I watch Steven’s and HVACR VIDEOS channels…. I have NO background or experience with hvac… but find myself drawn to these guys experience and dedication to the trade. I can’t imagine how many years it takes to acquire their vast amount of knowledge and experience… Their ethics to not screw the bageezus out of their customers is rare in this industry.
It’s good to see a tech that actually investigates what’s wrong with a unit and repairing it instead of just saying “ damn too bad your system is bad. “
It sure sounded like that compressor was bypassing when you first approached it. I suspect the hard start managed to kick it over and maybe even keep it running long just long enough...
I've been watching your content for months now. Yes I'm a subscriber and I like and leave comments on some of your videos. Thank you for demystifying for me how home HVAC systems operate. I know it takes alot of technical training, experience and continued education to become an extremely qualified technician such as yourself. Thank you for showcasing how it's supposed to be done. Respect from Philly!
I do something I don’t know how many others do, I always test any new capacitors before I install them. I learned that a long time ago, once in a blue moon you get one that’s not good.
My next door neighbor is my HVAC guy. Also master plumber. Over 40 years experience in refrigeration. He also uses the water hose trick to hurry up resetting thermal overload. AC motors need starting capacitance to get going, otherwise they just make heat and spin your power meter. As Steve Lav says - "If it's just hummin' and not coolin', turn it off y'all!"
Excellent presentations so we can see Steve's experience, how to diagnose an overtemp protection switch and identify motor/compressor status. It's not easy but he makes it look approachable. There is an enormous difference between an HVAC craftsman and someone of less experience from a service firn that only has four or five options that woud simly walk away from the more difficult jobs like this one, and simply recommend system replacement.
Happy Birthday Steve! If I live til Saturday the 14th I will be 60. I knew there was something about you that reminded me of reminded me of me. Lol! Like Dock Holiday in Tombstone said about Ringo. Keep up the good work and video's. I been in and out of HVAC since 1978. My brother in laws owned a HVAC company we installed mostly Rheems I worked for them at first building duct work and installing duct then went to work in a Foundry worked HVAC evenings and weekends or anytime work was slow . Then bought my one brother in law out. We done great for 5 years my brother in law was them my partner he was the refrigerant tech taught me everything he knew then he and my sister started having trouble in their marriage welcome to the shit show. He bought me out went back in to the Foundry for 25 years then back to HVAC and Plumbing. Last 5 years..
Hey steve love the trust she is like well if u can get it going again ur god but lets just replace it in the fall love the videos man and love u do the right thing for the customers thanks for being a great guy
I love the way she said I thought you were going to replace it two years ago. Like it was up to you. I bet she won’t replace it in the fall. Just kicking the can down the road once again.
Steve. Can I ask you a question. Do you ever check the amp draw of the compressor when you get the unit up and going? I always do that and compare it with the ratings on the units nameplate. Great job saving this unit once again. If it were me changing it, it just replace the evaporator coil and outside condenser unit. I'd go with a Trane XR series 13 seer if allowed there, and a Trane evaporator of the same size this way i save time on the installation by just sliding the new coil into the original coil case, and using the new front panels from new coil case. Then install new outdoor Trane unit. Also doing it this way saves customer money. I always tell my customers to run their units till they are no longer repairable.
Voltage drop across contactor? What would be acceptable Steve? I replace it ($15) every couple of years for my American Standard heat pump. The points are often burnt even though they are not sticking. Great fun learning with you and Miss Molly!
@@Guillotines_For_Globalists Everyone does that. Yes the Chinese are very very good at R&D, Rip off and Duplicate. This however doesn't mean they can't make good products. They have some really nice stealth fighters that work great, and look oddly familiar.
Amazing how many AC units are fixed by a simple $9.00 ebay quality capacitor replacement! Hopefully she wasn't gouged too badly on that inexpensive part!
The main capacitor is a run capacitor that gives it a jolt to start and maintains proper power in the motor windings as it runs. It is always part of the circuit. The start cap in the hard start kit just delivers a brief surge of power to get the motor to start, then it disengages and is no longer part of the circuit.
Jack, YES that is all they are! Normally rated 130-165uF or something huge. But they relay or disconnect out of the loop after start up, unlike the Main Cap. BTW in AZ I have to change my Caps every ~2 years with new ones from the 120 degree 11 month summers.. I keep spares!
@@jblyon2 depends on what type booster you use. In the booster steve had in this video stays in the circuit, the other type booster uses a relay to bring in and cut out the booster those are the 5-2-1 hard start kit, this is just a two wire booster kits.
Hard start kits are used to adjust the phase shift in the auxiliary winding with respect to the main winding to achieve a higher starting torque. Helps compressors that are getting a little tired. In the case for my refrigerator, I got another year before the compressor finally seized. For a cousin's refrigerator that I installed a hard start on about 15 years ago, it's still going.
@@mph5896 porky is an armchair HVAC king. I seen close caption on pipes channel it read Hello, I am Monkey Pipes. Lol! Pipes is okay just a blow hard he is a typical salesman as well he has made some vycks. I like Steve keeps it real in my world more.
Good Job Steve Those Hard Starts are they used to Boost The Capacitor on Every Unit ? i never seen them when i was in the hvac field. i worked on Residential & Commercial.. Cool Part to Start it up.
Did either the capacitor or starter fail first and cause the other part to fail? That seems like the only explanation for both parts to be faulty like that. Great video! Subbed
Steve what’s the reasoning for the life vest around the compressor. First time seeing that. Wouldn’t you want compressor to dissipate heat. Thing looks like a flipping heat blanket mamma!
It's quite common on mini split systems to have a noise blanket on the compressor. If it's reverse cycle they usually have them to help improve efficiency in heat mode.
It was there before and probably needed.. I have one in mine, never tried without it.. Lights DIM with the damn thing in, so I can only imagine without it..
Question: I have air conditioning in my home. I have the unit in my fruit room. I notice that there is water everywhere on the floor. The AC works, keeps house cool. Why is there water on the floor??
That water condenses out of the air when the warm air hits the cold evaporator coil. If it's a window A/C, make sure it's level or even slightly tilted to the outside. The drain on those is often a notch cut out of the metal casing, near the condenser (hot, outdoor facing) coil.
I can't believe how many people will still run things (ac, drive cars, etc) when there's a major problem. As soon as there's a problem that it's not working you turn it off!
@@walterwhite2270 I guess it depends.on the situation. I'm just always hesitant to replace a whole unit just for a couple simple repairs every once in a while. Especially since alot of the new stuff doesn't last nearly as long.
system is crusty and old its on its last leg .... time to upgrade it before it dies in a heat wave then she will be pissoff . .she knows she is due for a new system .. she is a long time customer .
She didn’t really need a new hardstart. It was off on thermal overload Compressor was running/shutting down in the beginning of the video. From the time you replaced the cap to turning the system on, the hardstart failed? I dont think so
I do not like Trane Products! They always seem to break down! At least any of them made within the last 15 years to present! Plus I heard Trane uses specific sized shafts so you are stuck with Trane OEM parts!
I watch Steven’s and HVACR VIDEOS channels…. I have NO background or experience with hvac… but find myself drawn to these guys experience and dedication to the trade. I can’t imagine how many years it takes to acquire their vast amount of knowledge and experience… Their ethics to not screw the bageezus out of their customers is rare in this industry.
"We've been milkin' this cow a long time" - another great Steve-ism! LOL!
I love how she is so cool not a lot of people would stay away or have decent conversation
I know nothing about AC but I absolutely love watching your videos. I have learned a few things. Thank you.
Got a life jacket on the compressor, it keeps saving the compressor, good job Steve.
It’s good to see a tech that actually investigates what’s wrong with a unit and repairing it instead of just saying “ damn too bad your system is bad. “
It sure sounded like that compressor was bypassing when you first approached it. I suspect the hard start managed to kick it over and maybe even keep it running long just long enough...
Cool trick with the garden hose! With both caps shot, there’s little time left on this unit, that’s for sure
With Steve there she'll probably get another 5 years out of that system just keep kicking the can down the road until we get to see tbr Change out.
@@bobboscarato1313 our last heatpump was a lennox it lasted 12 years.
I've been watching your content for months now. Yes I'm a subscriber and I like and leave comments on some of your videos. Thank you for demystifying for me how home HVAC systems operate. I know it takes alot of technical training, experience and continued education to become an extremely qualified technician such as yourself. Thank you for showcasing how it's supposed to be done. Respect from Philly!
If it is fixable, Steve will fix it. Plus all screws, nuts, bolts and plumbing connections will be "gudeNtight"
I do something I don’t know how many others do, I always test any new capacitors before I install them. I learned that a long time ago, once in a blue moon you get one that’s not good.
Steven lavimonier I like your utube videos 👍👍😎👍😎👍💯💯
My next door neighbor is my HVAC guy. Also master plumber. Over 40 years experience in refrigeration. He also uses the water hose trick to hurry up resetting thermal overload. AC motors need starting capacitance to get going, otherwise they just make heat and spin your power meter. As Steve Lav says - "If it's just hummin' and not coolin', turn it off y'all!"
Excellent presentations so we can see Steve's experience, how to diagnose an overtemp protection switch and identify motor/compressor status. It's not easy but he makes it look approachable. There is an enormous difference between an HVAC craftsman and someone of less experience from a service firn that only has four or five options that woud simly walk away from the more difficult jobs like this one, and simply recommend system replacement.
Hey Steve and Miss Molly! Workin’ again y’all. 👍👍. Seemed like a nice lady!
yes she is ......a long time customer
Happy Birthday Steve! If I live til Saturday the 14th I will be 60. I knew there was something about you that reminded me of reminded me of me. Lol! Like Dock Holiday in Tombstone said about Ringo. Keep up the good work and video's. I been in and out of HVAC since 1978. My brother in laws owned a HVAC company we installed mostly Rheems I worked for them at first building duct work and installing duct then went to work in a Foundry worked HVAC evenings and weekends or anytime work was slow . Then bought my one brother in law out. We done great for 5 years my brother in law was them my partner he was the refrigerant tech taught me everything he knew then he and my sister started having trouble in their marriage welcome to the shit show. He bought me out went back in to the Foundry for 25 years then back to HVAC and Plumbing. Last 5 years..
Hey steve love the trust she is like well if u can get it going again ur god but lets just replace it in the fall love the videos man and love u do the right thing for the customers thanks for being a great guy
That compressor was one hot number!
I love the way she said I thought you were going to replace it two years ago. Like it was up to you. I bet she won’t replace it in the fall. Just kicking the can down the road once again.
What up steve you videos are so good helping me a lot thanks.
Nice job Steve! Keeping the old baby running!
Afternoon Steve and “Miss Molly”!
hello
Enjoy your videos. Feel like we go on the service calls with ya!
Happy Birthday Steve !
Steve. Can I ask you a question. Do you ever check the amp draw of the compressor when you get the unit up and going? I always do that and compare it with the ratings on the units nameplate. Great job saving this unit once again. If it were me changing it, it just replace the evaporator coil and outside condenser unit. I'd go with a Trane XR series 13 seer if allowed there, and a Trane evaporator of the same size this way i save time on the installation by just sliding the new coil into the original coil case, and using the new front panels from new coil case. Then install new outdoor Trane unit. Also doing it this way saves customer money. I always tell my customers to run their units till they are no longer repairable.
I know you said this was “a crusty one”, but inside that capacitor/contactor bay was unusually clean compared to some of the other videos.
I think that song was just stuck in his head.
That original capacitor looked unusually clean…. I wondered if it was replaced within the past few years…
idk two capacitors and it runs cold and doesnt leak , i would run that condenser until it dropped dead
Just got home and a new video from Steve yah.
Voltage drop across contactor? What would be acceptable Steve?
I replace it ($15) every couple of years for my American Standard heat pump. The points are often burnt even though they are not sticking.
Great fun learning with you and Miss Molly!
@@Guillotines_For_Globalists It's the cheap part that matters. The Chinese can make good stuff if people were willing to pay for it.
@@Guillotines_For_Globalists Everyone does that. Yes the Chinese are very very good at R&D, Rip off and Duplicate. This however doesn't mean they can't make good products. They have some really nice stealth fighters that work great, and look oddly familiar.
@@Guillotines_For_Globalists
The few contactors I have R&R’d, the contacts were badly burnt and pitted & supposedly made of Silver Cadmium Oxide
@@Guillotines_For_Globalists I imagine the silver cadium oxide material gives the points better durability?
I never got that deep into the subject!
Amazing how many AC units are fixed by a simple $9.00 ebay quality capacitor replacement! Hopefully she wasn't gouged too badly on that inexpensive part!
We’ll, $35 in parts plus $85 service fee…. I wonder if it was a lot more than that.
Companies here in Michigan want $300-400 to change that dual capacitor. It's ludicrous!
Great troubleshooting. Is a ‘hard start’ an extra big cap? Looks like you connect in parallel, which would be additive of a cap.
The main capacitor is a run capacitor that gives it a jolt to start and maintains proper power in the motor windings as it runs. It is always part of the circuit. The start cap in the hard start kit just delivers a brief surge of power to get the motor to start, then it disengages and is no longer part of the circuit.
Jack, YES that is all they are! Normally rated 130-165uF or something huge. But they relay or disconnect out of the loop after start up, unlike the Main Cap. BTW in AZ I have to change my Caps every ~2 years with new ones from the 120 degree 11 month summers.. I keep spares!
@@jblyon2 depends on what type booster you use. In the booster steve had in this video stays in the circuit, the other type booster uses a relay to bring in and cut out the booster those are the 5-2-1 hard start kit, this is just a two wire booster kits.
Hard start kits are used to adjust the phase shift in the auxiliary winding with respect to the main winding to achieve a higher starting torque. Helps compressors that are getting a little tired. In the case for my refrigerator, I got another year before the compressor finally seized. For a cousin's refrigerator that I installed a hard start on about 15 years ago, it's still going.
Mate, you need to invest in a cordless impact to undo/tighten all those bolts. Would save heaps of time
Good job bud 👍
Happy Birthday 🎂🍺
Thanks 👍
Nice fix Stevie Boy ... Good vid ...
Sisters birthday in August 3rd. Mine 14th. Those cold Late November's early Decembers.
Can anyone explain me, why he yank the plastic fan motor cover out in the beginning ?did he put it back?)))
american standard best old thing out there
had the same problem yesterday change cap remove a tcm chinese one only lasted 4 mts
Where's Porky? Let's get his take on whether she needs a new system or not.
porky is out chasing the Nabors goat looking for a kiss
Porky was all butt hurt over a comment a few days ago. Might be checking out Mikey Pipes?
@@mph5896 porky is an armchair HVAC king. I seen close caption on pipes channel it read Hello, I am Monkey Pipes. Lol! Pipes is okay just a blow hard he is a typical salesman as well he has made some vycks. I like Steve keeps it real in my world more.
She definitely needs a new system, that one's a real peice of crap. Steve will install a new Ruud/Reem system and get her straightened out.
Property near the water... no worries about costs to replace in the fall, seems like. :)
long time customers they trust me.
Good save on the old cow. Customer didn’t help it’s longevity by keeping on all night.
why is there insulation around that compressor ?
Hi Steve and miss Molly! It looks like the insulation wrap on the compressor is keeping the heat in ! Not good !
Nice tech tip @14:22 dumping water on it. Love these troubleshooting jobs. It's humid out there now, nasty
Do NOT DUMP water onto it hot!! Neither did Steve! He started with a VERY slow flow.. OR ELSE IT CAN CRACK IT
@@Kris-jk9mq Yup, noticed the trickle. Otherwise the thing would be smoking! Lol
Good Job Steve Those Hard Starts are they used to Boost The Capacitor on Every Unit ? i never seen them when i was in the hvac field. i worked on Residential & Commercial.. Cool Part to Start it up.
I think they are only used on weak compressors that need a little help getting over the hill in the beginning
@@Acc0919mc Right makes sense.
Which brand do you favor for new installs?
Steve and tha baby dog werkin again momma
liked your present for Mikey pipes from miss Molly
i never sent him a present
Did either the capacitor or starter fail first and cause the other part to fail? That seems like the only explanation for both parts to be faulty like that. Great video! Subbed
Anytime a leak is known a low pressure cutoff should be installed. Also insulation should be inspected.
Steve what’s the reasoning for the life vest around the compressor. First time seeing that. Wouldn’t you want compressor to dissipate heat. Thing looks like a flipping heat blanket mamma!
It's supposedly to keep the noise down. I'd have to think it does hold at least some heat in.
It's quite common on mini split systems to have a noise blanket on the compressor. If it's reverse cycle they usually have them to help improve efficiency in heat mode.
I may be asking a dumb question but why put a hard start on it without trying new cap alone, or did I miss something?
there is a hard start in there for a reason ... it needs it to start
It was there before and probably needed.. I have one in mine, never tried without it.. Lights DIM with the damn thing in, so I can only imagine without it..
@@Kris-jk9mq oh yeah... lights diming is a good sign it needs one. Thanks for the reply.
@@stevenlavimoniere I must have missed it... Thanks for the reply.
Hey Steve, I've been really wanting a gauge setup like yours. Can you tell me where you got it? I assume it's bluetooth with an app.
Nice job Steve!!👍
Ah, Steven, you make me laugh with our intros, man!
!! Great job steve!!
Wires to comp ok?
My 5 ton American Standard has a 80uF+7.5uF on it.. Always thought that was a bit big.. Guessing this is a 3 ton though?
2.5 or 3 ton unit
@@stevenlavimoniere Thanks Boss! Love the videos! Keeping me cooling in 120 degree AZ 11 month summers!
Shelling out the heat again
Question: I have air conditioning in my home. I have the unit in my fruit room. I notice that there is water everywhere on the floor. The AC works, keeps house cool. Why is there water on the floor??
the plastic pipe is clogged where condensate water from the a/c unit drains from
That water condenses out of the air when the warm air hits the cold evaporator coil. If it's a window A/C, make sure it's level or even slightly tilted to the outside. The drain on those is often a notch cut out of the metal casing, near the condenser (hot, outdoor facing) coil.
Nice job and video like always ( Steve )
Steve looking a little fluffy their.
I can't believe how many people will still run things (ac, drive cars, etc) when there's a major problem. As soon as there's a problem that it's not working you turn it off!
So funny, RUclips and me both hear carmen to fan is 5…. Lol
Did you tell her she's getting a Goodman 😂
Nice work
As long as she doesn't have a huge leak isn't it still worth fixing every once in a while. Just like a good old used car.
@@walterwhite2270 I guess it depends.on the situation. I'm just always hesitant to replace a whole unit just for a couple simple repairs every once in a while. Especially since alot of the new stuff doesn't last nearly as long.
system is crusty and old its on its last leg .... time to upgrade it before it dies in a heat wave then she will be pissoff . .she knows she is due for a new system .. she is a long time customer .
@@stevenlavimoniere yea I heard you talking to her about the replacement. She seems like a cool lady. Thanks for the videos Steve.
Molly barks loud!
That a R22 system?
yes
They on,y break down when you use them momma. Lol
It's Alive.
Get out the tablet, they are buying a new one.
What a nice lady
Crusty, but was it dusty? And, it was a little puffy, but thankfully no fluffy.
She didn’t really need a new hardstart. It was off on thermal overload
Compressor was running/shutting down in the beginning of the video. From the time you replaced the cap to turning the system on, the hardstart failed? I dont think so
i tested the hard start it was openline so yes it needed to be replaced ..
Thanks for the video!
🥃🥃🍺🍺🍺🍇🏌🏻♀️
Stay safe.
Retired (werk'n)keyboard super tech. Wear your safety glasses.
14:38
Well it's not working, just leave it on ,maybe it will decide to fire up or start on fire yyyyeeeee ha
I do not like Trane Products! They always seem to break down! At least any of them made within the last 15 years to present! Plus I heard Trane uses specific sized shafts so you are stuck with Trane OEM parts!
Some what easy call turns into shit show for Steve.
OMG STEVEN!!! The Merchandise!!! How did you miss it??? "It's CATTYWAMPUS MOMMA!" LOLOL
What is a cupaasaduh? LOL, sorry you talk funny.
Typical woman from the suburbs, I told you last time you came to just replace it.
I'd tell her to do it in the fall with someone else, literally.
That's not very nice
First comment yippee
hello