciate the input

[@Qualityservicesbcs]

Next time please record and share the entire process so we can all be right when judging your professionalism . I want to watch the entire 80hour video . Hahahaha Nice job

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Duuuuude??? Right, some folks really got into their feels on this one 🤦‍♂️ thanks man

[@DennisBuckley-yd6cl]

Arm chair warriors calm down.He did not film the whole process when doing the install.👁

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Brother I tell ya 😅

[@MOAONAABE]

i ride alone, disappointment used to be my co-pilot

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

🤣 no any more!!!!

[@leonardlewis5586]

I worked with a 64 year old man that still does solo residential installs he is the sole employee and has made a damn good name for himself over 30years. He truly has a million dollar phone

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

That’s damn awesome man!! Dude is definitely a legend 💪

[@bcarter1430]

I'm so envious of that air handler location. Still made it your bitch though.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Dude I’m telling you!! I I love to work on em when their right there!! 😂

[@saltybuckeye]

you only have one back. the minute you hurt your back it's a done deal it will become a recurring situation. even Superman ended up in a wheelchair

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Absolutely!!

[@michaelcso2400]

So I’m a Ruud dealer in Michigan… Obviously in FL you have different requirements. That Pad looked way overkill for up here and we don’t strap the condenser to the pad.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

For sure! It’s a hurricane pad, rated for 150 mph winds, I guess it would be like our “snow legs”

[@keepout5804]

Get a haircut at lunch!! 😂😂

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

You watch your mouth 🙀👊🏻🤣

[@markofx2024]

heat pump

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

👍

[@roberthill5848]

No Purging!!!!! WWTF

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

I did! Flushed also!

[@s550wulf9]

Dude I enjoyed your tool load out video’s. As far as this install issues all over the place. If your going to show “banger” videos you need to do the job correctly. - When you pulled the outdoor unit, you needed to cap off/tape the lineset off, I like that you sand before you cut - Would not have taken much to rinse down the pad area before placing pad - Stand offs needed to keep lineset out of the dirt, regardless of the other unit - You did not flush the lineset of R22 residual, so your going to have issues with the 410a oil in the lines - You did not use a nitrogen purge while brazing, so TXV will have issues later Trying to look cool while doing to job is not as important as doing it right. Do better man…

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

🤣 love the “critique” dude! Especially since the entire process didn’t get filmed, and phone was overheating. Watch the previous videos I talk about flush, I flush every job. And on this one as well txv-11 at 6:13 you can see lineset was taped off Sure could have sprayed pad but I didn’t 🤷🏼‍♂️ This is Florida, linesets are buried, in the ground, sitting on the ground that’s just how it. Stand offs aren’t “needed” or code Used nitrogen when I brazed inside, didn’t film that either. Stated at the end I didn’t film everything just was getting the job done. Didn’t show me pressure test, evacuation, micron, decay, releasing charge, wiring up the unit, drain line, mastic etc but it got done. But appreciate the feed back 👍🏻

[@madeinusa1576]

@@KoolinwithKraussseems like some people don’t watch the whole video or pay attention bro! I could understand not being able to film the whole process! Fire content my dude, keep it up 💪🏻🇺🇸🤘🏻💯👏🏻

[@MasterMackSkills]

Doesn't look like it took you too long either

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Appreciate it! Wasn’t to bad, if I was more set up for installs I’m I could have been more efficient

[@eastcoast186]

You go mofo you knocked it out the park

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Gotta do something 🤣 👍🏻

[@ferhattopcu4217]

It’s looks trailer lol 😅 not enough technical information on this video, don’t waste your time to watch it

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

If you don’t know how to install and need technical info don’t watch for sure, doesn’t say “how to” install 🤦‍♂️ 😳

[@RioWilliams797]

Just hulk that new fully assembled air handler up on to that platform….no need to pull the coil and blower out…..you got muscles so use them…..honestly……do you think you’re too good for chronic back pain?!…..just eat pain pills for lunch….you’ll be fine.

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

Jam it Shaky your right!! I’m slacking, appreciate the motivation, just got some perks 💊 from the homie, that way when I throw it out, I’ll be good 💪 😂

[@mos8541]

WAAY wait!! ... is that just long hair... or god help me.. is that a MULLETT?! i was pretty sure, thankfully, that they were extinct , at least in the wild... smFh

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

🤣 😂 I mean it’s a bit of a hybrid really, not sure what to call it!

[@ReliableHVACR]

if you work smart you can do anything 🦾

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

That’s what it is sometimes my dude 💪🏻 🫡

[@Blitzkrieg.u812]

That was not a full install... you retrofitted equipment... that was it. Reused the old equipment ( lineset,disconnect, whip... ect)... did not use nitro while brazing,,, the inside of the lineset is full of carbon now. you did not flush out lineset prior to brazing..You put tape on the inside of the supply plenum. What a tragedy! Poor professional ism... there is no excuse!

[@KoolinwithKrauss]

🤣 solid bro 👍🏻 as stated, watch the full video, you can clearly see not every step was filmed, would you believe I wired the unit, evactualed, put the tie downs, programmed stat, installed heat strip, released the charge, etc? line set was flushed with rx -11, not full of carbon used nitro brazing the inside! Yup, sure did tape, fab and mastic the the inside when you can reach the back what do you do bub?! Thanks for the feedback 🙏🏻 🤣 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@Sctronic209]

I didn’t see him use nitrogen or flush the lineset. If you didn’t film it, it didn’t happen.

[@gtpipemaster97]

Who hasn't ever sealed the back of the plenum from the inside 🤔 you just like breaking balls eh.

[@mathewbrown8206]

What’s wrong with the lineset? It’s free of leaks and properly sized, just re use it. Nothing is wrong with the disconnect, doesn’t really NEED to be replaced. Not every customer wants to spend all the extra money

[@Blitzkrieg.u812]

@@mathewbrown8206 wow! When brazing without nitro,large amounts of carbon will build up internally in the lineset,with the possibility of creating a restriction with in the filter dryer and the capillary lines with in the evaporator and condenser coils. Not flushing the line set, will leave the old burnt oils in the line(acidic contaminates) from compressor burn out , not good for the new compressor. Flushing also prevents the mixing of contamination of different oils and refrigerants that are not compatible. As for the disconnect the whip is U.V dry rotted... the disconnect is most likely ok.. but for a few dollar difference. Change it! Customers expect PROFFESIONALISM, its not about the lowest price its about the biggest bang for the buck. If someone wants the cheapest price " call a plumber" or your nearest hvac hacker