IT'S NOT ALWAYS A SUPER COMPLEX PROBLEM

[@Mr.Randy210]

I've been watching for a few years and "you might inadvertently fix a problem you didn't know you had" is something that NEEDS to be taught to every tech.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

I completely agree

[@chrisrichard298]

Chris, I’m glad you’ve made these videos available for everyone. I’ve learned a tremendous amount from you and your videos. It has allowed me to make better judgements about whether I need to call a technician or not, and to give the tech more relevant information so they can be better prepared when they do have to make a visit. It’s also saved me a lot of hassle by learning how to do the simpler things like keep coils cleaned and do basic maintenance. Thank you and keep doing the exemplary work and videos.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

I appreciate that, I'm glad they have been helpful

[@EmmanuelContreras-dg7lf]

I love your Brains, Chris. Especially the inner Ramblings. I was the same way too in all my Math and Science classes and I still do the same thing when I'm troubleshooting with my students at UEI

[@malcolmwhite821]

As a Bay Area Control Foreman(Local 393) you make me miss service a bit. And I love the tools I never get to see. Keep up the amazing videos. Thanks

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks so much for watching and I’m glad you enjoy the videos!

[@ZeroStatic]

Chris, we watch the videos because we like you and the way you work, also we’re learning about your job. Thanks for sharing your work with us and teaching us. 👍🙏

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks for watching, I'm glad my videos are useful

[@Mikeydude001]

I was a mechanic. Later in my career I installed, diagnosed, and repaired/replaced police equipment. I enjoy the diagnostic procedure you use, and I so appreciate you explaining why you don't want to unintentionally fix an intermittent problem by not thinking the diagnostics through.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks bud

[@jeremyvandeusen4317]

Doing upfitting? I do that as a side gig. Injury forced my retirement as a medic last year. I always have to remember to keep with the simple stuff and not going to ripping apart wiring bundles. Sometimes (most of the time) it’s just a loose connector.

[@itguydave2164]

Your videos are literally a highlight for me, even though I don't even work in HVAC or even any related industry. I typically watch your videos before most others I subscribe to, there's just something calming about your approach to things that somehow is an escape for me, and I learn something new every single time. No doubt there are many techs out there who get great value from these videos, so your efforts are definitely appreciated!

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks bud

[@alantorrance6153]

I appreciate your video methodology. It is good and logical, and you can see some unnecessary possible steps that are totally in order to avoid. Keep at it. You are good.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks bud

[@mech-a-redneck9745]

Our outside Tech had to come in today. Cold morning warm afternoon issue on a rooftop unit. Wire was broke off from green rot. Our guy big pictured it and the split was wrong. He had it running in 25-30 minutes and told me don't make a career out of the simple problem the only way to do it is to look at the big problem and then find the small problem causing it. Best piece of advice I've gotten this year.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

That is some solid advice

[@throttlebottle5906]

it's very easy to get hung up and narrow focus on the first problem found, but rarely is there ever just one problem. that said, don't go opening cans of worms that's not needed, you may find yourself deep into an bad rabbit hole.

[@ni_wink84]

My buddy was over helping do some wiring on my car project this past weekend, after we got some stuff re wired I said 1-2-3 please don’t blow up before I reconnected the battery, he said you watch the HVACR guy on KZbin too? 😂😂😂

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Lol, did you guys go from just being buddy's to super best friends after that ?

[@ni_wink84]

@@HVACRVIDEOS yeah basically we knew that great minds think alike 😂 funny thing is we been friends for like 15 years and we didn’t know we both watch your channel

[@AKStorm49]

I was told by my first refrigeration boss that most of the diagnosing can be done without throwing gauges on it. Great job Chris.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks bud, he's right

[@jeremydixon3470]

Excellent diagnosis brotha!!! You’re always right on! I totally get not gauging up if you don’t need too, the only reason I would recommend at least checking the low side to ensure the pressure control is cutting out at a proper set point. It may be just our accounts but it’s pretty common I find units going past 0 and into a vacuum. Just a quick little check to try and extend compressor life. Just my 2 cents haha. But as always thank you for the amazing content!!!

[@carloshilarionvazquezaranda]

Buenas noches mi estimado Chris, un video fabuloso pues la verdad se aprende mucho contigo y además aprendo cosas diferentes y nuevas. Hoy me enseñaste lo de ése contactor ahora ya se para que se utiliza completamente. También lo de revisar y explorar todo el equipo antes de tomar decisiones equivocadas, agradezco mucho tus buenos consejos y lo aprecio enormemente eres admirable. Saludos desde Coacalco Edo de México.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Gracias otra vez amigo

[@pedrojardim325]

Hi Chris Always good To check everything for sure From the beginning

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Yes it is

[@kg4muc]

Always great videos!! The explanation of the process no doubt help many others in their journey to getting things repaired

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

I appreciate that

[@thejedibunny4802]

Awesome video. Unique and great content. Thank you Chris

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks for watching

[@TwistedMe13]

12:01 Considering that's a common point of failure, I wonder why there isn't an IP65/8 rated pump-down programmable timer touch sensor on the market .

[@throttlebottle5906]

because those will also still fail, in other modes. lol

[@helmsajr]

Nice work Chris big picture stuff every time.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks bud

[@vladlad8341]

Hey Chris as I was watching this video I thought it may have been a good practice to also run the defrost cycle to see it’s operation and make sure it terminates through defrost termination switch and not time or heater safety. It’s common that those bimetal switches go bad and swell up in the evaporator box. So taking off the evaporator panels is another good step to add to the big picture approach. Thanks for sharing with us all.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks for watching

[@theashgamer400]

gotta get to these videos quick! got here in an hour to learn another thing today

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks for stopping in

[@kenward9968]

Thank you for sharing!

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks for watching

[@tbelding]

If the switch is stuck, and they just had the doors open for 15 minutes loading product, that can be enough to let it go soft, because that unit could be up to 60 degrees based on how much outside air came in. They really depend on it coming back on ASAP to start re-chilling.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Exactly right

[@DBVintage]

I’ve learned quite a bit about how refrigeration systems work by watching your videos. It turns out one of my refrigerators has a fan delay after defrost. The evaporator fan generally takes about five minutes to start up and the switch looks similar to the defrost termination/vandalize, which is I’ve seen your videos.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Glad my videos are useful, do you work in the trade ?

[@DBVintage]

@ I’m actually a retired software engineer. I just have an interest in a lot of this.

[@throttlebottle5906]

later model fridges generally have circuit boards that control the fans, via thermistor reading the coil temperature. the klixon (thermal switch) on the tubing is generally used as a defrost heater safety limit. they've been that way since around the first self defrosting models came out with timers. the electronic ones have been out since the mid 1990's and thermistors love to fail, as do circuit boards and damper control motors, but plenty of defrost element failures and the safety defrost cutoff too. generally on a heater failure they suggested you replace the limit thermostat and they were often bad, as well as the timer. as for the electronic models, the relays on the boards would burn up the pins, sometimes from compressor over-current(bad start relay), other times from the higher current defrost element draw and either compressor wouldn't kick back on or it wouldn't defrost and ice up solid. I just recently replaced the defrost element in an old unit I replaced it in once before, about 28 years prior! yeah, it's an old R-12 unit.

[@DBVintage]

@@throttlebottle5906 my subject refrigerator is an old GE monogram. It has mechanical controls, the defrost timer is a standard old-school, defrost timer, and the switches I saw on the evaporator were those little round style switches with wires coming from them. No electronics here.

[@fshn76]

I try to make it a practice to use the KISS method first. Saved my butt so many times from going into the weeds. Great Video Chris.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks bud

[@dbell41888]

Your the same way i am. So familiar with the equipment. Sometimes it can bite you. Im sure you can tell me what you worked on 20 years ago, what the problem was and what you did to solve it. Even the most insignificant things you can walk into the store and start pointing. Been retired over 3 years now and it still doesnt leave.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Lol, it's like I have a mental scrap book of all my service calls

[@Emergencylightingcollector42]

Love your videos so much!!! Keep up the good work Chris!

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks bud, I will do my best

[@jimbo2150]

8:10 - I never stop and think about what I'm doing before I Bop It.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Lol

[@Colt-wr6wx]

Well done Super tech 👏 👍

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Lol, not a super tech,, but thanks anyway

[@torinbrown8196]

So the issue with the fuses being bypassed? Will that be resolved? I do commercial marine galley and laundry machine repairs. This month alone I've had three different ships having electricians bypassing the float switch safety for the heating elements. Yea, they OOC'd said dishwashers. Was just wondering about the fuses being bypassed. Would like your, or anyone's, thought about that. Peace brother. LOVE the vids!!

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

I wasn’t too concerned as the fuses are just for the condenser fan motors so I just left them that way for now

[@MariosACandRefrigeration]

@@HVACRVIDEOS I think they are for the defrost heaters.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

They might be I thought at least one was for the fans…. But I can’t remember next time I am there I will look at the schematic

[@philmerrifield1163]

Another interesting failure, that twist timer plus the defrost time happening just after or before could have made the ice cream softer. It's a theory but I'm not a hvacr tech but what I do have is common sense

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

That's a reasonable thought

[@philmerrifield1163]

@@HVACRVIDEOS thanks Chris

[@kennethlobo4420]

Thank u for sharing your knowledge. God Bless.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks for watching

[@DedmenMiller]

You know youre different, to me you just seem like a normal smart guy, but maybe I'm also different :D Many of the things you say about big picture also apply to software development :) Thank you so much for making these videos, you are deeply integrated into my weekly routine.

[@azhakesanvaduganathan9162]

Hi Chris, gone through the video. I think the product making by Tiaano do help to remove the scale in HVAC applications. The product is absolutely, CHEMICAL FREE ELECTROLYTIC SCALE REMOVER (ElSr) which can disinfect all the Bacteria, algae and also separate the Scale from the complete water circuit with out disturbing the existing facility either in the Cooling Tower or in the Chiller/Condenser Unit.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks for the info

[@ComfortCoolJ]

Thank you

[@melvinlazear8068]

good job Chris and in the last video you said you had to notify security before you shut down the unit why is that

[@zekenzy6486]

Great video. Thank you for sharing

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks for watching

[@JackGore]

Based on your videos, I’m expanding into commercial refrigeration

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

That's great, glad I could be helpful. What sort of refrigeration are you going to be working on ?

[@colinstu]

I use a Synology NAS, and it has an app for the NAS (network storage device) and a companion app for smartphones, that automatically backups/syncs all your photos and videos to the NAS. You can set it to include the date/time in the filename. This would resolve your problem, not to mention a NAS makes it easier to access your files and can provide more backup / protection for your files (integrated services to sync elsewhere etc, and RAID for drive redundancy/parity). May want to invest in one.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

I'll check into that, thanks

[@markseneca7510]

I bought a portable sprayer with battery charged hold 5 gallons there great to have to clean condensor or remove ice of frozen evaporator.finding hose connection are a pain.iam done with pump sprayers.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

That's a good idea, what sprayer are you using ?

[@markseneca7510]

Invation bought on amazon for 160.00​@@HVACRVIDEOS

[@Chevy2564]

Another great video, Chris.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks bud

[@craig1611]

You need to stop turning defrost timers before timing them. I have found so many stuck in just 1 spot but works as soon as it is advances. Remember always observe before touching anything.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Good point

[@throttlebottle5906]

even just power cycling can make them start again and work for an unknown amount of time. seconds to weeks or more. no need to ask how I learned that. 😬🤬

[@wilcleno1866]

Remember the most important rule of HVACR repair, "In Chris we trust"

[@EdwardOrozco12]

Facts

[@EdwardOrozco12]

I say “what would Chris do” . And then make a repair

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Lol, I appreciate that you guys

[@pettergardo3874]

You would fit in perfect amongst us gas turbine commissioning engineers. We are all thinking a bit differently. You would love the troubleshooting we do.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

That sounds interesting

[@MariosACandRefrigeration]

Maybe ,at least 1 fuse for the heaters,check pressure,log it on the unit for your employees,a base #,make sure you work and lube the service valves so they will not rust up.and that is not cutting out in a vacuum.

[@jagdtigger]

6:09 Is there any specific reason why the hvac industry insisting on using those clocks? I mean a fully electronic time switch is dirt cheap and less likely to go bad......

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

It probably can't be narrowed down to one specific reason, I will try and discuss this a bit further on my next live stream.

[@jagdtigger]

@@HVACRVIDEOS Thanks.

[@jordanhenshaw]

Why does the twist timer command a pump down instead of just disabling the call or something? What's the benefit in pumping down?

[@craig1611]

You need to turn off the fans so moisture is not pulled into the open box. Because the fans are off the solenoid valve needs to be closed.

[@jordanhenshaw]

I guess I need to research this solenoid valve then since I’m coming from non-refrigeration.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

​@@jordanhenshawI will try to discuss this a bit further on my upcoming live stream

[@halverde6373]

Consider, It's not a complex problem to YOU. It's the end of the world to a customer. Contemplate . That's why he called you, the expert!

[@timshields5308]

Hey Chris are them twist timers you use, do they do both normally open an normally closed? I like the idea of them, just not sure if I could get customers an staff in the habit of using them.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Yes they do both the Intermatic part number is FF315M

[@dunckeroo1987]

Sometimes you have to follow the KISS rule : Keep It Simple ... Experience will rewire your brain. You become sensitized and familiar as experience builds.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Good point

[@semifavorableuncircle6952]

Great control circuit fuses right there. Wonder who does that kind of "work"

[@johnrider7826]

Great video.

[@kthwkr]

For years I have used twist timers for light fixtures in room temperature locations. They worked fine until about 10 years ago. Now they all stop ticking and get stuck. Quality for everything has just gone to junk. The best way to make green products is to make them so they don't fail. Longer lasting products means replacements don't have to be manufactured. Car, washing machines, HVAC, twist timers, everything is junk now in less than 5 years. My whole house AC is 30 years old. It's fine. If I buy a new one it will fail in just a couple years. ECM motors won't last 2 years. My car is a 2010 Honda 160kmiles. I dare not buy a new one because it will be broke and need a new engine way before 100kmiles.

[@Transit_Biker]

Bypassed fusses had me wondering as soon as I saw those empty clips.

[@markseneca7510]

Ivation I bought on Amazon for 160.00.there other brands also.

[@dcwarr14]

Still like watching troubleshooting.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Thanks for watching, just curious, is there something specific about it you enjoy ? Are you in the trades?

[@dcwarr14]

@@HVACRVIDEOS I think I really like the constant reminder of knowing the theory of operation of the equipment you're working on is key. I'm an engineering technician that often fixes our broken equipment. Your videos popped into my recommendations one day and I've stuck around since. They've come in handy when I was fighting with our Freeze/Thaw chamber.

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Are there tools that doesn't have hoses you can just measure pressure? That way you can connect gauges without filling up long hoses. I also get the fact that you don't want to be invasive on a system that's working

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Smart probes to be specific are much less invasive as they do not require hoses

[@dbell41888]

30 seconds in.... txv inlet strainer plugged. Klixon not making. Check temp on fan klixon.

[@dbell41888]

Would be nice to have logs for temps and pressures.

[@spirosdoulakis4364]

If the twist timer was sticking and actually the issue, why would the customer flipping the breaker solve that?

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Them flipping the breaker and moving the twist timer was about the same time so I think when they moved the twist timer they inadvertently solved the problem

[@davidj4343]

Could have cleaned rest of unit while you had the stuff up there. All that dust built up in the compressor area.

[@CodeOptimism]

Your webcam is (still?) stuck in a low quality mode or something FYI, it pixelates every couple seconds. Just making sure you know. Thanks for the videos!

[@keith_5584]

Sometimes thats heat related. They would have fans in them if it wasnt for the microphone

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Yeah I noticed that and it all happened after I switched it to 4k I think it’s time for a new webcam, thanks for the heads up though!!

[@springws14lbss]

It might blow up later because the fuses are bypassed 😉

[@tymon5349]

why didnt you reconnect the fuses? sure the customer didnt ask for it but isnt that a safety thing>?

[@throttlebottle5906]

30 minutes or more off and the freezer/cooler doors propped open, sure could defrost the ice cream. chances are they strap the door/s open for deliveries and maybe also forgot the freezer open to cooler.

[@jbftcmof]

Hi, just wondering if you do requests? "How to gently encourage your local tech to start watching HVACR content, and make them more helpful".

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

You could send them some content that you feel would be beneficial, then discuss it later, but at the end of the day, it's on that person to put forth the effort

[@Spencer1609751]

Nice Job, But BUFF RANCH?

[@trevorphillips7233]

For me it seems simple then you go to work on a heat pump in a medical building and find that the whole boiler system is down because of one input to a mixing valve

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

It's like shooting a free throw... you do the same thing and the results will happen

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Exactly

[@SoullessProductions]

Stop thinking your different. I also babble to myself incoherently and half the time confuse myself. Your just like the rest of us.

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Lol, that's a relief

[@StephenCole1916]

Think Different! You're an Apple computer!

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Lol

[@nrdesign1991]

A little bit of neurodiversity can make one the more qualified guy for the job. Especially when lots of logic and attention to detail are required.

[@steveblake8766]

692nd Thumbs uP

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Bam

[@raydoactive]

“…And the sight glass is clear!” 🫡

[@HVACRVIDEOS]

Bang