The Top 7 Things AC Companies Don't Want You To Know How To Do!

In this video, I expose SEVEN common scams used by many AC companies. I break down each one, explaining how they work, how you can spot them, and how it is possible to test and oftentimes be able to DIY if you are capable.
🧰 Products In The Video 🧰
Supco M500 Megohmmeter Compressor Tester: amzn.to/4cG9IAq
Supco Capacitor MFD Tester: amzn.to/3W9E8Wm
Klein Clamp Multimeter: amzn.to/4eRRwWb
AC Condensate Line Unclogging Attachment For Shop Vac: amzn.to/3WakQQt
Frost King AC Coil Cleaner: amzn.to/3RYE60V
Second AC Coil Cleaner Choice: amzn.to/3RXrpDL
Air Handler Filters: amzn.to/3PNyB4b
Klein 5/16, 1/4 Nut Driver Combo: amzn.to/4eSXxCg
Capacitors: amzn.to/3RXJUrA
🎥 Related Videos 🎥
How To Easily Test and Replace An AC Capacitor!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHiyamZ7nL2Kiaucttps://y...
How To Clean Your AC and Coils Like the Pros Do | WILL Make Air Blow Colder: • How To Clean Your AC a...
Why You Need To Stop Using Air Filters To Purify Your Air: • Why You Need To Stop U...
Check out and join our channel memberships for some cool perks and to help support the channel! / @howtohomediy
ALSO, here is our How To Home Amazon Store, where you can find many of the tools, items, and shirts I use and wear in my videos! amzn.to/3mcqu1E
My KZbin Filming and Editing Gear: amzn.to/3kqqkGl
Thank you for watching and for subscribing. You can support the channel at no cost to you by using one of the above affiliate links. This helps support the channel for new content!
Blessings,
Adam
How To Home assumes no liability for damage or injury. How To Home highly recommends using proper safety procedures and professionals when needed. Our content is for entertainment purposes only. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not How To Home. How To Home will not be held liable for any negligent or accidental damage or injury resulting from equipment, tools, electrical, fire, electronics or any items contained in this video. Attempt projects and repairs at your own risk.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am curious, how many of these have you been presented with? And what were the specifics? Also, links for everything are down in the description of the video!

[@kazallendesign]

Hmmm, the coil cleaner on Amazon is $10 more than anywhere else, I searched because it seemed expensive and it was.

[@wholeNwon]

@@kazallendesign Or you could just do what I have done for almost 50 yrs. and use a spray bottle with some dish soap (NOT automatic DW detergent) and warm water followed by a thorough rinse with the garden hose. If the coils are clean meaning that you can easily see light through the fins, they are clean enough. I would certainly avoid harsh chemical cleaners.

[@SBinVancouver]

One of our largest area-HVAC companies (installs and maintenance) charged me a market labor rate, but tried to get about $300 for the compressor and hot-start kit caps (in total). I disputed the parts charge, allowing them 2 x retail for the parts, and they backed down. No guarantee the hot start cap was bad, either - the compressor one was obvious.

[@TheCC89]

Only thing I will say can vary greatly is Condenser cleaning... 1st always Rinse from the inside out. Everything that gets sucked in to the condenser coils get pulled in from the outside in. So when you clean it, you want to push it back out the way it came or it might get stuck in there forever. A fairly new or clean unit can be cleaned with ease, but a old, neglected and nasty unit can take hours to clean thoroughly and well. I just cleaned a unit that hadn't been cleaned in 30 years and had maybe 10% air flow. It took me 6 to 7 straight hrs... Condenser fins were caked with rain splashed sediment and had 5"s of debris piled up inside, clogged to the point it was extremely hot to the touch. When I was done, I had improved the air flow by 80% and the unit was cool to the touch again!! If I had charged them a full contractors rate, service call, parts and labor would have easily been $800 to $1,000. Their AC is colder, electric bill lower and I definitely extended the life of their condenser.

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

I'd say most of them. But between you and that DIY HVAC guy, I've learned a lot. I no longer hate these machines. They are less intimidating to me. So thanks for these videos, they do help big time.

[@gregnoname3707]

My AC wasn’t blowing out cold air so I contacted a well known company in my area named Lees. There was a melted wire between the capacitor and compressor. He said it melted because the compressor was fried. He also said several other parts need to be replaced and gave me an estimate of over 15k to refurb and over 30k to replace the whole unit. Btw my house is only 7 years old. He specifically said the capacitor was good. Well I got a 2nd opinion and the new guy replaced the wire and capacitor and it worked instantly.

[@redbaron6805]

The big Red flag flashing should be the fact that the compressors usually always have a 10 year parts warranty. So, even if the compressor was fried, they should ONLY be charging you labor + refrigerant, as the old one has to be vacuumed out and replaced. $15k to refurb a unit and $30k to replace it is absurd. You can get an entire new top of the line variable speed unit installed for less than $15k.

[@Kevin-mm6xm]

Yes and go online and buy your brand new Goodman condenser, depending on model and tonnage, for as little as $1600.00. 4 years ago I replaced my entire furnace, coil, and condenser, 14 seer 3 ton for $2500.00. Of course I know what I'm doing but you can find a contractor to do it for you for $1000.00. easy and maybe less if just the condenser.

[@redbaron6805]

@@Kevin-mm6xm Finding a contractor can be easier said than done. You usually have to find a very small mom and pop operation or a handyman to do this, as any A/C company with any reputation and business will probably not be interested. The best time to find one would be in the slow season, around DEC or JAN when things tend to be very slow, and as a bonus, your house or attic won't be boiling hot during the installation process.

[@Kevin-mm6xm]

@@redbaron6805 I agree with you regarding established AC companies not wanting to install. Recently one of the major online sellers has connections to installers who will do the work so that's a possibility for a good installer. Running an ad in Craigslist as an "assistant" to a homeowner install would probably attract a lot of attention from licensed technicians with a weekend off!

[@redbaron6805]

@@Kevin-mm6xm I think trolling Nextdoor or asking some A/C guys if they wanted a little side job would likely work. Especially in my area where it will be pretty dead in November to around February, especially December and January. The problem you could run into would be warranty support, which would probably be out the window, and registering the unit for warranty purposes to cover parts, which could also become a problem. It is definitely an option looking into. But even finding someone to install a mini split, let alone support and service one in my area is a huge headache, and I live in a huge metro area.

[@jbranche8024]

Legend, this is why KZbin is so Valuable. Guy giving you the knowledge and skills to possibly save hundreds or thousands from dishonest AC Techs.

[@aprilrain2011]

I have 2 units. Was told both had to be replaced. Because they couldnt even get them to cut on. Called another guy and low and behold within 10 mints both units were up and running.. 75 to make a call and travel and 130 buck later and both ac units were fine. Might I also add I just brought my husband home from a 2 half week hospital stay and we were told he would be going on the heart transplant list..who needs enemies right? also my husband got better. Prayers are truly answered.

[@brucesamuelson7541]

AC Tech wanted $1200 with no guarantee so the lady had me install 3 mini splits. Had to buy a vacuum pump and guage set to evacuate the lines and they work fantastic! 😊

[@int4d]

Great info. Thanks. A few years ago I had a contract with the company that installed my AC. They cane out twice a year and it was such a rip off. Always needed more freon than was coverd under the contract. Then my unit went out one day. They came out fast and said a capacitor was bad. You could see it was swollen and bad. He didnt have one on his truck so said wouid take 2 days. And capacitors weren't covered in the contract. Woukd cost me $240.00. I went to Grangers and bought one and replaced it myself and it cost me $14.00. I'll never trust an AC tech again.

[@PinnacleSoluti0ns]

Just like any profession, there are bad apples in every business. I wouldn't take a bad job and write off the whole trade. They have a purpose, otherwise it wouldn't be an industry. Food for thought.

[@int4d]

​@@PinnacleSoluti0nsUnderstood and I would agree normally but this was not some fly by night place. They are huge in my area. Been around for years. They advertise on radio and TV. And of course their website has nothing but praise reviews. This happened a long time ago and they are bigger than ever. I've talked with others that have been burned by them since so its their norm. I'll never use a place that advertises now. I'll only use referrals from people i know that have a history with companies that have treated them well and stood behind their work and honored what they said they would do. Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.

[@TrueDuckFan]

240 might be a little steep to replace a capacitor, but I always stuck just about every size on my truck and try to have them on hand when doing maintenance and service calls so I can replace on site and I charge a reasonable fee and what comes with that is the homeowner not having to mess with 240 V Components

[@Rsomero]

Thank you for informing consumers so they can make better decisions about what they are getting into when repairing these items. My capacitor went out last week in 90F temps, unfortunately I didn't have one handy but was able to order and get one in 2 days. Bought 2 for $26, now I have a spare and NO service call needed!

[@dannydaw59]

Where did you buy the caps from?

[@Rsomero]

@@dannydaw59 Amazon, just got the info off the old one and found the exact replacement.

[@pd8559]

HVAC companies all came out and replaced bad capacitors with Chinese capacitors. They last 1 maybe 2 years then go bad again. I went out and bought my own MADE IN USA capacitor for $20 and replaced it myself. It has lasted 6 years so far and keeps on running without failing.

[@wholeNwon]

The Chinese manufacture to the standards and prices (esp. the prices) demanded by the purchasing retailers.

[@TriggB44]

Thanks for the info, as a single chic, I get creeps trying to take advantage of me all the time, mechanics too!😂🤘🥳

[@-What-are-your-thoughts]

Where did you purchase USA product?

[@TriggB44]

@@-What-are-your-thoughts good question as I was wondering the same thing!👌💫

[@troy3456789]

​@@-What-are-your-thoughtsMars, Capdog, and Titan HD capacitors are USA made. Titan Pro is Chinese made, stay away from it. I had one that lasted 1 year.

[@rumrunner23]

Thanks. Very good tips. Another possible tip: Keep copper lines away from AC metal frame. I had a loud squealing noise coming from the outdoor AC compressor. The AC tech said it was from a bad compressor and needed to be replaced. I wanted to first get another repair quote and while waiting for the second tech, I opened the side cover to see where the noise was coming from. It was because one of the compressor copper lines was touching against the AC metal frame and the line vibration was amplified against the metal frame causing the loud squealing noise. I carefully moved/bent the line away from the metal frame using a screw driver and noise stopped.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Wow! Appreciate that story. Amazing. You were told you would need a new compressor over a simple fix. Thanks for sharing!

[@dannydaw59]

So they were trying to rip you off.

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

True story. My neighbor called me to come to her house. An A/C tech was there charging her $326.00 to replace a 6 inch jumper wire from the capacitor to the contactor. I very calmly told him that was not going to happen. He tore up the bill and left. Now, here's the kicker. Why did the wire need to be replaced in the first place? Well two days later same problem. She called me again and I looked and sure enough the wire he installed was burned into. Again. Why? I looked at the contactor and it was absolutely burned up. I always keep a contactor and capacitor for spare for my house. My brother ran the QC lab in a scroll compressor factory and told me to always keep one of each on hand. I installed my spare contactor, capacitor and fabricated a new wire, all total my cost to replace my spares was less than $50.00, which is what I charged her.

[@draperbourgeois702]

...u wouldn't stay in business too long .

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

@@draperbourgeois702 Is that what you would call good business practice? Would you want this to happen to a vulnerable family member, friend or neighbor?

[@draperbourgeois702]

@Watchyn_Yarwood ...no,not to that extent, but in order to stay in business, your prices are geauxing to have to be higher than a neighbor,relative,or good friend, that has money already, that knows a little about a few things.

[@MrRwinsett]

I live in Texas and one of the biggest things we have is ants getting in the contactor. Easy fix for a homeowner, but unfortunately many do not know anything about it. Might be another video. Thanks and I loved the video on the capacitor.

[@redbaron6805]

We get lizards into contactors and capacitors around here. Always find a couple of fried lizards in my A/C...

[@wholeNwon]

All true. I replaced my last systems after they had served well for 47 yrs. I replaced one contactor (probably the last of its type in the USA) and a relay during that time. They were still functioning. I maintained them myself. The first rule I followed, and still do, is that, if the system is functioning properly, i.e. interior air supply and return temps. are correct, the refrigerant in the sight glass is liquid and the moisture sensor is negative, NO ONE touches it. This means that gauges are never connected. Filters do not exceed MERV 8. The most important thing is that the initial installation is done correctly and many aren't. There's only one way to do it right. It makes very little difference which brand of AC you choose. If you really need service, do not choose a company that has a lot of trucks running all over your town or one that advertises on TV. We have a big company in our city that actually has acting classes to teach techs. how to convince reluctant people to buy new systems! I have no service contract.

[@TriggB44]

@@wholeNwon wow 47 years!!!!!🤯I'm screen shotting this comment! There are some very intelligent & helpful people on here!

[@wholeNwon]

@@TriggB44 I may not be among the "intelligent" but I hope to be helpful.

[@Kevin93m3]

They don’t build a/c systems that robust anymore. Cheaper parts and metals are used and ALL major system brands build obsolescence into HVAC systems. 15 yrs is what you’re looking at on average. And that’s not just HVAC home systems, home appliances are the same if not worse in service life expectancy.

[@eugenehernandez2297]

​@@Kevin93m3it's true about the home appliances. I've worked on residential home appliances for 11 years. That's how manufacturers keep making money.

[@hoppas77]

why do you not exceed MERV 8?

[@hvacguy3512]

As an HVAC tech, and an honest one, the information you give is great for people with some mechanical knowledge. I don’t like that you think everything is a scam when someone is trying to make a living. 😂. $150 or $200 for a cap isn’t a scam when you have overhead and pay a good wage for a tech. You are paying for the tech to diagnose and fix your ac just like a mechanic to fix your car. The cost to do business is high and overhead prices can vary that’s why prices vary. There are definitely shady techs and unfortunately our industry more and more pay service techs commission which can breed dishonesty, but just because you can do something cheaper than a licensed and insured contractor, doesn’t mean a business with overhead is scamming.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I didn't say everything was a scam and said numerous times it isn't all HVAC techs. I never mentioned $150 or $200 as scam prices. I talk about what things can go wrong, how they can be used as scams, what to look out for, prices to look out for, and sometimes how they can be taken care of ourselves. I think you may have misinterpreted what I said to an extent. Good on you for being an honest one. You all seem to be few and far between.

[@vickilund7206]

Most techs are hard working people..don't bash them until you have done our job!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

@vickilund7206 when did I bash you all collectively? In fact numerous times I said not all.

[@nancysanchez3722]

Perfect timing! Just waiting for the AC tech guy to arrive. I feel well informed now. Thank you!

[@framemaker52]

To reiterate, if you are testing or changing out the capacitor, but SURE to cut the power to the unit first. .... 🙂

[@davesauerzopf6980]

You are spot on with everything you covered in this video. I clean my coils every year. Super easy. I also wash and wax the outside of my AC units just to help reduce the chance of rust. Filters are replaced every month no matter how they look. I buy them in bulk. Having a good reputable HVAC is very important as well. Do your homework and ask around.

[@BigBlueMotors]

I've had the same Carrier unit for 21 years. Last year, I had to replace the fan and figured I would replace the capacitor as preventive maintenance. My cost was under $300. I clean the coils every year and place a cover on the unit in the Fall to prevent leaves from getting inside the unit. I've also installed a hard start capacitor kit. Unit is a lot quieter at start up, even after installing the new fan motor. I cleaned the contacts on the contactor relay.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

And that is why your unit has lasted as long as it has. Bravo!

[@DJJPlus4]

With the help of this and other wonderful videos like it, I changed my capacitor myself. I couldn't help but wonder how much they are charging locally. Made three calls with prices ranging from $360 to $450....absolutely ridiculous. Did it myself for $15 and 15 minutes. Thank you sir!

[@GlenCannon239]

Great video for people that have no clue about A/C units. It goes into to a lot of detail that might go over their heads but it's still good information. When it's hot outside and your A/C isn't working, you will pay just about any amount to get it repaired quickly. I subbed up to the DIY HVAC Guy's channel, thank you for that since I like to make my own repairs when I can.

[@wholeNwon]

After 10 yrs. or so, depending on several variables, the contactor can go bad. These are easily replaced by virtually any homeowner.

[@agostinodibella9939]

The one reason I stopped having my AC system checked every year is that every time they put gauges on it a little refrigerant will escape. I just make sure to clean the coils and check the capacitor in the Spring. I also keep a spare capacitor and contactor.

[@rfc31]

Hey, just wanted to add some clarity to those techs that are saying your compressor is on its way out. What I have always found with compressor with a rusted top shell is this; the compressor at some point in time has either been running high discharge or high superheat. Either one will cause your compressor to run hot which will therefore chip and degrade the paint and expose the metal causing rust. High superheat could be due to numerous reasons but essentially you are not providing enough refrigerant back to your compressor which helps cool it down, this in turn will cause the overall temp of your compressor to be higher than normal operating conditions. High discharge pressure could be from a time when the condenser fan when out and the compressor short cycled on thermal overload, dirty condenser coils, a restriction, ect. Not saying any of this applies to what you are dealing with or have dealt with. But typically that is what I notice when I see a compressor in this type of condition. I believe this is what my fellow technicians are saying. Does this mean there was permanent winding damage that could be picked up from a megger? I suppose it would depend on how long that particular compressor ran under those conditions. But what it should tell good technician is not that the compressor is “on its way out” but to look more deeply into the system performance and check for some of the issues I stated above. Just my two cents.

[@TomNimitz]

8:42 - I think it is important to stress to the DIYer, that the rinse should be a gentle spray, not a hard stream - and absolutely never a power washer.

[@mikeharrell287]

this has become my FAVORITE you-tube channel - thank you !!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! I am extremely happy to hear you are liking and finding so much value in the channel. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know as it really does mean a lot to me! Thanks a lot Mike!

[@TriggB44]

Im going to watch this at least a couple x & refer back when needed! Thank u so much for posting!!!🤘🥳

[@upnorth1955]

Love your videos! Always informative and well done.

[@Bassmaster1256]

Don't forget to set your shop vac up for water suction.

[@markkempton4579]

Looking for the Space Balls vacuum gif now. . .

[@landahoy5217]

No way 😮

[@ermaineanderson264]

Thank you for a good understanding of the AC.

[@Gary_in_NoVA]

Great info! Nice job!

[@richardso1479]

After watching this very helpful video, Just bought 3 cans of Frost King AC coil foaming cleaners and a Compressor testing Supco M500 the same time. Thank you!!!

[@WisconsinWanderer]

Truly appreciate your channel you have helped this old guy tremendously thank you 😊

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear you have found so much value in the channel! Really means a lot to me. Thanks a lot for taking the time to let me know!

[@Toolman62-cg7vw]

I am a DIYer and am working overseas and do have a company that handles my A/C and plumbing since I am not home a lot, good service but they try and tell my wife this and that is bad not knowing I am on FaceTime the they are talking to her. Last year they said I had 2 bad capacitors and quoted over 200.00 for the capacitors + labor would be over 300.00 so before I went home I ordered 2 capacitors for about 20.00 each but when Ii went home I tested them and they were both good.. Eveytime they come out they allays find something different and what gets me they are always trying to charge outrages prices for the parts, I'm talking 300-500 percent

[@robertgreen8046]

Sounds like you should start with getting rid of this company.

[@Net446]

I had approx 6 companies come out, telling each that i was doing rate comparison. They each said compressor without me telling them. This was the only way i was convinced maybe my compressor was actually out. Its still hard to trust. I went ahead and got a brand new system $4000 lennox. 2 months later with a short circuit board now i am back without ac. To have them come out to trouble shoot the installation they charged me 89$.

[@mvnga3362]

Right after I’m finished watching your video my pointer finger hit subscribe button thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@ismaelgonzalez2432]

Great information. Thanks

[@lawwdogg1digr]

Thanks! A+ on that soft start. Love mine.

[@solincillo]

Great info. Truly appreciate your videos

[@Wags44]

A note to add about the topping off of refrigerant. Absolutely correct on being a closed system, and you shouldn't require topping off. However In my experience, if it's not them lying, or there isn't anything wrong with your lines leaking, your coil could be slowly leaking, thus the topping off. If your home has a bad sulfur issue in your water, this can lead to coil issues, along with ruining appliances, televisions etc. Even if you don't have sulfur, testing the coil for a leak can help troubleshoot the need for refrigerant periodically. Also, thank you very much for your videos! Very informative and helpful!! And I'm not an HVAC tech, or plumber. I've just unfortunately been through these issues over the years.

[@kmaynor16]

Thank you for the video! I always learn a lot watching any of your videos. Is the maintenance for a heat pump air conditioner the same as a regular air conditioner?

[@Leonardokite]

Excellent info.... thanks. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@philbellmore9944]

Wow this video is fantastic! Thanks very much!!

[@humayunrehman6071]

Thank you so much for the helpful advice and tips

[@andreeriner811]

I used to change a lot of Compressors out. Here’s the problem, if you can afford a new unit people for goodness sake do it. A compressor has a 1 year warranty. A new unit should have a 10 year if your installer registers it like they are supposed to. Compressor are so expensive now not like they were a few years back. Not to mention the refrigerant and all the other parts if it’s done properly. If you spend a fortune on a compressor and something else goes, you’ll wish you would have just bit the bullet and replaced it. There are exceptions if you have a unit not very old then yeah maybe take a chance. But I’ve been in situations where I change a compressor only to discover the reversing valve is bad. So, there you go.

[@ra15899550]

Excellent Video!

[@WayneTDowdy3]

Thanks! I appreciate what you do. ❤

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! And thank you very much for the kind words Wayne!

[@edgbostonnorth7167]

Great info thanks

[@patrickroche8433]

I understand your point and I also feel a lot of residential HVAC guys can be dishonest and companies overcharge. At the same time the prices are based off of not only labor but overhead cost (rent, vans, tools, etc)

[@Fore-Four-Dee-Too]

You forgot to add "Earwig in the contactor" I have had it happen twice. An earwig gets smashed between the contacts and the compressor won't start. Most contactors can be taken apart and cleaned rather than replaced.

[@Kevin-mm6xm]

Cancel that $150 a year service contract! There is nothing to check on your AC. It's a sealed system and unless you have a leak, the refrigerant stays in the system. The refrigerant being checked 2x a year is WORSE for your system as it releases refrigerant each time it's checked and could introduce contaminates into the system. There are no "health systems and components" to check. They either work or fail completely. Whether it's a capacitor, compressor, contactor or fan motor, when they fail, you will pay for the repair and service call at that time. BUT they will tell you it's failing and should be replaced, and this will happen every couple of years on your service contract. My last system lasted 18 years no maintenance or issues ($150.00 x 18 = $2700.00) and only failed while pressure washing my house. I stupidly decided to hit the AC condenser and caused a leak that wasn't repairable. Bottom line is, you're throwing away $150.00 a year for nothing.

[@Gio-X-Man]

Gr8888 Info. TKS

[@Gio-X-Man]

Gr8888 Info. TKS 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@JorgeHernandez-ib1px]

Great video! Is that compressor tester good for other compressor e.g. window units, refrigerator, etc... great info!! thanks for the feedback!

[@grasscutter1963]

Another great video thank you so much

[@majestic1096]

The HVAC guys are going to come and drag you out of the house in the middle of the night and abandon you in a desert somewhere if you keep educating home owners like this... Thanks for the advice! You helped me replace my run capacitor, by the way. Parts, $37, labor, $0.

[@eventurapr]

Bro. You’re pro! Thank you!

[@onlineconsumer4796]

I was always taught to add clean water back into condensate line after vacuuming so the AC unit it does not suck air from the outside through the condensate line back into the air handler. Also without water in the line, bugs can enter through the line. Another area of failure is the relay switch.

[@knh82]

Thank you for the tip. My mom called AC tech because we had overflow on drain tub. He charged $200 to take out water with snake. After watching this vid, I changed bad capacitor myself for $55. Saved a bunch of money.

[@kraiglefevre4082]

Great info. Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@sandyd-rniam8601]

Best HVAC video I've ever seen!🎉❤

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for taking the time to leave that feedback!

[@irpain8617]

My dad bought (8) 30lb tanks of R22 before it was regulated. It has saved a significant cost over the years.

[@brucewayne7561]

Thank you very informative

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@balloney2175]

Thanks a million... this applies to me.

[@ianswain9990]

Looks like you have some sweet new insulation on those AC lines!

[@jrsmyth9761]

Yes he does and it is just for looks. It is 100% unnecessary!! Insulation is to keep the condensation from damaging any material it might drip on. Only time it MIGHT be an efficiency thing is if the lines run in a space that is extremely hot. That is a very low % loss in those situations. In those cases, both lines should be insulated.

[@reneenriquez9075]

Thanks!

[@anthonybuonagurio-gl9bg]

I can perform every item you went over and have saved thousands doing g my own A/C maintenance 😊

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Absolutely! It is great.

[@xprcloud]

FANTASTIC!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@samsonandarige396]

I got the link already. Thanks

[@jamram9924]

I’ve had my system American Standard, checked twice a year for $300.00 (Spring and Fall) since it was installed. I’ve had this system for 15 years with only a blower motor failing under warranty. I change the filters every 3 months.

[@angelofjustice913]

thank you

[@Nikolasz1173]

Technicly the windings could be fine but rotor could be locked sometimes

[@Mark-c5l]

Great video! Where did you get (what's it called?) that UV cover wrap for the outside HVAC suction line starting @6:13?? I want to apply the same to my outside line. They get beat pretty bad here FL, thanks.

[@retirementpirate3665]

11 years with no service contract. At 150 dollars a year that means I have saved $1,650 dollars. I have replace one bad capacitor, cleaned the blower motor squirrel cage once and cleaned the outside coils.

[@xploit5191]

Hvac tech here in arizona, and I agree with everything but the ez flow filters. I don't use pleated air filters in my home because they restrict Airflow. I don't want to restrict Airflow to my Coil. Serviced a guy about a month ago. All I did was remove his filter and got my split, it made a whistling type of noise by return like it was struggling to get air. I use ez flow in my house, the more expensive ones ain't bad I just rather not use them.

[@okiedean1112]

Depends if you have enough filter surface area and it keeps youre static pressure within range..

[@crazydoglady5]

oh i got scammed. they said they replaced a part and they did not. Then proceeded to push to sell me a new unit. well i didnt get scammed money wise at the time..i had one of those home warranty things..HENCE why i got crappy AC companies. Went through 5 different companies....only one was honest.

[@jcantavella]

Thank you for all the great content. Are all capacitors create equal? Seems Amazon is full of Chinese products. Can you recommend some brands?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. I would say that they are not quite created equal. Can usually get around 2-3 more years out of a USA made capacitor. Then it becomes about the price and is it worth the extra money. AmRad and Titan HD are 2 reputable made in the USA brands. Make sure it isn't Titan Pro, they are made in China. AmRads are usually more expensive than the titans but are a great cap.

[@Norm100ful]

Worth watching just to test the capacitor at 17 minutes. Changing it yourself costs about $20, or less. Also, you’re not sweating for hours waiting for the repair man. Just keep a spare capacitor handy. Local appliance part stores have them, and Amazon.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Exactly right! I always keep one on hand.

[@Methodical2]

Sweeeet. I'm getting that compressor tool for sure.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Makes it super easy!

[@Methodical2]

@@HowToHomeDIY I see.

[@mauricewilliams2278]

Is there anyway to service some of the rust/ treat the rust on the condenser/compressor? Con I slow or stop the rust with paints or rust treatment?

[@PinnacleSoluti0ns]

Yes, you can. Google corrosion protection. I have one on my unit, it's a sacrificial piece of Zinc that attracts rust and corrosion. Fun fact: They put them on our military's battle ships for the same purpose 😊

[@andreyv1]

How often should you clean the coils if you live in a relatively clean area?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Generally, once a year.

[@Bob-cx4ze]

I don't begrudge techs charging $150+ to do a good cleaning. I do my units myself, but it takes me at least an hour each to do a good clean. We get a lot of cottonwood, so it really tends to pack in the coils.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Most of them don't do a good clean. Just hose it down and call it a day. Glad it sounds like you take pride in your work.

[@hankmerkle5928]

Question - we have a newer Trane unit and it has the "fluffy" coils rather than the "typical" radiator coil fins. Someone did tell me that you only rinse them off since if you put coil cleaner on them, it degrades or destroys the fragile aluminum... 1. is this true? 2. Ho would you suggest cleaning the coils on a Trane?

[@redbaron6805]

I have the same unit, and most the A/C guys appear to just dilute their coil cleaner way down when using it to clean the Spine Fins coils Trane uses. People appear to use the shower or spray function to wash them, pointing the spray down at a 45 degree angle and not using too much pressure appears to work fine. The cleaner they appear to use is the Nu Brite Foaming Coil Cleaner diluted way down. The normal dilution ratio in a low pressure sprayer like a bug sprayer is around 4:1. I would figure 10:1 should be pretty safe. To apply the cleaner to the coils and let it foam up, you can either use a hand pump sprayer, or a battery operated one like Lowes sells for around $100 or so, which is the Kobalt 2.11 gallon Plastic Pump Sprayer. I don't like disassembling the cabinet, so I just rinse it first with the shower function, from the inside out. Use the sprayer to spray upwards towards the coil all around. Let it foam for about 10 minutes. Then wash the cleaner out from the inside out again. My condenser unit sits between the house and a wall with no vegetation, so it mostly just gets dusty over time.

[@stevenk2904]

Dealing with ice on evaporator coil ?? (I've subscribed!)

[@EpyonRules]

Ice on the evap coil could be several things. Could be dirty/clogged filters. Could be clogged evap coil. Could be that the blower isn't moving air (either motor not running for one reason or another or the belt on a belt-driven blower is no good and either blew apart or flew off the pulley and the belt likely needs to be replaced). Could be a restriction in the refrigerant circuit (like a clogged filter drier or clogged expansion valve or severely kinked copper line somewhere). Could be low on refrigerant (might either have a leak, or a refrigerant manifold has been hooked up to the system too many times and you've lost a bunch of refrigerant to the refrigerant hoses on the gauge manifold).

[@9to5techs]

thanks

[@andreeriner811]

Ide rather use a cheap filter that’s not choking down my system. I’ve actually seen units freezing up over one of those fancy junk filters. Better to use a cheaper filter it will work.

[@kati-ana]

In my town the contracts run from 300 and up!

[@Bushgator]

I have a temp issue , we keep our temp at 73 and the last 2 days it won’t drop below 77. Just went through that tropical storm here in Florida, still blows some what cool air , what could be hindering it? The excessive. Heat and humidity? What can I check our air handler is in the attic

[@christinestraczek6388]

My question I have R410A and the low pressure is 189 I was told is too high. Can't this pressure be reduced?

[@leekumiega9268]

I don't know how common my problem is , my 22 year old Goodman heat pump was working ok but would trip the circuit breaker after the unit was running over half an hour. they said my unit was bad and sold me a whole new system which would also trip the breaker after around 45 minutes of running , the tech then said I needed a new circuit breaker which I changed myself . I'll never know if my still working old unit was drawing too much current which weakened the breaker over time or if it was just the breaker all along but I at least went from an inefficient system to a super high efficient heat pump the Carrier green-speed system that cut my heating bill in half since it can still put out heat down to a claimed -negative 15 degrees before the auxiliary heat turns on as it has a HSPF of 13 which was higher than all other makes at the time and my old unit was only a 6 .

[@lilithsmith1290]

As old women listening to you made me moor worried. Cost me 400$ to just change thermostat.

[@JohnHall-yd6xw]

What about an intermittent loud buzz like an arc but everything still works?

[@MA-vr7ht]

I was able to check the temperature before the Evaporator and after with a digital thermometer and after a while at each side I got 71.1 before and 41.1 after evaporator. Thats a 30 degrees difference. Could this be right? Now when set thermostat to 74 it drops temp but doesn't turn off, at 75 it turns off and on turns like it should. What could it be problem?

[@ryann4426]

I JUST got charged $1200 (CA) for replacing my capacitor and unclogged a drain line...... and I just watched this! :( I wont be paying that again!

[@ralphpagan3371]

Should power be off when testing compressor ?

[@Twiggynana]

Great video where are the links

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you like it! The links are in the description portion of the video. Thanks for the feedback!

[@tmiller918]

@howtohomediy I had my semi-annual tune up recently. The tech is saying I should replace my condenser fan motor to the tune of almost $600 because it's over-amping. He said the max should be 1 amp but it's pulling 1.3. suggestions?

[@jimmytodd1269]

i am new and interested in hvac i was told that there are cleaners that are used in the industry that some of the alum material is actually removed though on a micro level is this true?

[@EpyonRules]

Strong coil cleaners are corrosive and work by breaking down the gunk clinging to the fins. If you don't rinse the cleaner off very thoroughly to get it all off, it can absolutely start eating through the aluminum fins of the coil. There are less corrosive coil cleaners available that require less vigorous rinsing, but sometimes you need the strong stuff. Whenever you're cleaning your own coils, always be sure to be thorough in rinsing it off. (If your coil is a micro channel one rather than a traditional coil, then you typically only want to use water with no cleaner. If you do need a cleaner, make sure it says it's ok for micro channels.)

[@jimmytodd1269]

@@EpyonRules Thank you very much for that information

[@gregjohnson1709]

On the top of a capacitor each connector has 4 or 3 posts that the wire can be attached. Why? And if someone wasn't paying attention when they disconnected the wire, does it matter if reconnect it on a different one?

[@wholeNwon]

Usually these days the systems have only one cap. and it's designed to start both the compressor and the fan. They are labeled and, obviously, the wires must be connected appropriately. Homeowners usually just note the colors or take a pic.

[@marct9360]

Some capacitors have multiple taps for different values of capacitance.

[@9to5techs]

what merv raring on filter should i use if i am in a mobile home. maybe merv 7/8

[@teddytorres5146]

Where do you buy the coil foam cleaner

[@SBinVancouver]

The megohm tester is a bit pricey for a homeowner's occasional use - is there a site or YT video that describes how to test with a multimeter?

[@marcr8362]

There are videos of it on youtube. Make sure to disconnect power to unit first. If you add the ohms of common and run terminals to the ohms of common and start terminals, it should equal the run and start ohms. For example, if common and run is .5 ohms and common and start is 2.3, then your run and start ohms should be 2.8.

[@josemarquez86]

For the coil cleaner try nu brite😊

[@PHamster]

I had a compressor die on me. It was legit since a mouse got into it and killed the Carrier 25HHA. That outdoor condenser made weird noises when heating and I don’t live in a climate where it gets cold. The heat mode always needed supplement aux strips to heat the place. The new unit is a DC inverter based system and is much quieter. If I got scammed, we’ll I guess I ended up with a better unit that works with my solar/battery.

[@redbaron6805]

Inverter units work much better with solar and battery installs as they don't have a surge current when starting. Traditional compressors usually require Soft Start kits if you have a solar/battery setup at your house.