How to Properly Perform Annual Service and Maintenance on a Central AC System

[@PipeDoctor]

Please support this channel and Mikey Pipes and consider the following… Pipe Doctor FlexFit Embroidered Caps Minimum donation of $37 is appreciated (If you are international - please add a minimum of $40 for shipping/postage) Shopping on Amazon? Please use my referral link amzn.to/2PjjS4v Sticker Requests: Do you want a sticker to show your support of this channel? Email your request to me! [e-mail] Name Address City, State, Zip Consider making a donation of $5.00, or ANY amount, to the postage fund! I literally mail out stickers all over the globe. I've sent stickers to HVAC guys in Afghanistan, New Zealand & all over Europe. PayPal is: [e-mail] Venmo: @PipeDoctor CashApp: $mikeypipesny Zelle: [e-mail] Want to send a love letter, note or gift? Our mailing address is: Mikey Pipes, Inc. 1010 Central Avenue Woodmere, NY 11598

[@jinsu0504]

do you do services in long island by any chance?

[@pfoxhound]

Why did you remove panel from capacitor, but left covers on condenser part. Don't get liquids on caps!. 😂

[@fredrickkehoe9817]

November 4. 2023. Great video. I spent a few years doing HVAC for the NYC Transit but that was years ago. So watching your video brought a lot back to me. Thank you.

[@PipeDoctor]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@1unkn0wn]

Wow, thank you. I have had "techs" out a few times to look over my system and it's always been the same thing. A couple visual checks, a warning that the system will eventually need to be replaced (duh) and off they go. Thus, I have started doing it myself. This gives me an even better idea of what I should be looking for.

[@kennethshamblin9613]

I just had the same problem and they charge too much for b.s

[@marcusfitzgerald59]

@@kennethshamblin9613 it's a business

[@fldave612]

I've gotten that "It needs to be replaced.", or "It can't be repaired." lines of manure a lot from HVAC companies. It seems to be especially prevalent if you have a unit made by a different MFG than the brand name on their van, a lot of them act like they don't know how to, or don't want to work a different brand.

[@samuelg3586]

A real maintenance and evaporator/condenser coil cleaning will cost around $700.

[@samuelg3586]

@@fldave612 why do you even call us to check your AC to begin with??

[@richardtabloff1773]

As a service company owner for over 45 years I can tell by your attention to detail you are the company owner. Well done, teach your techs to be as good as you are. Well done.

[@wiljulia2]

Great job! I had my service guy to stop by again after I felt he was in and out of my house. I hope ST PETE A/C gives a heads up next time they do a “MAINTENANCE” service on my unit. This kind of clips helps tremendously for those who don’t have a clue of is proper and honest service Ill give you two thumps up on your video!

[@josephwhitaker9365]

I like the fact that you take the time to explain the small stuff (condenser air intake) because it really separates the professionals from the perpetrators. Excellent video as always.

[@jimreilly917]

😂perpetrators. Perfect term for eyeballers just out for a buck.

[@freedomhigh2160]

Great job Mikey, I’d feel very comfortable hiring you. We need more honest people like you ! Keep up the good work, you ARE appreciated more than you know.

[@msammr33]

Thank you for this informative video. My last checkup was for 20 mins, courtesy of my homeowner's insurance.

[@PipeDoctor]

Follow these steps to not only prolong the life expectancy of your unit, to save money on energy course by having your system properly, cleaned and maintained

[@Aepek]

Nicely done and wish everyone was that respectful, polite, and caring w/ equipment AND PROPERTY when doing work! Really really awesome Mike and train your crews well too👍🏻 Cheers✌🏻

[@ncooty]

Thanks very much for letting us look over your shoulder. @26:30: You said, "You get what you pay for." Unfortunately, that's rarely true. You definitely pay for what you get, so if you're not paying much, you're not getting much. However, paying more doesn't mean you're getting more.

[@kg4muc]

Totally agree with the refrigerant pressure and temp checks. Keeping a sealed system sealed is best in cases where no leaks are suspected Happy Memorial Day

[@markmcelmeel7850]

Only caveat to that (for me personally) is I like to really thoroughly check those types of things on my first visit so I have baseline figures. Seen plenty of situations down here in south Florida where customer has 20 plus degrees of subcooling and a flooded compressor from being overcharged. So it’s my policy to get baseline info like that on my first visit

[@hvacguy364]

Yeah I use smart probes and a core depressor. I like to dial in the subcooling. I just like to give the customer the optimal running conditions.

[@Mrs.Green23]

More service men need to be a proper as you. Your on point with everything!! Great work great video

[@wahidstx]

Wow, only if I've ever seen another AC Technician doing this thorough job, Great Work!

[@douglasbaker9663]

Gods bless you for labeling. It's not my house but IDK, it's a habit I wish more of us would do.

[@jeanclaudevandam4974]

I love the label instead of a sharpie. Class.

[@baggerdet4590]

Rheem designed them to take the panels off with one screw a piece,water pressure does a fine job

[@davebrunson125]

I liked the video when you talked about gauges, I totally agree. The way you talk to your customers is great. I noticed you didn't check or clean the evaps. I also noticed the drain line in the attic wasn't vented properly after the P-trap. It doesn't mean much in low humidity areas but high humidity a proper drain vent will help prevent overflow and help with cooling. After the p-trap not before

[@waynecostanza2280]

The Doctor is in the house. Just simply can’t do better! Nice Job Mike.

[@patrickkulakowski9263]

Saint Mike - I have been busy and haven't watched many of your videos lately. Good to be back watching and learning again! Hope all is well!

[@chrisgraham2904]

What is the average lifespan of a home A/C unit? What is the average cost of an annual service inspection and tune-up? We've just had our first hot spell of the year, so I took the cover off the outside unit and turned it on to chill the house. The 24 year old Lennox fired up and did the job that it has always done. The unit has never been serviced since the day it was installed.

[@Infowarrior-45]

Average life of a residential unit is 15-20 years, so you're doing great if you're over 20 years old, and still good.

[@Browns4life]

And no.service at all for 25 years.

[@TicToc-tu2xn]

Awesome video. See you offer service in Charleston, SC and will switch to you when I need service.

[@PipeDoctor]

Please do!

[@dandydonslife9869]

Really good explanation on how to clean coils, ordered gun and cleaner, plan to do it on mine, thanks.

[@JamesJohnson-em9pc]

Looks good, we take the covers off around the unit, you would be surprise how much is being trapped between the coil and cover if not removed. We also check static pressure on blower and capacitor on indoor unit. The tablets should have been placed in the drain pan, they do very little against the coil.

[@KENFEDOR22]

Agreed, I remove the top cover (fan still attached) to access the entire coil assembly. I tried once with just removing the fan assembly but couldn't really clean the top of the coils. Obviously, take caution when reinserting the top cover as the fins are vulnerable.

[@ekeith626]

What an awesome repairman!!! Your video instructions is very much appreciated.

[@lotusgardener]

Do you recommend installing a soft start on the condenser for power savings/longevity increase?

[@frankrizzo1433]

Great channel, former resident of Lynbrook. Wish I knew about you when I lived in Lynbrook!

[@TheGregWallace]

Comment.....the problem is....finding someone like yourself to do the job properly like you do.....There are to many jacklegs wanting quick money. Keep up the good work.

[@llawrence-smith109]

Are you in Florida? I love how you explained and showed us step by step. I need your service ASAP!

[@PipeDoctor]

Central Florida, Orlando area

[@shamusa943]

Mikey, you always do such nice work. Wish you were in my part of the country so I could call you for service. Thanks for these videos. I always learn something new from you.

[@oncalldev]

You read my mind with this video. Just turned on the Central AC for the first time this season to see if it's ready for some upcoming 90+ degree days. I haven't had it looked at by a pro for about 4 years. Might be time. Thanks for the info.

[@STONE69_]

Clean your coils/fins yearly and change your furnace filter, that will prolong the life of the unit. No need to pay for half azzed work.

[@officerkrupke4966]

If its four years since its last service, make sure to change outdoor dual capacitor, its due to fail.

[@eastonwilliams1722]

@@officerkrupke4966no. Wait for it to go it is not a maintenance item

[@angelo12211989]

Good video, certainly a better maintenance than most techs. My recommendation with rheem systems is that you can remove the center screw outside of the condenser, pull the coil covers up and out and the coil can be exposed once ready to rinse.

[@joshuagrigartis4610]

It’s interesting to see the different ways people do tune ups. My company teaches to wash the outside unit first, then check the inside unit while the outside dries, and then check the outside. I guess the thought is that dirty/wet coils restricts airflow and changes the readings.

[@alexcumare]

Hello, I did not see that you clean the indoor unit with water and chemicals, do they only use those tablets? How much do they charge for that?

[@lilramborambo4399]

Hey Mr Pipes, your pipes are pipen... Great video.... Now I know how to tell if my check ups are being done correctly...😁👍💛

[@zacharybinette9103]

I’m glad someone agrees with me I never hook up gauges unless there’s a problem last time I did I got a really bad burn because the schrader stuck and rather than dump 9lbs of 410a into the atmosphere I quickly reattached

[@eastonwilliams1722]

Who cares some indian in flip flops is dumping 20lbs of R22 in the air rn anyways…

[@debndave4871]

As a retired maintenance supervisor in a hospital, routine preventative maintenance is crucial for equipment reliability and operation.

[@murkyturkey5238]

Very very important, especially at a hospital. Definitely want to avoid problems there

[@coled5090]

Nice video. I like to use automotive wax on the paint for the condensing unit, and it keeps it looking glossy new and helps prevent rusting.

[@Xdonald331]

Good video. I like the attention to detail. Have you considered taking static pressure readings as well? Around here (Texas) there's a boatload of crap ductwork. Only suggestion is drop the jewelry- it's a great way to discover Arc welding! Stay safe and work proud!

[@DieDae]

Mikey, you are an unbelievable professional. Having and using a labeler on the units, going over small details like proper disconnect procedures, testing procedures, showing and checking how to do testing procedures. Simply, amazing.

[@npolite22]

Leaving that dryer filter out there in the open is asking for a premature failure. As you say install that out of the elements. I'll be sure to keep that in mind on my new install.

[@pa2k582]

Your voice makes me want to sleep, great hypnotist

[@demitriceventers4040]

I wish your company were in Houston, Texas. Great job Sir!

[@ceeweedsl]

I've got a place in Houston my mother lives in. Worst place I've seen to get work done. Not 1 in 20 guys knows AND cares what he's doing. A job well done around here is one where the check cashed. The service culture of this town is ugly. I guess it reflects the overall. Watch out for the condensate drain plumbing. There is a local belief that traps are unnecessary. Service guys cut them out if there is one, leave the vent and you have the whole system sucking hot dirty attic air plus the condensate issues it causes as well. Works fine! More service calls, more money.

[@nicholasfigge1500]

Great Job Brother, Did Above and Beyond Most That return has restriction keep that Aprilaire for intake grill (which technically isn’t right for 1 and not through out house) but yah keep and maybe or nothing for intake if so fiberglass low merv. If that’s 14” flex max cfm is 1000 for 400 cfm per ton, needing 1200 cfm on a 3 ton. The return is short causing freeze. System Balance is Hard and I had to take multiple classes to somewhat know then calculate. Best rule of thumb is pulling blower door off. If it’s hard it’s restricted, and always make sure all supply’s are open.

[@nicholasfigge1500]

No Prob technically 16” is 1000cfm 14”is 700cfm

[@nicholasfigge1500]

On Job Like that I just cut in a return grill near furnace for easy fix

[@slip0n0fall]

Mikey it's not a true inrush measurement feature but the Min/Max feature is invaluable for troubleshooting (and capturing max current in this case).

[@ronaldhooutube]

I agree with the low out door abeint temperature not being proper for cooling maintenance, but it is what it is. to many to get done during the season I do my best to be certain system will perform well.

[@scottmaz4063]

Mike as you know I have a house in Florida. They do everything you do on the tune up. And charge $49.95.cost of living is different there. Plus the do most of the houses in our community. They are great company.

[@scottmaz4063]

I'm standing there watching them. They do everything.

[@aquattadomdren6760]

It’s not a $50 tune up unless you don’t value you’re time, because your watching them for an hour. Time is money

[@ezorong9412]

@Scott Maz What's the name of the company?

[@openyuheyeby8674]

This guy's replies to comments are hilarious 😂 😂

[@TheMax13542]

pretty cool. just a tip though, go down to the hardware store and get one of those 3-4ft hose wands then unthread the end off and put the quick connect adapter from your coil gun on that bad boy, no more bending over like a hunch back to wash out a coil. not a big deal if you only do a couple a day but if you ever do commercial buildings with over a dozen systems on the roof it'll change ur life, also helps you keep ur boots dry.

[@jorged0712]

makes you wonder how big that house is that it has 2 condensers. down here in south Florida I've only ever seen one at houses.

[@zacharypalczynski8450]

Great work , I would have taken panels off just because it’s the easiest Rheem/Ruud to do so but you’re my fav my guy

[@AdrianYM]

Instead of the Nucalgon sprayer, could you use the foam gun attachment on a pressure washer?

[@Bobcat1950]

First thing, Great Job! Last year my wife used a cheap advertised service and we got hosed. The Tech came, ask her where the hose bib was, hooked up his hose and sprayed from the outside in. Within a week our AC was reduced. I called another service who said the fins were damaged and we would need a new condenser to correct the problem. I went to a HVAC unit seller who sold me a fin straightener tool and gave me instructions on how to use it. This worked, now I call them to get recommendations on service techs. My question is, “you sprayed the water at full pressure, why did it not bend or damage the condenser fins?” I now do the basic maintenance and if the system is struggling call a qualified, recommended service tech to check the contractors, capacitors and other components.

[@Bobcat1950]

@@PipeDoctor He sprayed from the outside to the inside. Thanks!

[@johnspanos3862]

Great channel! Can you do a maintenance video on the Bosch 2.0 inverter one day?

[@heathwood6738]

What do you do when the fan starts making a horrible squeak whenever it kicks on

[@fxrvw7052]

Appreciate you taking us along on your service call! New sub 👍

[@italianitalian100]

Mike what’s your company charging per unit

[@rickybennett1403]

The coil gun has a setting A-B-C-D to set the coil cleaner ratio I believe C is 5 to 1. So no need to premix

[@drodriguez394]

Correct

[@jorgegarcia5283]

Nice job. It would have been nice to show a before and after temp difference with the temp gun.

[@frankmontez6853]

Were the coils double layered? It doesn’t matter if they are ? You’d do it the same way?

[@Keith_Mikell]

You can get those same nozzle kits at Walmart for under 5$ end of season on clearance. Might be a diff nozzle but you can adapt ones you have. Theres gotta be an alternative to that chemical. A copy, all that company is doing is rebranding someone else's work unless they have custom makers which might be the case. Something tells me thats dollar store awesome degreaser. IDK i might be wrong. Maybe purple power? Castrol super clean? does it make you choke if you fan it to your nose (like most degreaser and 409 like cleaners do)? Great video. Taught me alot about the proper direction to hose. I was doing it wrong for years. Much love.

[@Keith_Mikell]

@@PipeDoctor I'll look into it for you. I enjoy this kinda stuff.

[@Keith_Mikell]

@@PipeDoctor Last comment. heres what youre looking for in the product you buy. this is from their MSDS - Hazardous Components (Chemical Name) Alcohol ethoxylate Nonionic surfacant Alcohols, C12-16, ethoxylated

[@patrochism7700]

Hey how you doing how long you been doing air conditioner Freon work how long you been doing our conditions

[@jimbonito9810]

So you dont mind two filters I always felt you dont run two filters but I heard what you said about up stream of ductwork

[@boilerman2540]

Mikey, I do all the same- with new customers I look for test holes in the duct work to see if static pressure was checked- if not I will check which help with other problems- I do the same with boilers here in Maryland you would be surprised how many boilers were installed and combustion never set!

[@boilerman2540]

Yes that would be a great one! Great job and have a great rest of the holiday weekend!

[@stevengarcia1922]

Surprised you didn’t remove the side panels being you just have to remove one screw and slide them off on the Ruuds. But great job as usual

[@thomaskaraindros28]

thats literally what i do with the Ruud RA models as shown in this video. one quarter inch screw for each panel baby lol

[@murkyturkey5238]

@@thomaskaraindros28 that’s sexy

[@STONE69_]

Thats why its better to do it yourself, and get it done right.

[@paulk7895]

Just wondering what would be the fair cost for such visit?

[@jimbonito9810]

You have a Kick ass business , deservedly so ... Congrats Mikey

[@jhhawaii8]

Textbook! Pretty much the same way I would do things. Good job, sir!

[@kittysch2]

Hey Mr. Pipes, would it be OK to apply a screen on top of the fan grill? To prevent leaves and twigs?

[@jasonaznoff1887]

Some units state to use water only to clean the coils. Is there a cleaner thats safe to use?

[@stevethomas211]

After you spray inside the unit, Do you wait for time to dry out, Just in case some electric wire got wet?? I am sure water will go where it wants. That would be a shock to my little ass plugging it back in in.

[@jesses9553]

The warm air exiting the outdoor unit-is this air warm due to the refrigerant changing it's state? I have read others comment that the warm, indoor air, is "dumped" outside. Still learning the basics.

[@wayneburba9457]

Would you know if a pool heat pump heater can be refilled with refrigerants?

[@mikeledee8786]

I noticed that you did not remove the grills from the unit to get a good spray on the condenser fins, any reason for that?

[@HHI455]

@@PipeDoctor Seems even more important to clean what you can and do a thorough job for your customer (BOSS).

[@jameswill175]

What town is this in? If you noticed, the window below ground level next to heat pump units on the right side. That might be a mud flood house.

[@brandonneal8477]

This video was very thorough.

[@Poorboyforever]

120$ for AC tune up in jersey, but my tech did everything Mikey did so im good with that.

[@garymoore1600]

Great video! New tech here. Is there a reason you didn’t clean ID coil as well? Great job with the OD coils I can’t get them that clean I will try it how you showed

[@vihayster]

when you clean your tool (chemical mixer) you could point that stream of water on coils you clean to put use to that water you otherwise waste

[@PipeDoctor]

Ok

[@wallyballou7417]

When we moved into our house, we had our system checked. The tech said it was about 20-25 years old and although it was working fine it was nearing the end of its lifespan. With that in mind, I decided it didn't make sense to perform any kind of annual maintenance. That was 14 years ago. It's still running fine. There's no label on the unit, but I think it's a Carrier.

[@wallyballou7417]

@@PipeDoctor I have solar panels, so I don't care about the energy expense (my electric bill is $0). I'll replace it with a heat pump when it finally dies.

[@obama7325]

@@wallyballou7417 im a tech and i would do the same lol just run it till it dies especially if u have solar

[@andrewhorowitz4448]

What about checking the condensation drain.

[@michaelmaclachlan2152]

Thanks for the great tips, Especially like the outdoor sticker and thorough cleaning cheers.

[@howardsternisbatman]

Why not take the grills off to get access to the front of the coils?

[@derekpych9114]

You can always tell the difference between a system that’s put in by a service tech and an installer

[@princearthur4946]

Excellent presentation!

[@PipeDoctor]

Thank you kindly!

[@williamserver4332]

Take amp draw after rinsing with water then after coil cleaner. There is no difference. Great video

[@jamesbarbour4071]

Two condensers 1st floor 2nd floor. Does that mean the house has 2 furnaces?

[@danielle8179]

where are the evaporator coils? thank you.

[@kerrydavis5480]

would you replace a compressor on a 12-year-old Eveolution? a new one is 4000.00 a compressor is 1050.00 here in Texas

[@mikekolczynski5665]

No double filtering especially with an Aprilaire.

[@markmcelmeel7850]

I have never known Rheem to use those pointed blades. It’s very interesting that one of the units uses a two prop set up and the other one uses a 3 prop with the angled scythe blades. I know the higher end ones may use a different blade set up but these look relatively the same in terms of efficiency. Just found that interesting. Good job getting those units sparkling Mikey

[@andrewludwig9251]

The Rheem 3 ton uses the 3 point swept blades, the 2 ton only uses the 2 prop blade. I guess the 2 ton doesn't need as much need as much air across the condensing coil.

[@markmcelmeel7850]

@@andrewludwig9251 so weird cause I install a bunch of Rheem equipment (a lot of 3-4-5 ton 14/16 SEER) and have never noticed. I love the look of the scythe blades

[@andrewludwig9251]

@@markmcelmeel7850believe it or not, a friend of mine from high school was actually on the design team that developed the swept fan blades. They are pretty cool.

[@murkyturkey5238]

@@andrewludwig9251 he’s an engineer? That’s impressive

[@andrewludwig9251]

@@murkyturkey5238 He was, he works on huge 50 ton walk in units now.

[@odalisduran6310]

Good morning Mr. Pipes - can you recommend someone in Bridgeport CT that does your work (like you).

[@PipeDoctor]

No idea. Sorry

[@Vortechtral]

I want to get that Viper stuff so I can take care of mine. Only thing people can get in store are water soluble stuff that might clean alright, but they come in spray cans, and they cost more then they should, and don't get the coverage.

[@CristianGarcia-yl5eg]

This video was excellent man, i recently got hired to be a maintenance technician and I didn’t have an idea what did they do but your video provided a lot of rich information and that customer interaction was excellent!! Thanks for making this video man

[@nonamuss9991]

Can you add the air gun to the tool list, please? Thx

[@seanm2216]

11:04 - My wife stepped out of the shower and I said, "Their both nice, nice and clean now. Really looks coils. Amazing!"

[@throttlebottle5906]

that extra small filter inside the intake was very likely the the first floor freeze-up issue from low airflow. I'm sure that was meant to be there temporarily and removed after construction was done. just eliminate that filter fully, double filtering is never a good thing for airflow, unless everything in the return path is oversized by 2.5X

[@frankmontez6853]

After system only blowing warn air , replaced capacitor and I thought it was fully fixed . It was blowing cool air but doesn't get to set temp 78 gets to 81 during verry hot days here in San Antonio Tx with 110 F heat index . I've replaced filter even though it wasn'r filthy clogged . Just washed wuth hose the outside unit coils from the outside and noticed the fan changed from very warm aire to cool , But didn't make a difference still twenty minutes later hasn't gotten temp lower . Still at 81 . What can a DIY try next ? No frozen lines . Not long ago a couple months ago it was getting down to 74-76 degrees

[@frankmontez6853]

@@PipeDoctor incredibly filthy coils and I used green can from Lowe’s had leaves and quarter inch of dirt. It just kept coming off the coils and I kept washing it off. Took a while. Now letting it dry for at least 45 minutes

[@vizioasdf]

Do you clean the coils of the AC furnace blower in the attic?

[@brianreip411]

😂 I love it. " If you ain't testing, your guessing"

[@scottrogers2831]

Is TSP an alright alternative for cleaning the coils?

[@myboy051]

That cleaner safe for surrounding grass ?