3 Secrets HVAC Contractors Don't Want You to Know! 

This single overworked grandma near retirement appreciates your honesty. So many people prey on older generation. Wishing you well friend.

Purchased: August 2023 - still works GREAT!I ru-vid.comUgkxxsUnXhGsSJLim_XnMHyQK0u3XVaW-CGn live in a studio and during the summer it gets scorching hot - really old building with no ac units. I can’t express how EASY it was to install. This unit has been a life savior during the summer and some days during other seasons where it can still be a bit warm at night. In this small place is my friend, a husky, poodle mix and myself. We need AC - lolI don’t use the dehumidifier option - I’m not sure if it will leak in my house, since I did not install the small draining hose that came with it. May look into it late but I don’t worry about much humidity in the apartment. I don’t understand why the negative reviews since all things mentioned, I personally did not find issues with. Definitely worth it!

My respect to you. I am an HVAC contractor as well and I cannot stand those that rip the customer in pieces so as a HVAC contractor I’m with you that’s the difference between professionals and those that are not professional because they’re there to rip up the customer for any little thing that’s why I have a lot of customers because honesty goes a long way.

I'm retired now but I was in maintenance for over 25 years until I switched over to IT for the last 15 years. Another tactic I experienced was the 'service contract' where you pay an amount for several bi-annual check ups. When the tech arrives, they usually try to sell something as they get a commission. One technician became livid with me because I didn't want to buy a new compressor motor and had me sign a statement that I declined the offer. The next technician to arrive six months later found nothing wrong with my compressor motor. The previous technician wanted to charge me $1,200.00 for the motor.

Sad to hear you're getting lambasted for your transparency by shallow minded techs. Honesty is always the best policy in the long term. Happy HVACing!

Love that your out here putting it straight for the customers. I'm about being honest. I had a customer who's condenser had a surge and the reset switch tripped. A company quoted them 15,000 dollars for a whole new system. It took me and hour to figure it out but it only cost them $150 instead of $15,000

My elderly aunt was taken advantage of my HVAC guys who would charge her for servicing her sustenance and replacing things they obviously did not do when we checked it out. I think he did the battery trick as her thermostat constantly had problems. Keep giving out their secrets!

You NAILED IT !!!! I retired from HVAC after 40 years. Always kept my prices same year round. When bidding, I took the time to look at all aspects & bid accordingly. Many competitors did not, gave low price then hit them with change orders " because we didn't see it" what really bothered me, was those contractors who signed up for " factory incentives" programs where they had to artificially raise the price inirder to give a "factory rebate".

Thank you for assisting people like me who has no idea what is going on when it comes to HVAC. Thank you again.

This guy is 100 percent correct! Not only is the HVAC line of sales and repair that way, but pretty much every field of commercial sales and repair, especially the automotive industry and repair, you really have to watch the repair shops for any type of automotive vehicle used for traveling, whether or not it's the dealership repair and or warranty shops doing the repairs or the independent repair shops doing the repairs, and if you don't know anything about automotive repair or the parts used for automotive repair, more times than not, these independent repair shops will take advantage of you, (not all, but most), I know what I'm talking about because I've worked at several different independent automotive repair shops and saw it first hand, and yes, it really pissed me off, and here's a tip for the employees for these independent automotive repair shops, if the owners are dishonest and they'll take advantage and cheat the customers, they'll darn sure try to cheat you on your commissioned weekly pay, unless you were in on it with the owners. The medical field is the same way, but far worse! And these present day corrupt politicians federal and state help protect these big corporations by taking payoffs from the corporate lobbyists!

100% spot on. I purchased a new construction home in 2020. They had their HVAC contractor install a Lennox HVAC and Furnace. I installed 2 Nest thermostats (1 upstairs and 1 downstairs). After 2 years, the downstairs Nest thermostat is not able to turn on the fan so it shows 'cooling', but no air flows from vents. After 3 hours with Google support and emails back and forth with the HVAC contractor I ended up back at square one. Google says one thing, Lennox said another thing, and the HVAC contractor said something else. The letter I have from the HVAC contractor says if I register my unit within 60 days after the closing my warranty would be extended to 10 years. Lennox said, 5 years only. I ended up re-installing the simple Honeywell thermostat downstairs, which originally came with the house. Now we have air flow downstairs again, but I can't use the Nest.

Protect this man at all cost. 🙏 An honest man goes a long ways in life. 💪

Single mom, just bought a new home. You're video was informative, I went to your website to check the warranty. Just gave me so much more confidence to get the proper service. You're Good deed has been done! Thank you.

I appreciate your openness. Those folks that are uncomfortable with empowering their clients are actually unconfident in their work. Reality is most folks just want to make sure their project is done well and at a fair price; for some people (like myself) that means getting really detailed information to feel confident about a decision. Transparency and honesty will always win my dollar.

What I love about HVAC contractors is going through the learning curve. You do not operate you business the same way in the beginning that you do year after year. HVAC contractors are just like politicians-some in it for the people and some in it for themselves. Some people are honest and some are not. It is about relationships and trust, not price. If you don't earn enough money, you vaporize regardless of your honesty. So the bottom line is take care of the customer, be fair, be honest and reasonable in your pricing. Last word, the cheapest price is not the best value.

Don't care about the hate; there are hundreds (thousands?) more customers in the world than there are HVAC technicians, and we love your advice and information *more* than those HVAC technicians hate it.

You are "that guy" that HVAC homeowners love! Great information, great perspective and useful content. Thank you for committing to your customers and building your brand.

Other corrupted contractors hate you, but we, normal customers who love a honest contractors, love you man!

Thank you. The only way I, as a homeowner, can support you and good business is to learn and educate myself to be able to select and work with good companies so you can have profits to last. I will spend time watching other related videos from your channel.

#1...HVAC guys are not car dealers. Most if not all have a markup margin they maintain in order to be profitable. SOME contractors slash their price when they know certain other contractors are biding jobs against them. #2....batteries leak and cause damage to the control boards on thermostats. For this reason I don’t put batteries in thermostats. IF there aren’t enough wires present during a change out job I always pull a new wire. This is the best practice and should be figured on the quote. #3....honesty is the best policy. It took me a while to realize that I didn’t have to run down competitors for “sheisty” work....let their work speak for itself. Just explain what was done wrong to start with and let the customer form their own opinion. Good luck everyone!

Thank you for getting home owners the inside dirty of your industry. I sometime doubt my contractor when they try to sell us new units...Again thank you for your honesty we need more honest people like you serving people...

Let them hate. Sticks and stones may break your bones but words can’t hurt u. Keep it real Your honesty is why I started watching u. Thank u 🙏

I have great respect for trade guys. Rain, snow, heat whatever these guys can endure the harshest of conditions. The HVAC guys need to know plumbing and electrical as well as HVAC. Usually the reason for their visit is urgent and they always seem to have great attitudes toward their customers.

30 year tech and my philosophy has and will always be, I have no problem with the customer watching and asking questions while I work in their home. The ones that have a problem with it are the ones that are hiding something or being very shady about something. Keep doing your thing. Us honest techs are becoming fewer and fewer n we need to stick together and push those who give our trade a bad name out the door !!

Honesty is the best policy!! It's an old saying, that dishonest people laugh at . Just like haters there out there. Keeping your customers informed, Keeps you with steady customers. Honestly!! Thanx for ALLLLL you do!!! Good content !!

Omg. Thank you for helping us in an economy where we need to save money and maybe cannot afford to pay hvac person. Thank you. Don’t stop

You're very honest and ethical. Your company is exactly the company I'd want in my home.

*Great with keeping my 1st floor **Fastly.Cool** . Had a little struggle getting it to sit properly in my small window but once I got it situated it works perfectly.*

Thank you Brother, never been a JOINER. Installed my OWN Furnace several times and installed Central Air with line Sets and Thermostats with NO HVAC experience also installed my Own Electric Meter from the pole to the house and Put in a New Panel Box many many years ago. People can take Action and Do it yourself instead of always believing they have to rely on another. God Bless you for Sharing Knowledge as this is Key. Everything I have done has been reviewed by Professionals though and I have gotten the atta boy and node.

Thanks for being honest. It's the right thing to do. Appreciate you caring about the community

I’m a ac tech and I’m like u honest work. I do what’s best for my customers always

I adjust prices due to how busy we are at times. So when we are slow my guys need work so during slow times we offer discount rates. When we are very busy we are very small so we give a big quote if we are busy. I always tell customers “we are busy so we will have to work longer hours and weekends so rate goes up, HOWEVER if they like to wait like Spring we can give a better price. If these options are not workable call around and I will even recommend other companies.

Griffin Air do the right things and you'll never regret it! Customers will respect and trust you and that's as good as money in your bank account!

Thanks for your information. Live in ClearwaterFL and taken by many Techs. Never had MOLD until I installed a new Bryant Roof Unit 10/15/14. In 4/21/15 reported Smelling Odors so called company & inspect. Said all in good condition. Living with this condition even now after buying a Carrier for $5K in 2020. Have called many AC Company's to inspect and all kept offering products for the ac unit. I have spent 'stupidly' at least $4,000 in gadgets & services. Not 'ONE' of these companies have ever addressed the Duct that comes down from the Roof. Today is 12/16/22 and yesterday reported my problem to my Condo Ins. Waiting for their person to come out and inspect. I am hoping that my Home Ins will cover replacing and fixing what ALL THESE SO CALLED HONEST COMPANIES have not done for me in at least 8-yrs. I feel I will die from this sickness like my neighbor. He had Black Mold in his kitchen and Bank owning the property had service company in the unit cleaning it with no 'mask'. I have always worried if the Mold can travel thru the open attic space that spans over all connected units. Thanks again for your video and I have booked your Guild for future. Depressed in FL.

Keep specific written documentation and confirmation of your contract and warranty in a hard file at home. Additionally, I confirmed my warranty in an email prior to signing the contract for the installation covering parts and labor, paid by the manufacturer as I was told. As the years went by, they always tried charging the labor on the warrantied part when replaced. Each time I produced the email when receiving the bill to end the discussion. I'm guessing, but they were probably trying to "double dip", having me pay for the labor and then their being reimbursed by the manufacturer for the labor. Regardless, have specific written documentation.

I’m glad I found you! I’ve had issues with a repair guy doing nothing a few times. I’m with AHS and they send the same 1 star rated guy, regardless of us asking them not to. The guy doesn’t tell us what he’s doing. Our system is 2019 it shouldn’t need repairs several times in a year. Then never explains what he did! Just leaves! One time didn’t even check the system, just the outdoor fan box? I’m looking at alternative coverage now 🙏🏽

In the Air Force, I lived in Germany for 3 years. HVAC Techs in Germany would regularly mix refrigerants. While an HVAC contractor in the U.S. would be risking his license if he ever mixed refrigerants due to EPA rules and regulations. So when the living quarters A/C was freezing up in my motor home (which was a sealed R-22 system), I bought a "bullet piercing valve" and serviced it myself with environmentally friendly R-134A. I found documentation for refrigerants that can mix with R-22 on-line by using my VPN and relocating my internet to Europe. That was in 2015 and that A/C system still works great today. Camping world wanted to sell me a new air conditioner for $1600 dollars in 2015. My repair cost less than $20 and so far has lasted for 8 years. So live and learn. They couldn't take my HVAC license because I didn't have one. DIY is almost always better than paying someone who's job it is to take your money and the more the better.

Thanks for your helpful and honest “secrets” here. If you were in my area, you would be my first choice. I had to self learn all about my furnace because two companies sent out trainees with no supervision when I had a problem. “Sir, you need a new furnace” was their diagnosis after fumbling around for 15 minutes. I cleaned my flame sensor and replaced a cracked Ignitor 5 years ago and furnace is running right now.

Love all this. I'm a technician in the pacific northwest. We get power outages quite often, so, we do add batteries into our thermostats upon install just to save the program, date and time stay set in times of no power. But if it was not as common as it is here in my area for power to go out then batteries would not be installed unless the homeowner or building contractor requests them. None of these are secrets in the company I install for. We are very upfront and honest about all we do. Nothing we install will ever be a surprise to our customers.

I think the number one thing hvac does not want us to know is that there are 2 or 3 most common and easy/cheap homeowner repairs for a/c units not working and they take minutes to figure out and repair as they are simple part replacements. An example would be the capacitor has gone bad. Usually easy to loom at and see it too a crap, hand tool replaceable and around 12 to 30 bucks to buy and the specs are right there on the old one. Takes 5 minutes and a few dollars vs 100 dollar service call with an overpriced 50 to 75 parts cost. Others would be ... maybe a scorched board or a crusty switch... When every dollar counts, keeping a hundred or more in one's own pocket is way too important to be lazy or freak out when the cold air stops blowing. Ask yourself .."what would you do if you were not afraid"? Then get up and use common sense ti see if you can handle the problem. Remember ... RU-vid is here for a reason. LOL

Honesty is always the best policy. I have worked in the HVAC industry for over 25 years . I don’t try and up sale anyone. If my customer needs batteries I ask if they have any I can put in for them. Remember people nothing is free. No overtime after hours is just costing you more in a different area like cost of parts. Good video brother keep giving good info and warnings about bad players that give the HVAC industry a bad name. Have a blessed day all.

I live in Queen Creek, Arizona. When I bought my house in 2018, I called a local ac service company to inspect and replace the blower fan in my attic that exploded. The tech was pushy, arrogant and insulting. He asked me about our finances then tried to convince me that we needed a whole new system for $12,000. He repeatedly lied about things he found during his inspection. I ordered him off the property, then called his boss. The tech lied to his boss. That worked for until I played him my digital recorder. Never heard from them again. Must have been something I said?

Don't worry about the haters. I love haters. It makes my day knowing I'm doing something right.

All warranty customers should go to this guy, he’s great.

Some good information in here. I may have to research that claim that a hard wired thermostat would just use the battery to power itself. I use mostly honeywell thermostats and they have settings that allow constant back light but require a common wire so that it can use the power from the transformer. Now I have removed batteries from hard wired thermostats because they get forgotten for years and the batteries will start corroding and may cause issues. I commend you as honesty is the best policy.

I'm very honest with my home owners and have honestly got more love from the homeowners that way. And I always tell them, " If you want to know , just ask" the only thing I won't show customers is anything involving electrical other than the T-stat, even those pull out disconnects, I won't even show them how to put it back, i just rush my ass there and put it back if i have to, because if their fingers slip into the disconnect I don't want to be liable for an injury or death. However I tell them why our prices are the way it is. And I'll tell them, you can get it cheaper but you're liable for anything you replace on your own. I hate that people do shady shit for money, I understand you're on task pay, but also have empathy, in the long run it will reward you more. It's hard for me to lie, and I won't, be accountable and take responsibility. Being honest is the best job security there is.

I saved over $130.00 today by draining my own HVAC pan and cleaning out the PVC drain pipe. Took me about 45 minutes, up in the attic, turned off the AC at the breaker box, used a pump pump, and a garden hose. Done! Also put a half of a chlorine tab (from my pool) in the pan and Im a girl. I'm going to buy a small wet/dry vac and a platic tool you attach for next time, I think that will make the job easier. I also do plumbing. Learned it all on RU-vid.

I've been around HVAC my whole life and I have found that HVAC techs don't like each other and think that everybody but them sucks. Don't be sad if other HVAC people hate on you. 1. First item, true story. It is called supply and demand. The best deals on AC can be found in the winter. 2. Second item, I've not seen this. If contractors are doing this, they should be reported to the state license board. That is shady as heck. 3. Third item, again, I have not seen this but if contractors are doing this, they should be reported. They should not knowingly charge homeowners for a warrantied part.

I worked for a major car dealership and yes it's true. They do negotiate more towards the end of the month to meet quotas and get bonuss from the manufacturer.

As an HVAC Tech: I wouldn’t say these aren’t so much secrets that Contractors don’t want you to know, but rather 3 shady things some contractors do. As far as the last one goes, yes, you can look up warranties. However, if you, as a homeowner, file the warranty claim and receive the parts and then try to hire a Company to install them, it might end up costing you more money than just calling a company to begin with. The reason for this is that a lot of warranties cover the labor and other costs. For instance, with a Compressor replacement, costs like torch, vacuum, nitrogen, labor, and other things involved in the replacement process are charges a company will charge for. Warranty claims will stipulate maxes on how much time the repair takes and what can be charged for the materials involved. The company has to charge that to get paid. If you file the claim, it is no longer a warranty call but instead a service call to install the parts you received, which means regular prices are charged. Essentially if the Company files the claim the manufacturer is the paying customer, if the homeowner files the claim, the homeowner is the paying customer. Also, if the wrong parts are shipped by the manufacturer that’s all on the person who files the claim to figure out. When a company orders the parts the extra time involved that causes is on the company. In summary, as a homeowner, you should be aware of your warranties to keep contractors honest, but you should hire contractors to diagnose, file the claim, and install the parts.

Thanks to you, I was able to fix my Lenox H Vac, I listened to your video, and of course the back up battery was toast! As soon as I changed it, we had air, this is a Saturday afternoon, for sure I was waiting for a big bill, you saved the day, big thank you!

You are helping US! as a customer, I need to know some basic before I call the technician. I want to be able to troubleshoot before I take their time. so thank you for sharing!

Screw the haters! You're doing a great public service and I applaud that.

Im the kinda contractor that believes in being straight up with customers, dont bs them or try to dont lie to them and stop tryin to gouge the crap out of them with outrageous pricing. I get so many recommendations thrown my way from past customers and in a small town area that means far more than making a bunch off one customer and they never call you again.

Thank You Brother! Your Honesty will open more and more business . God will be on your side.

Thank you very much for teaching us and for your honesty that is needed these days!!!

I think the 1st “secret” you’re either misunderstanding or misinterpreting … There’s a huge difference between a company price “Gouging” as you worded it, and something called “Dynamic Pricing”. Dynamic pricing is a thing in business. Hospitality, tourism, entertainment, retail, utilities, and public transport, just to name a few - ALL utilize dynamic pricing, and for various reasons. In our business of hvac, one of the main reasons is combatting the seasonality of this trade (especially depending on loacation). Here in FL, you’re going to pay more for an install in the summer. You just are. That’s when it’s busy, the guys are working more overtime, the jobs are harder, the attics are EVEN HOTTER, etc etc. Plus, it helps offset the other months when it may or may not be dead/to put away for the slow time. And just like one may pay more in the summer, one is also wayyy more likely to pay less in the winter/slow season. Companies are trying to keep their guys working putting food on the table and keeping the lights on. None of this means it shoulda be $10k more for the same job - yeah that would be gouging. But it may be a certain percentage more that’s for sure. I can understand the last 2 “secrets”. Though I will say I’ve never come across a company doing the battery thing, personally, in my 21 years of doing this for a living. But I’ve seen MANY unscrupulous companies lie about warranties, that happens a lot with the scummy ones.

Our company does change prices for Air conditioning systems, from the middle of summer when demand is high and the rest of the year when it’s not. Of course our installers are payed more money in the middle of summer too because they’re doing sometimes two systems a day and are often in the attic but we don’t hide the fact from the customer and often try to tell them not to wait until the middle of the summer to decide to get a new system. But of course you know people will wait until it breaks down in the middle of summer. Are repair costs are the same year around so no change there. I guess the only thing I’m surprised about would be that companies would hide this when it seems to me to be the obvious thing to do…. I’ve had customers for years that I’ve been telling them to change it out and not wait but they wait until it’s 103° with 85% humidity. 🤷🏻 One of the major reasons not to wait is doing duck work in 145° attic it’s just dumb. Putting a fan up there just blows fiberglass all over your sweaty body. Me personally I won’t work in an attic that’s over 130° that’s my stop point…

My most loyal and most generous clients are the ones who are educated and informed by me. It helps a lot to have clients involved in the maintenance of their equipment. Doing carny tricks and seeing every person as a mark can only get somebody so far.

I had Hvac guy come out to my house & wanted to charge me $350.00 to install the a/c capacitor. I said your nuts ! Went on eBay got a capacitor for $10.00 ! I installed it in 10 minutes ! There's a big mark up & greed ! 😡

I have been doing HVAC 20 years. 1. The law of supply and demand counts on almost everything. Almost every company will jack up their prices when really busy. If you don't want to pay it then find another company or wait till the slow season. 2. Never heard of the thermostat malfunctioning because it has c hooked up and batteries. but I haven't seen everything. 3. People definitely need to keep up with their warranty info. There are some shiesty people in this world.

You’re absolutely correct! ‘Decent’ workers will want customers to know simple things to make their life easier, not withhold information to con people into paying them to do unnecessary work! Your videos can help to weed out the unethical companies by asking them some basic questions before hiring.

I so wish you and your company were in Florida. We want just one HONEST and competent AC company. Thanks for what you are doing and God bless.

I have a question for you. Back in May of 2018, I contracted with a company ( I lived in NY and my condo my son was using was in Jacksonville Fl) to install a replacement condenser and air handler. Originally we discussed installing a 3 ton 15 SEER Goodman heat pump but because My condo was 1,980 Sq ft with 9 ft ceilings, the contractor recommended I install a 3.5 ton unit 15 SEER. This unit was to replace a 2.5 ton unit. We agreed to the 3.5 ton unit. It has been working fine since install but I was recently looking at the registration paperwork and it shows he installed a Goodman 3 ton 14 SEER condenser Model GSZ140361. I called the contractor and asked why he charged for a 3.5 ton 15 SEER and instead installed a 3 ton 14 SEER unit. He said the condenser is smaller and doesn't matter. he said thru valving, etc, he set it up to deliver 3.5 ton and 15 SEER. The air handler is Goodman model ARUF43C14. Is this true that you can set the system up to deliver 15 SEER 3.5 ton performance using a 3 ton 14 SEER condenser? or was he just scamming me?

I'm a retired hvac mechanic from Thunder Bay Ontario Canada 🇨🇦........honesty is the best policy.....?.

Thanks for sharing information..It's good to see good old honest people out there. That's what's wrong with this world now, everybody trying to screw each other..keep up the great video's..

Hey man, I’m an electrical contractor in south Florida. I too believe that honesty is best. Does it cost me business because I was able to repair rather than sell replacements yes, but that’s not how I roll. I’d rather have a customer for life then try to sell something people don’t need to better my business. There are few my friend, keep up the good work.

Hey, man, I have been in the HVAC business since March, and just wanted to know if my business was guilty of any these. The only one was the batteries in the stat with the common wire hooked up. However, changing the batteries in the stat is the first thing we reccomend to customers if they are having problems. The same thing with air filters. We'd rather not drive out and charge people for something they can easily do themselves.

If you're pissing competitor's off--- that just helps you out more because it means that you're telling the truth and they can't handle the truth anyways... Contractor's that are being sheisty will never last long anyway so let them talk! Keep doing you bro and thank you so much for that!

I used to work for a company that installs Goodman air conditioning units. Removes the Goodman tag, puts their company name. Sells the units for example a 5 ton unit for over 20k. And won’t honor the warranty because they would never register with Goodman. I hated this company.

1. Price adjustments are ok, it's ok to bid cheaper in slow months and more expensive in busy 2. Batteried thermostat is indication of a low quality work done. No one uses those anymore 3. Warranty is twofold - equipment and labor.

Thank you for all the information. However can you increase the volume.

My heater wouldn't go on this morning. I was about to take things apart and clean the sensors. I changed the batteries on the thermostat per tip and presto, the heater came on. I big "Thank You" for that tip. You saved me time and possibly money on having a tech diognose my problem. Subbed to your channel. You are the man!

Excellent Video and Thanks. Talk about shady tactics and over/under bidding. I have witnessed typical contractors conversing with clients as follows: 1) We advise you to get three quotes. 2) Get your first two quotes and then call us back for a quote. 3) We will come by and see that your first two quotes are exactly what you need and...... We will give you a quote for 10% less!

Huge respect to you buddy. You will never be without work because "abundance" is your mode of operation and business. I wish you were here in Houston.

To your first point. I sell and design HVAV equipment. We constantly adjust our margins to be able to provide the best product to the customer while also make enough to keep the company running. But during the slow months of the year, there are days where our installers won’t have any work because it’s slow. So we often are able to discount $250-500 more to do a next day install just to keep everybody working. The company is willing to lose a little more to keep everybody working. So adjusting the pricing isn’t always a “predator” move.

That is some awesome information about how to look up a warranty. I just looked mine up and I'm covered 100% for almost 8 more years. Thank you again!

From one Virginian to another, Thank you for being informative i am now having to replace the ENTIRE heating system in my home that I purchased last year because the previous owner cut corners and got a horrible unit and now I'm looking at getting a gas furnace/AC system to install at my house. Im not a fan of my local heating companies

I worked in the motor trade for 17 years before moving into refrigeration and I can confirm that is exactly what car salesmen do. The best time to buy a car is the last few days of the month. You'll get a lot more for your money.

I lower my prices when I am slow… does this make me a bad HVAC contractor? According to you, It does, based on this video.

Honesty is always best. I have been in the industrial/commercial HVAC business for nearly 40 years, and I have more customers than I can handle, even in slow times for others. My secret is to take lots of pictures, leave a note in the unit with the date/your name , company/what service was performed, and write on a post it so you can stick it near the model and serial numbers of the unit so you can archive the job site and save it for future information AND to give to the customer to keep as a record. Also ask the customer if they want you to make a tiny label to stick on the side of the thermostat for what type of batteries it takes, and when they were changed. I always try to have the customer with me while I look at their equipment so I can answer any questions they have and also to show them if I find a problem and what can be done to fix it. In the end, I summarize by telling everyone to keep their systems clean inside the house and outside, find a trustworthy tech/company, and take good care of them. I agree that good help is hard to find. The difference is that I like what I do, I learn constantly, and I accept the fact that work is called work for a reason. Many people I meet in this trade are miserable, overworked, underpaid, and just here to get through another day so they can get paid and get home. Think about it...dealing with the public, especially residential can be tough, with customers that are drunk, high, have nasty dogs, obnoxious kids, dirty homes, etc. and the never seem to limit how condescending they can be toward people that work in the trades. face it, it spawns hate and spite. Just think about how it feels watching everyone else headed to the beach with their family and friends while your boss asks you to work another weekend because it's gonna be really hot. I am always thankful and lucky that I have great customers and I always try to stay positive, so I get better treatment from my boss.

I started studying a/c back in the 70's but went into USMC aviation, then computers from the 80's until retirement. After getting charged $450 for a half hour capacitor change I decided I've had enough of the crap. I'm going back in for certification now. Thanks for your video. It confirms that I'm on the right track.

Your videos are informative, professional, and personal. Living in MI, I cannot use your services however I learned a LOT watching your videos to hopefully make the best decision possible when buying a new AC unit within the next two weeks. Thank you for these!

Hi thank you for such an informative video. I am looking to get a new heat pump as mine has went out. I currently have a 2 ton in a 1940 sq ft home although it worked well. Now that I need a new one some companies have quoted me with a 3 or 3.5 ton but others have quoted me at 2 tons. I'm concerned because I don't want to make tge wrong decision. I am told that they quoted me with a 2 ton because of the size of my refrigerate line. Any feedback you can offer would be appreciated or even better a video.

I lived in Lancaster and Weems . Now I’m a youtuber . You keep it up . Thank you

Decent hvac guys know they have Financially stable customers who wouldn’t do the work if they had ALL THE KNOWLEDGE because THEY HAVE OTHER STUFF TO DO AND WORKED TO BE ABLE TO USE MONEY TO GET OTHERS TO DO THE WORK FOR THEM !! It’s always dirty hearted guys that do not want the customer to know things ! It’s just disgusting and reveals ALIT about a humans intentions !

If the other contractors don't like the fact you're telling the truth, then you're on the right track. Right now with supply chain issues, contractors are overbidding. In one room I wanted to have a ductless heat pump installed and one company quoted me over twice as much as the highest rated HVAC contractor in the area.

Number one thing I tell customers is do not buy the super deluxe model AC systems. I don't care what brand we are talking about. They are all over engineered and have way more issues because of this. Just stick with one speed 15 SEER and buy the extended warranty. Anytime a guy like me is trying to talk you into spending $6000 less on a new system there is a very good reason for that.

Keep being “that guy!” I used to be “that guy” for auto repairs that I did by appointment at my home. The philosophy that drives “that guy” people is “The Golden Rule.” The Golden Rule is simple, “Treat others the way you want others to treat you.” Following this basic philosophy, this side work grew to the point where I started to earn more money over the weekend than I did in my actual job. All of my clients were word of mouth and I didn’t spend a dime on advertising. On a few occasions, a damaged or stuck expansion valve that cost a mere $15.00 to $21.00 solved a problem for a few of my customer’s who were quoted $1,500 - $2,300 for an AC repair at local repair shops. Another time, metallic flakes from brakes accumulated on the ABS sensor which triggered the CEL and traction control sending the car into “limp mode.” Spraying brake parts cleaner into the housing of the wheel sensor and wiping the metallic flakes off the magnetic part of the wheel sensor solved this problem for about .30 cents (the cost of a few shop towels and a few sprays of brake parts cleaner). These are just a few examples that I resolved. The takeaway is this: If you’re fortunate to find a “that guy” give him/her a shot. Folks like are truly rare. They typically have a conscience about their conduct, integrity and reputation because they know these elements of character are priceless in a world where dishonesty and grifting is the norm.

So, you charge the same “fair, competitive” price for a change out on Mar 29-31, 2021 as you do on July 4-6, 2021? I’m glad to see you work as fast in a 140F attic as you do in a 80F attic. Also, how many higher profit service calls will you miss out on in three days in July? You don’t piss me off. I’ve been doing great every year since 1997.

Full time landlord here. I committed to learning how to do much of the trades myself, as so many contractors absolutely REAM folks. I'm all for making profit, the more the better, but come on. What a lot of HVAC folks charge is insanity and people pay it because they don't know any better.

Thanks for your advice Great video we need honest people like you.

Just stumbled across the video. Probably good info. Bad, expensive experiences with HVAC contractors convinced me to just install window units and keep at least one brand new unit in the box ready when I need it. That way, no HVAC contractors are required, I can easily install the window units (5,000 btu), they are cheap and lightweight, and when one finally breaks just replace it myself easily.

Hey Bro.. My LG mini split got ZAPPED in a thunder storm .. LOL i called the company i bought it from they came to look at it they gave me a quote to fix it.. this is were it gets good.. they told me it needed a compressor plus a outdoor board , and maybe a outdoor fan motor the price to fix it was $1,575. plus tax. warranty had ran out. My friend works at a electronics store, he did a couple tests on it.. oh sorry i forgot the R410-A..come to find out the problem was a 15 amp Ceramic fuse I bought 6 for $12 and took about 1/2 to fix it. So you are spot on and be very careful who you chose for you contractor. LOL and they mad it seem like i was getting a deal.. Thanks Brother , most people would say just fix it. I would love to mention the Company name, but wont.

Love this video. Thanks. For me, the pricing is one thing, scammer have gotten consumers panicked where we want to pay the price to get the correct service and not be short cutting to get scammed. Scammers that short cut and don't do code makes it difficult to choose another company. Consumers depend on word of mouth for the best service for a good and fair price. Especially Seniors. We want it done right the FIRST time.

Thank u for your honesty. God will multiply your honesty with more customers , but most he will give health & happiness to continue your business. Blessings 🕊

I don't see a problem in adjusting the price of a unit throughout the year. That is just supply and demand. Highschool economics. I like to keep batteries in the thermostat because in some thermostats if you lose power you can keep scheduling info (if you have batteries) and the customer will not have to adjust it after a power loss situation. If the customer has a simple honeywell T-2 thermostat and is powered by the transformer in the unit then sure. There is no need for batteries. We always register warranties and we are a carrier distributor. It's pretty easy to check a warranty. I agree with this. I understand your perspective, but I think there are circumstances for everything. In my mind the customer always comes first.

I respect you for being a HONEST business man!! EVERYTHING!!! IS About Greed very 😔 Thank You for being a honest guy!!!

Thank you for sharing, because I just had a person come out because I had a noise coming from my out unit, well he immediately said I have a leak and went up in my attic and then said he found the leak and said he won’t know how much Freon I will need so once he finish he charge me $800 I really didn’t believe I had a leak, my system was just right at 1 yr old. He did test my unit before he left and so after he left I raised my thermostat from 77 to 80 because it was on and my home was cold, and as soon as I did that both inside and outside came on but the outside quickly clicked off and the inside was side running, and never turned off so about 2 hours later I called the company back told them what was going on, two days later they sent somebody else out, and that man said I had a bad AC down and that was causing it to click off, and also make the noise that I was hearing the first time, so I had to accompany what I was already feeling that I’ve never had nobody the first guy made a bed and charge me so now they are going to take care of the work they’re going to replace the AC. They’re free of charge.

Love your honesty. Thanks for your advice. There's a saying, if they've not hating, that means your not doing enough to keep them hating.