A day in the life of an HVAC technician

[River Lynchmob]

Those look like Dakin mini splits. I have heard a lot of good things about them. I can't wait to put one in. We just switched over to that line because of all the positive reviews

You will like them for sure. We use the shit out of their VRF systems. I just got 130,000 square feet design build that we are using Daikin VRF.

 

[Riverbound]

we don't recycle per sey...we have a recycle company that we call to take all the old equipment...they show up with a crew and trucks and remove everything and when it is all done gives a cut of the pie...couldn't work out better for either of us.

That's the same thing we do. On our small stuff the guys bring back to shop and out scrap guy comes by once a week and picks up larger jobs the guys meet us on site

 

[NicPaus]

That's the same thing we do. On our small stuff the guys bring back to shop and out scrap guy comes by once a week and picks up larger jobs the guys meet us on site

That seems to be what most do. I figure it takes up to much space for old units and its a mess breaking them down. They used the same guy here forever who recently got to old and the guy taking over does not kick back $$. I have 3 trailers that barely get used and my worker has 2 3/4 ton trucks and already does scrap on the side. Thinking about hitting up all the local AC guy's I know and seeing what it will take to get the old units from them on a regular basis.

 

[dezertrider]

That seems to be what most do. I figure it takes up to much space for old units and its a mess breaking them down. They used the same guy here forever who recently got to old and the guy taking over does not kick back $$. I have 3 trailers that barely get used and my worker has 2 3/4 ton trucks and already does scrap on the side. Thinking about hitting up all the local AC guy's I know and seeing what it will take to get the old units from them on a regular basis.

Find a guy driving around in a Toyota Dually and you have a new scrap guy. My office manager flagged down the local scrap guy a few weeks ago and said he paid more than normal. I told him that's not our regular guy and he said they all look alike

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

Saw one of u guys on the 405 near Culver around 8 ish this morning

 

[Riverbound]

Saw one of u guys on the 405 near Culver around 8 ish this morning

Most likely me. That's the way I take to work in the morning

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

Most likely me. That's the way I take to work in the morning

Yup I was waaay over in the exit lane to get off or I would have blasted the air horn and flipped u off. Was heading to my first stop in Irvine.

 

[River Lynchmob]

Most likely me. That's the way I take to work in the morning

Keeping bankers hours these days I see.

 

[Riverbound]

Keeping bankers hours these days I see.

I wish it's was bankers hours, usually I'm down in south OC by 6 am. Been trying to get back to the gym but it seems like I workout for two days then I'm out for a week with this back injury . [emoji107]

 

[River Lynchmob]

Here are a few pics I took this morning of a 300ton cooling tower, pumps, boilers, plate heat exchanger for a 12 story condo project we are finishing up in Long Beach...

 

[Riverbound]

Here are a few pics I took this morning of a 300ton cooling tower, pumps, boilers, plate heat exchanger for a 12 story condo project we are finishing up in Long Beach...

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The title says hvac tech. Not pencil pusher

 

[River Lynchmob]

The title says hvac tech. Not pencil pusher

I am a recovering installer (tech). :finger

And I believe you are starting to push a pencil more and more these days.

 

[westair]

Here are a few pics I took this morning of a 300ton cooling tower, pumps, boilers, plate heat exchanger for a 12 story condo project we are finishing up in Long Beach...

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Very nice ...do you guys have in house pipefitters or subcontracted out

 

[River Lynchmob]

Very nice ...do you guys have in house pipefitters or subcontracted out

Everything is done in house.

 

[Bobby V]

Here are a few pics I took this morning of a 300ton cooling tower, pumps, boilers, plate heat exchanger for a 12 story condo project we are finishing up in Long Beach...

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Is that schedule #40 8" pipe with victaulic couplings. Maybe 6".

 

[River Lynchmob]

Is that schedule #40 8" pipe with victaulic couplings. Maybe 6".

some of 6" and 8" and yes to both of the others.

 

[CampbellCarl]

Here are a few pics I took this morning of a 300ton cooling tower, pumps, boilers, plate heat exchanger for a 12 story condo project we are finishing up in Long Beach...

View attachment 414190

I see in the last pic, that you HVAC guys are together in using the customer's new equipment as your work bench....

Fuckers...

As an Owner's Representative, that shit pisses me off more than the equipment not working right.

C

 

[Riverbound]

I see in the last pic, that you HVAC guys are together in using the customer's new equipment as your work bench....

Fuckers...

As an Owner's Representative, that shit pisses me off more than the equipment not working right.

C

Yah Lynch.....wtf?

 

[Bobby V]

some of 6" and 8" and yes to both of the others.

6" and 8" sch. #40 is a lot harder to groove. We cut groove instead of roll groove like in thin wall.

 

[River Lynchmob]

I see in the last pic, that you HVAC guys are together in using the customer's new equipment as your work bench....

Fuckers...

As an Owner's Representative, that shit pisses me off more than the equipment not working right.

C

Carl...you need to do a little more of what your avatar shows...the flange is ours the rest is the plumbers things. Now take a deep breath and repeat after me "life is too short to sweat the little things"

 

[River Lynchmob]

Yah Lynch.....wtf?

I learned it by watching you!

 

[Riverbound]

I learned it by watching you!

If I'm selling something that's such poor quality that a tool can't be set on it without being damaged. The problem isn't with the tool on the unit but with the piss poor quality product. I have no issue setting tools on our units because if me setting something on it damaged it, I would be searching for a different product to sell my customers.

 

[River Lynchmob]

If I'm selling something that's such poor quality that a tool can't be set on it without being damaged. The problem isn't with the tool on the unit but with the piss poor quality product. I have no issue setting tools on our units because if me setting something on it damaged it, I would be searching for a different product to sell my customers.

Well I can tell you that the boiler that is allegedly being used as a "work beach" is probably built more sturdy than 98% or work benches...haha

 

[Riverbound]

Well I can tell you that the boiler that is allegedly being used as a "work beach" is probably built more sturdy than 98% or work benches...haha

I would hope so.

 

[CampbellCarl]

If I'm selling something that's such poor quality that a tool can't be set on it without being damaged. The problem isn't with the tool on the unit but with the piss poor quality product. I have no issue setting tools on our units because if me setting something on it damaged it, I would be searching for a different product to sell my customers.

Bill,

You've most the point entirely. The equipment nor the tool is the problem...it's the tool that set his tool on the customer's equipment. It's called pride in workmanship.

Ask Billy B if he lays tools across the recently painted deck of a customer's boat. Ask Rattle Can Lou if he puts tools on a recently painted car in his shop. Ask 2FF if he puts tools on a newly installed marble counter. Ask RD if he puts tools on the deck of the Schiada.

Pride in workmanship is a lost and dying breed of individual.

Carl

 

[PVHCA]

Bill,

You've most the point entirely. The equipment nor the tool is the problem...it's the tool that set his tool on the customer's equipment. It's called pride in workmanship.

Ask Billy B if he lays tools across the recently painted deck of a customer's boat. Ask Rattle Can Lou if he puts tools on a recently painted car in his shop. Ask 2FF if he puts tools on a newly installed marble counter. Ask RD if he puts tools on the deck of the Schiada.

Pride in workmanship is a lost and dying breed of individual.

Carl

You are comparing apples to oranges CC.

You are talking about metal that's outside in the elements not a "Kustom" paint job, easy Francis.

 

[Riverbound]

Bill,

You've most the point entirely. The equipment nor the tool is the problem...it's the tool that set his tool on the customer's equipment. It's called pride in workmanship.

Ask Billy B if he lays tools across the recently painted deck of a customer's boat. Ask Rattle Can Lou if he puts tools on a recently painted car in his shop. Ask 2FF if he puts tools on a newly installed marble counter. Ask RD if he puts tools on the deck of the Schiada.

Pride in workmanship is a lost and dying breed of individual.

Carl

I got the point you were trying to make. Just don't agree with it. You are comparing a very delicate easily damage surface to something that is designed to handle abuse elements and be very tough. So....like I stated. If I'm selling something that is going to be outside and constantly under attack of the elements animals etc. and it is damaged by me putting a tool on in that particular item will not be sold to my customer. Apples to oranges here buddy.

Now if you were making the same statement because there was a picture of tools being placed on a delicate surface, say four example customers wood floors, walls, counters or anything that would be easily damaged then I would be 100% agreeable .

 

[CampbellCarl]

I got the point you were trying to make. Just don't agree with it. You are comparing a very delicate easily damage surface to something that is designed to handle abuse elements and be very tough. So....like I stated. If I'm selling something that is going to be outside and constantly under attack of the elements animals etc. and it is damaged by me putting a tool on in that particular item will not be sold to my customer. Apples to oranges here buddy.

Now if you were making the same statement because there was a picture of tools being placed on a delicate surface, say four example customers wood floors, walls, counters or anything that would be easily damaged then I would be 100% agreeable .

I can promise you that any tech (yours, Lynch's or anybody else's) that will set tools in the wrong place on job A will do the same on job B...they're called habits and habits are a product of pride in workmanship.

Take your car/boat/truck to a mechanic that opens every drawer in his tool box and they each look the same (greasy, screwdrivers mixed with sockets) to find a tool or take it to a mechanic that wipes down and places tools into the designated drawer after each and every job?

Which mechanic do YOU use?

 

[Hammer]

Carl has a point guys, that shit wouldn't fly on my projects. The clients I work with would shit a brick if they saw something like that.

It is bad practice, at least put something down on the new equipment prior to setting tools/parts on it during installation.

 

[Riverbound]

I can promise you that any tech (yours, Lynch's or anybody else's) that will set tools in the wrong place on job A will do the same on job B...they're called habits and habits are a product of pride in workmanship.

Take your car/boat/truck to a mechanic that opens every drawer in his tool box and they each look the same (greasy, screwdrivers mixed with sockets) to find a tool or take it to a mechanic that wipes down and places tools into the designated drawer after each and every job?

Which mechanic do YOU use?

Well I guess it depends on the definition of "wrong place".

Once again. Your comparing apples to oranges with the tool box reference. I'm one of the most organized techs you Will meet. My "toolbox" (my truck) is extremely organized in fact people will often be amazed at how organized our "tool boxes" are. But I will have no issue whatsoever placing my drill my gauges or any tool I'm using a top a condenser, on the flip side you will find me using floor protection, booties, etc to prevent any damage to delicate surfaces in the home.

I would have to say that based on the quantity of high end installs we do, we must be doing something right. No one ever picks us because we are the "low bidder".

 

[Riverbound]

Carl has a point guys, that shit wouldn't fly on my projects. The clients I work with would shit a brick if they saw something like that.

You are honestly telling me that if your customer Walked into this scene right here, during an install....they would shit a brick?
View attachment 414248

Or this during a service call?
View attachment 414249

 

[rt614]

I know my fieldpiece meters and gauges were designed to hang off the side of equipment by magnet or hook. Maybe the HVAC industry is just doing it all wrong.

 

[Riverbound]

I know my fieldpiece meters and gauges were designed to hang off the side of equipment by magnet or hook. Maybe the HVAC industry is just doing it all wrong.

They must be......

 

[rivrrts429]

I think you guys will argue about anything lol

God forbid a bird shits on it or a drop of Fukushima laced acid rain lands on it.

All I saw was a badass job site that looked way more sano than 99% of construction projects out there.

 

[Hammer]

You are honestly telling me that if your customer Walked into this scene right here, during an install....they would shit a brick?
View attachment 414248

Or this during a service call?
View attachment 414249

I'd get an email for sure asking me why my subs are using "their" new equipment as a work bench. I'm just as guilty because I've done the same for years before I jumped to the GC side. You'd be amazed at what people complain about.

Service call not so much.

 

[Riverbound]

I'd get an email for sure asking me why my subs are using "their" new equipment as a work bench. I'm just as guilty because I've done the same for years before I jumped to the GC side. You'd be amazed at what people complain about.

Service call not so much.

They better pay you a lot. lol.

The first pic that started this was because we were at a maintenance on a system we installed years ago. A drill was sitting on one of the units. Hardly a "work bench" but I guess no matter what you do someone will find a negative. I'm glad I deal with the clientele I do. Lol.

 

[River Lynchmob]

You know people come on this site to showcase their boats, work, projects, hobbies or things they enjoy. I read posts of things I don't agree with or things that aren't my taste. Most of the time I will give a thumbs up or just say nothing. If you don't have something nice to say or a thumbs up...keep your comments to yourself...it's pretty easy...so many on here want to be critical but don't have a clue on what it takes to get things done...so as your mom probably told you growing up...if you don't have something nice to say...don't say anything...pretty easy.

 

[HotRod82]

They must be......

lol..Amen brother.

 

[CampbellCarl]

You know people come on this site to showcase their boats, work, projects, hobbies or things they enjoy. I read posts of things I don't agree with or things that aren't my taste. Most of the time I will give a thumbs up or just say nothing. If you don't have something nice to say or a thumbs up...keep your comments to yourself...it's pretty easy...so many on here want to be critical but don't have a clue on what it takes to get things done...so as your mom probably told you growing up...if you don't have something nice to say...don't say anything...pretty easy.

Sorry John...

 

[Hammer]

You know people come on this site to showcase their boats, work, projects, hobbies or things they enjoy. I read posts of things I don't agree with or things that aren't my taste. Most of the time I will give a thumbs up or just say nothing. If you don't have something nice to say or a thumbs up...keep your comments to yourself...it's pretty easy...so many on here want to be critical but don't have a clue on what it takes to get things done...so as your mom probably told you growing up...if you don't have something nice to say...don't say anything...pretty easy.

The two of you come highly recommended, my post wasn't in regards to the quality of work you put out. I apologize if it came across that way.

 

[BHC Vic]

I've seen guys get fired for placing tools on people stuff [emoji2]little prep work maybe some plastic whatever goes a long way [emoji106]

 

[Riverbound]

I've seen guys get fired for placing tools on people stuff [emoji2]

I probably would've quit long before that.....We have built a very solid business and an impeccable reputation, so it would be hard to argue that we are "doing it wrong"

 

[BHC Vic]

I probably would've quit long before that.....We have built a very solid business and an impeccable reputation, so it would be hard to argue that we are "doing it wrong"

No one said doing it wrong. There's always room for improvement that's all. I'm great at what I do and part of the reason is because I'm always learning. The guys that are stuck in their ways and think their way is the only way, they are the ones who run into trouble. I've had my ass chewed a number of times for placing a drill on a desk in an office im patching or dumb stuff like that. An apprentice was resting drywall on a stair handrail on the roof of north ridge hospital. Rail was beat to shit way before we got there. Emails and phone calls for days after someone snapped a pic

 

[Riverbound]

No one said doing it wrong. There's always room for improvement that's all. I'm great at what I do and part of the reason is because I'm always learning. The guys that are stuck in their ways and think their way is the only way, they are the ones who run into trouble. I've had my ass chewed a number of times for placing a drill on a desk in an office in patching or dumb stuff like that.

I agree.....if I walked in a house and my techs didn't take every measure to protect the customers home, I would lose it. Setting a drill ontop of a unit that is designed to be tough. Non issue.

 

[Riverbound]

Back to the original thread at hand.

Out on a no cooling call......

View attachment 414259


Yup.....it's broken. Lol.

 

[RSoscia]

I agree.....if I walked in a house and my techs didn't take every measure to protect the customers home, I would lose it. Setting a drill ontop of a unit that is designed to be tough. Non issue.

I'm glad I stayed out of this one, Riverbound I know we have disagreed on a lot of things in the past. Sometimes I need to keep my mouth shut. Everybody has the right to do as they please. I with ya on this on Apples to Oranges. The top of a condenser is very sturdy, its outside and it is not and will never be a boat. Sorry about all that other crap we need to all get along were in the same business.

 

[RSoscia]

Back to the original thread at hand.

Out on a no cooling call......

View attachment 414259


Yup.....it's broken. Lol.

I've got a better one if I could figure out how to post pics from my phone. Concrete truck backed into a BARD Unit and tore it almost off the side of the trailer.

 

[Riverbound]

Bill,.

Ask RD if he puts tools on the deck of the Schiada..

Carl

View attachment 414261
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Crap......lol.

When I put my ski on....I put it on on the deck. Much easier than trying to do it off the back of the boat. [emoji6]

 

[CampbellCarl]

View attachment 414261
View attachment 414262

Crap......lol.

When I put my ski on....I put it on on the deck. Much easier than trying to do it off the back of the boat. [emoji6]

Good job...:thumbsup :thumbsup

 

[River Lynchmob]

View attachment 414261
View attachment 414262

Crap......lol.

When I put my ski on....I put it on on the deck. Much easier than trying to do it off the back of the boat. [emoji6]

I never saw those pics...that turned out unreal!