AC help

cookingdude555 · July 2019

I am database expert by profession, but my dream is working in HVAC. These guys do awesome work. I am in love with air conditioning. I have been limping my central air unit along for about 3 years now (added a hard start kit, new run capacitor, "A" coil cleanings, flame sensor in furnace), ever since the latest tech told me it was shot (because it was 14 years old). Since then I have done a ton of studying and research, joined HVAC tech groups online to watch and learn, bought my gauges, nitrogen, bottle of 410A, vacuum pump, and many other tools I have forgotten. I have installed two mini splits in my house, and they are glorious, but still not enough BTUs to retire the central in the 100 degree weather right now.

In spite of all of these efforts, I am barely a journeyman, and my hat goes off to HVAC techs like @lkapigian. They work in the most extreme elements, and deal with the grumpiest/thankless homeowners on service calls. They control fire and ice, and its awesome.

DoubleEgger · July 2019

You got a picture of Willis on your nightstand @cookingdude555 ?

DoubleEgger · July 2019

You can get a 3 ton mini split...

cookingdude555 · July 2019

Or more ...

kl8ton · July 2019

I remember a post a while back where someone recieved forklift mechanical advice! If I remember, it was very quick turnaround time too. This place is awesome.

nolaegghead · July 2019

cookingdude555 said:

I am database expert by profession, but my dream is working in HVAC. These guys do awesome work. I am in love with air conditioning. I have been limping my central air unit along for about 3 years now (added a hard start kit, new run capacitor, "A" coil cleanings, flame sensor in furnace), ever since the latest tech told me it was shot (because it was 14 years old). Since then I have done a ton of studying and research, joined HVAC tech groups online to watch and learn, bought my gauges, nitrogen, bottle of 410A, vacuum pump, and many other tools I have forgotten. I have installed two mini splits in my house, and they are glorious, but still not enough BTUs to retire the central in the 100 degree weather right now.

In spite of all of these efforts, I am barely a journeyman, and my hat goes off to HVAC techs like @lkapigian. They work in the most extreme elements, and deal with the grumpiest/thankless homeowners on service calls. They control fire and ice, and its awesome.

I'm like you, database engineer, but I am fascinated with HVAC. I kept my old central unit running, then finally replaced it myself. Installed a couple ductless mini splits, worked on a bunch of cars and trucks. Very satisfying.

I have all the equipment, recovery system, freons, pumps, digital gauges etc.

I pride myself at being able to fix anything, but I do tap Larry and Blake for advice. They have saved me a lot of time.

cookingdude555 · July 2019

nolaegghead said:

cookingdude555 said:

I am database expert by profession, but my dream is working in HVAC. These guys do awesome work. I am in love with air conditioning. I have been limping my central air unit along for about 3 years now (added a hard start kit, new run capacitor, "A" coil cleanings, flame sensor in furnace), ever since the latest tech told me it was shot (because it was 14 years old). Since then I have done a ton of studying and research, joined HVAC tech groups online to watch and learn, bought my gauges, nitrogen, bottle of 410A, vacuum pump, and many other tools I have forgotten. I have installed two mini splits in my house, and they are glorious, but still not enough BTUs to retire the central in the 100 degree weather right now.

In spite of all of these efforts, I am barely a journeyman, and my hat goes off to HVAC techs like @lkapigian. They work in the most extreme elements, and deal with the grumpiest/thankless homeowners on service calls. They control fire and ice, and its awesome.

I'm like you, database engineer, but I am fascinated with HVAC. I kept my old central unit running, then finally replaced it myself. Installed a couple ductless mini splits, worked on a bunch of cars and trucks. Very satisfying.

I have all the equipment, recovery system, freons, pumps, digital gauges etc.

I pride myself at being able to fix anything, but I do tap Larry and Blake for advice. They have saved me a lot of time.

That's awesome. What is your database? I started in SQL Server, went to Oracle, currently at a Microsoft shop, so back on SQL Server again.

I don't have the recovery system yet, but that is on the wish list. I picked up 3, 15600 BTU dual zone minis from a mobile military installation in Idaho about six months ago (3 outdoor units, 6 indoor). I am in the process of installing one of the units in my sons room, and my daughters room. This will allow me to effectively turn off the central. These things were a moldy mess. I don't think the previous installation had proper drainage. I took them completely apart this week and cleaned them with AC coil cleaner, and rubbing alcohol to clean the plastic. They are drying out now, should go up on the walls tomorrow. Adding a new circuit tonight since I can do it indoors and not wake the neighbors with drilling through brick to mount the compressor on the wall.

Sons wall (The tigger phase is evident here...)