We need more Steve Lav’s out here. This kind of stuff happens a lot to us that know nothing about hvac when we call for help. Sad. Miss Molly is one very pretty little girl.
Evaporator is at negative pressure (as it's before the fan) so a trap should be present, pan is not level, can tell just from the water level, condensate runs to DWV vent pipe, not outside, return separated and/or collapsed. Mis-matched equipment, no insulation on liquid line outdoors. Real homeowner special on this one. Hats off to you for even working for this customer.
Steve, I have been watching your videos for nearly 2 years. I’m impressed with your knowledge and skills. I’m genuinely pleased with your honesty and approach to the various situations you encounter. I am extremely grateful that you share your knowledge and experiences here in the tube. I’m a professional auto tech with electrical systems and driveability diagnostics being my specialty. You inspire me and that gives me the desire to give something valuable back to the communities that I have learned so much from over the years. The problem I have is the time factor. It’s difficult for me to make a video with any quality due to how much I work. But... This video gave me the idea of what others would like to see. It’s not just about how to do something correct, but how to recognize a hack-job or seeing where there is room for improvements. I’m thinking that I can show the sub-standard repairs in my industry and create a video about it with much less time than I would invest into a video which I am teaching something in depth with a lot of details. I shall go to the shop with my camera and tripod tomorrow on a holiday weekend to shoot something valuable to share. Nobody will be there and I should be able to capture some things without the need to do a voice-over narrative due to general shop noises. If you read this comment, reply with your request on what you would like to see from the automotive repair industry. Anyone can reply with a request, not just Steve. Thank you for sharing your adventures and thanks for being an honest technician Steve. I’m inspired to show others how an honest car repair shop works.
I have honestly never seen anybody use tie wraps to hold insulation on a pipe before and I've seen quite a few hack jobs. I have seen some crappy return vents similar to the one in this video.
@@coolezum It was never draining from day one. The pan was doing all the work. That unit will need a deeper trap for sure. They still may be getting stink.
I know little of HVAC systems but do enjoy watching the pros at work. With the condensate drain attached to stack vent and especially without a trap could the system have been drawing in sewer gas through drain line and mixing it in the air stream? If that's a dumb question please go easy on me, as I said, I'm just a layman.
Looks like another fine job by a neighbor’s neighbor’s nephew who is in his first semester at New England Institute of Technology. Aunts & uncles can be so helpful to their neighbors.
the secondary is higher in the pan and to code is supposed to be ran to a conspicuous location so to alert the end user of a problem if water is present. such as over a window seal or in a garage.
I use a eztrap on the condensate drain, and break Y, if and when a stoppage happens and also the fan would keep running to help dry out inside the airhandler from mold or mildew buildup if any, helps keep air moving and lowers mold and mildew smell. Well that's the way I was taught and like the concept
It’s a really bad install. At best it should be trapped at the primary drain so it doesn’t suck air in through the aux and have ball valves on both lines to air lock one line while blowing out the other during maintenance.
Doesn't matter what country your in there is shit shows everywhere. I saw someone install a split system (ductless system for my american friends) with no vac. just flared the lines bolted them up. Opened the liquid valve then stick a screw driver into the suction charge port until gas came out and said job done opened up the suction valve and turned the system on. You gotta admit thats a quality install :P
That guy took advantage of that customer. That's not the first time I have seen a R22 compressor on a 410A inside unit. She needs to sue his sorry a@@.
My god that was a hideous install. The fact that it was a unico system made it all that much more worse. I cant believe that hacker actually took money from that lady.
I'm a oil man and could tell that was a hack job just from seeing the 20 plus year old Rudd hooked to a new 410 system. What happens when you don't get Steve to do the install.
Shouldn't bends with flex be done with metal to keep static pressure down? Shouldn't the armaflex segments be taped together so they don't leak? That condensate line tapped into the return is like asking for death by carbon monoxide if it gets plugged up. Nice mix n match R22 (condenser) with 410a (evaporator) I guess that's a hack trade secret.
To answer the customer’s question. He does does teach. I’ve picked up some good practices from watching and subbing to this channel. Lol @ “you think I’m not gonna record this after seeing all that?!? “ Stink pipe to evaporator pan. WOW!
Hey what’s the make and model of that thin meter you used with the clamp on temp probes, I saw where you had it tapped into your hoses for the PSI readings on your meter and the clamps on the Freon lines, very cool
2:26 Why was the filter / dryer by the air handlers (A coil) instead out by the compressor? Thank you Steve I have watched for a year now and fixed my own AC twice so far. I have a leaker MAMA! I also had a condensate issue due to blocked drain, made the house very musty.
Filter drier has to be as close to the TXV as possible, per manufacturer's request. Some have the filter drier literally at the TXV (2015+ Rheem). Also when the filter drier is inside it lasts longer, than being beaten outdoors and reduces leak chances.
Oh I see, where I live they stick them outside for some reason. Most of the time they look worn after a few years and blend into a dirt color. I mow lawns and must watch out for those filter dryers while trimming near condenser units which was why I found it odd it was inside. I wish they would do that here.
That drain is still going to go into the secondary drain pan because it's lower than the coil they have to be ran separate at lest till the drain pipe is below the secondary pan. By code they should separate all the way and tying into a drain vent pipe is a no-no to start with.
I may not always do things perfect like someone who does it every day but I always do the best I can great video as always Steve is a real workingman mama
I always see home warranty companies doing this mismatch stuff. I think they just do the bare minimum and only replace what's absolutely necessary during install.
Cheapest bid and just stuck together and when you have a problem they're out of business and operating under another name, mismatched equipment,etc,etc,etc
Never know what to expect at some properties. I'm still shaking my head and wondering about the situation you found there. You are wise not to inherit all the problems that exist with system.
Agreed! I would be very quick to wash my hands of that hackery. Who knows what gunk is in that LineSet. I'd offer to change out the whole thing or walk away. Only under emergency circumstances would I try to fix a system like that. Only accept licensed and insured contractors. We cost more, but we back our work.
they are older 10 SEER units she needs both units replaced mainly the one with a 410A coil as it has a 410a TXV in it. as its like a late 1990s Ruud outdoor unit but a Copeland Scroll how long that will last. seperate run caps for the fan and compressor. just a hack job. mismatched equipment.
@@stevenlavimoniere thanks and your knowledge of hvac systems and boilers man you are the Nor of those trades keep up the good work i started my business 2 years ago learn a lot from you thanks again
Their is at least 3 wire ties missing on that suction line lol. No way to properly charge that unit. That condenser coil was pretty oxidized. It won’t last long. The compressor sounds horrible.
Yellow jacket makes a very expensive analyzer that can decipher exactly what is in a system and what percentage, its like 3-5 grand used in heavy duty commercial and industrial.
Hackers they are everywhere from the east to west and north to south. Its sad people do work like that. I have seen it from licensed contractors. Moral of story you get what you pay miss matched systems. Sad. Have a blessed day brother
I got to say though, that was a damn good looking lineset outside. The joints on that suction were beautiful. 👍 If I did that good a job sweating it in I wouldn't have insulated it either, so everybody could see my good work 😅 She's a sweater momma!
Are we sure that is pure R22. These day's? Without appropriate Oil Changes? POE oil is now the standard. You can Replace R22 With 407c. I would change the whole condenser pack in this case. It is old. And Likely Corrupted.
James K I live in Florida. Air replacement needs permitting. In the past, there were (still are) too many "fly-by-night", unskilled labor throughout Florida. I just had my air replaced. The county inspector was very diligent in making sure all installation follow current code. This video showed how much air/heat permitting should be required for consumer protection.
Law enforcement in our area, run sting operations to weed out these kind of hackers.... Usually haul in a couple dozen a month . Try working here in this town without a licence and insurance will get you jail time with Bubba.
Judging by the supply registers and supply ducts.... Looked like high pressure air system originally. Those systems were popular in 1980s in eastern usa. Houses with boilers mainly. Return looked small and ovaled which cuts airflow. And old trick to get suction higher was to force more air through system. Wonder if it was disconnected for a reason. That maybe reason for low suction pressures. In vid didn't see ex valve. I would have looked at system... I would have done nothing ... I would not assume someone else's shitshow! Steven, in the customer's eyes,you may now own it.
410 coil is fine but the correct txv will allow the system to function better. However the fact that the indoor coil is 2 ton and the condenser is 2.5 ton doesn't make sense.
"What do you want to learn?" Perfect answer.
The collapsed return caused the problem with the smell then no trap to stop gases from being pulled into the home, good work Steve.
We need more Steve Lav’s out here. This kind of stuff happens a lot to us that know nothing about hvac when we call for help. Sad. Miss Molly is one very pretty little girl.
Evaporator is at negative pressure (as it's before the fan) so a trap should be present, pan is not level, can tell just from the water level, condensate runs to DWV vent pipe, not outside, return separated and/or collapsed. Mis-matched equipment, no insulation on liquid line outdoors. Real homeowner special on this one. Hats off to you for even working for this customer.
Sucking SEWER GAS into the house, that's real healthy. That install could have been done better by a 2 year old!
@TheHobbyShopFilms, 😳
Steve, I have been watching your videos for nearly 2 years. I’m impressed with your knowledge and skills. I’m genuinely pleased with your honesty and approach to the various situations you encounter. I am extremely grateful that you share your knowledge and experiences here in the tube.
I’m a professional auto tech with electrical systems and driveability diagnostics being my specialty. You inspire me and that gives me the desire to give something valuable back to the communities that I have learned so much from over the years. The problem I have is the time factor. It’s difficult for me to make a video with any quality due to how much I work. But...
This video gave me the idea of what others would like to see. It’s not just about how to do something correct, but how to recognize a hack-job or seeing where there is room for improvements.
I’m thinking that I can show the sub-standard repairs in my industry and create a video about it with much less time than I would invest into a video which I am teaching something in depth with a lot of details.
I shall go to the shop with my camera and tripod tomorrow on a holiday weekend to shoot something valuable to share. Nobody will be there and I should be able to capture some things without the need to do a voice-over narrative due to general shop noises.
If you read this comment, reply with your request on what you would like to see from the automotive repair industry. Anyone can reply with a request, not just Steve.
Thank you for sharing your adventures and thanks for being an honest technician Steve. I’m inspired to show others how an honest car repair shop works.
I can always spot a hacker when they don’t cut the ends off the wire-ties.
I have honestly never seen anybody use tie wraps to hold insulation on a pipe before and I've seen quite a few hack jobs. I have seen some crappy return vents similar to the one in this video.
How about getting the right sized pipe insulation so you don’t need the damn zippy ties...
I glue the cuts and ends, lightly zip tie with tstat wire and where zip is cutt wrap with good electrical tape, Lightly.
Andy Sullivan you can always tuck the tail ends of the tie thru the loop around the flexible duct
so 👍
Unbelievable. Condensation line plumed into non trapped vent equals sewer gas into air handler. No wonder it smells bad. lol
Plus the return being collapsed forcing it to draw air from the vent.
That is why it was stinkin, no trap, tied into vent sucking sewer gas into system.
Carl McCoy yes, never drain into stack pipe, not code
Carl McCoy and never use in line trap, ! P at least 2.5 inches😂😆
@@coolezum It was never draining from day one. The pan was doing all the work. That unit will need a deeper trap for sure. They still may be getting stink.
@@brianellsworth4767 Yep, without a trap, it has been sucking sh!t since day 1. Someone really screwed over that customer.
@Robert Slackware More than likely but not as bad as pulling the stink into the return air. Some fumes will make into the living space. I agree
Fixing somebody else's hackery is 3x more work than installing it yourself correctly the first time.
You get what you pay for. She probably went with the cheapest bid.
Not always the case. Seeing people go for a mid-high bid because the person had recommendations only for that person to be a complete POS and hack.
I know little of HVAC systems but do enjoy watching the pros at work. With the condensate drain attached to stack vent and especially without a trap could the system have been drawing in sewer gas through drain line and mixing it in the air stream? If that's a dumb question please go easy on me, as I said, I'm just a layman.
Looks like another fine job by a neighbor’s neighbor’s nephew who is in his first semester at New England Institute of Technology. Aunts & uncles can be so helpful to their neighbors.
come on people, take a little pride in your work. No ones perfect, but come on, act like a professional. Another great job Steve and great video.
What's the point of having the primary and secondary condensate drains ganged together? If there is a clog it would affect both.
the secondary is higher in the pan and to code is supposed to be ran to a conspicuous location so to alert the end user of a problem if water is present. such as over a window seal or in a garage.
@@JHACbiz I know that. This installation was not done that way.
I use a eztrap on the condensate drain, and break Y, if and when a stoppage happens and also the fan would keep running to help dry out inside the airhandler from mold or mildew buildup if any, helps keep air moving and lowers mold and mildew smell. Well that's the way I was taught and like the concept
It’s a really bad install. At best it should be trapped at the primary drain so it doesn’t suck air in through the aux and have ball valves on both lines to air lock one line while blowing out the other during maintenance.
I had a 5-ton Ruud Achiever 10 system that sounded like that for 28 years. It was a noisy SOB and inefficient, but it ran like a tank.
Not only in America Steve
we get loads of crappy installs here in the UK
Don’t worry Stephen I’m coming to the uk to work
Doesn't matter what country your in there is shit shows everywhere. I saw someone install a split system (ductless system for my american friends) with no vac. just flared the lines bolted them up. Opened the liquid valve then stick a screw driver into the suction charge port until gas came out and said job done opened up the suction valve and turned the system on. You gotta admit thats a quality install :P
Mathew Russell I’m gonna try that trick. I’ll name the feed n bleed
That clear plastic hose looks like a good idea. I gotta get a few feet to keep on my truck so I could try it out.
Jesus that compressor sounded very similar to the motor in your truck.
No trap and it’s connected to the aux pan where the negative pressure can suck plenty of air in preventing the unit from properly draining.
That guy took advantage of that customer. That's not the first time I have seen a R22 compressor on a 410A inside unit. She needs to sue his sorry a@@.
They don't sound right to me! They did that wrong sonehow, Great job Sir! You help out so many people. Your patience is unbelievable. 💥🙂💥
Wow, I never seen integrated system before. It's a wonder that it lasted that long.
My god that was a hideous install. The fact that it was a unico system made it all that much more worse. I cant believe that hacker actually took money from that lady.
I'm a oil man and could tell that was a hack job just from seeing the 20 plus year old Rudd hooked to a new 410 system. What happens when you don't get Steve to do the install.
Shouldn't bends with flex be done with metal to keep static pressure down? Shouldn't the armaflex segments be taped together so they don't leak? That condensate line tapped into the return is like asking for death by carbon monoxide if it gets plugged up. Nice mix n match R22 (condenser) with 410a (evaporator) I guess that's a hack trade secret.
The condensate tapped to vent stack is more likely to fill the house with methane....first spark....see ya. Asshat installers.
When an ex husband does your HVAC...
No carbon monoxide present (its just an AC air handler). Just some lovely hydrogen sulfide, and a bit of methane.
To answer the customer’s question. He does does teach.
I’ve picked up some good practices from watching and subbing to this channel.
Lol @ “you think I’m not gonna record this after seeing all that?!? “
Stink pipe to evaporator pan. WOW!
Hey what’s the make and model of that thin meter you used with the clamp on temp probes, I saw where you had it tapped into your hoses for the PSI readings on your meter and the clamps on the Freon lines, very cool
Wow. The stuff you see in the field huh? That compressor sounds like it’s ready to die. What a slasher job! Unbelievable.
“R410 only” with a R22 ruud.... hack job for sure
I don't know what would be worse. R22 in the expansion valve or 410 in the compressor. That unit was born to die.
I am wondering what hack didnt pit armaflex on the ODU
most likely wasnt evact properly either.... so is it 410 or r22? lol with gages set to check r22... both most likely...
2:26 Why was the filter / dryer by the air handlers (A coil) instead out by the compressor? Thank you Steve I have watched for a year now and fixed my own AC twice so far. I have a leaker MAMA! I also had a condensate issue due to blocked drain, made the house very musty.
Leroy Jankins that’s where they should go. As close to the evap as possible.
Filter drier has to be as close to the TXV as possible, per manufacturer's request. Some have the filter drier literally at the TXV (2015+ Rheem). Also when the filter drier is inside it lasts longer, than being beaten outdoors and reduces leak chances.
Oh I see, where I live they stick them outside for some reason. Most of the time they look worn after a few years and blend into a dirt color. I mow lawns and must watch out for those filter dryers while trimming near condenser units which was why I found it odd it was inside. I wish they would do that here.
That drain is still going to go into the secondary drain pan because it's lower than the coil they have to be ran separate at lest till the drain pipe is below the secondary pan. By code they should separate all the way and tying into a drain vent pipe is a no-no to start with.
Shouldn’t the liquid line dryer have an air gap above the condensate lines for vibration isolation?
You can't fix stupid, and boy was that installer stupid. Good thing you were able to make it work for awhile. Good Job.
he may have put the old 22 coil in the new cabinet? also u need to know if the unit has a expansion valve or cap tube before u add freon.
Does your truck have a squeaky drive shaft? I hear it most obvious when near a stop.
Please install a Trap. It helps the drain water flow down over the negative airflow against it otherwise.
I may not always do things perfect like someone who does it every day but I always do the best I can great video as always Steve is a real workingman mama
If i'm not mistaken that was a R410a TXV'd evap in the attic. How's that even remotely working with the lower pressures of an R22 condenser??????
I always see home warranty companies doing this mismatch stuff. I think they just do the bare minimum and only replace what's absolutely necessary during install.
Cheapest bid and just stuck together and when you have a problem they're out of business and operating under another name, mismatched equipment,etc,etc,etc
Sewer gases are 100% going into that woman's living area. It looks like the hacker struck again. Peace brother and Molly
Never know what to expect at some properties. I'm still shaking my head and wondering about the situation you found there. You are wise not to inherit all the problems that exist with system.
Agreed! I would be very quick to wash my hands of that hackery. Who knows what gunk is in that LineSet. I'd offer to change out the whole thing or walk away. Only under emergency circumstances would I try to fix a system like that.
Only accept licensed and insured contractors. We cost more, but we back our work.
Hack a lack to the max. Miss molly could tell from the Van.
I’ve never seen those transparent couplings you use, I like em
Holy cow. How can people live with themselves doing a install like that.
they are older 10 SEER units she needs both units replaced mainly the one with a 410A coil as it has a 410a TXV in it. as its like a late 1990s Ruud outdoor unit but a Copeland Scroll how long that will last. seperate run caps for the fan and compressor. just a hack job. mismatched equipment.
Hey Steve on your parker service tool kit did you take out the piercing valve to connect the tee??? I wanna do the same set up you have ???
yes
@@stevenlavimoniere thanks and your knowledge of hvac systems and boilers man you are the Nor of those trades keep up the good work i started my business 2 years ago learn a lot from you thanks again
Sometimes it's HVAC.... Sometimes it's HaVAC.
Uh oh. I’m in ny and my condensate one was tied into the vent also. Copper vent and copper condensate line. Not allowed??
It depends on what state you're in. And special circumstances it was allow as wet vent some places. Gray area everywhere.
The gift that keeps on giving. I hope the other company has to pay for you to go back and fox their hack job.
Their is at least 3 wire ties missing on that suction line lol. No way to properly charge that unit. That condenser coil was pretty oxidized. It won’t last long. The compressor sounds horrible.
is there a way to test which gas is in a unit on site? r22 410 etc?
brian moore pressures are a good guess but no way to verify
You need the ambient temperature, static pressure (equipment off), and a p/t chart.
Yellow jacket makes a very expensive analyzer that can decipher exactly what is in a system and what percentage, its like 3-5 grand used in heavy duty commercial and industrial.
Just hook gauges up. That was clearly r22 by the pressures on his gauges.
Hackers they are everywhere from the east to west and north to south. Its sad people do work like that. I have seen it from licensed contractors. Moral of story you get what you pay miss matched systems. Sad. Have a blessed day brother
I'm just a plumber but was it 410A or r22?
I got to say though, that was a damn good looking lineset outside. The joints on that suction were beautiful. 👍 If I did that good a job sweating it in I wouldn't have insulated it either, so everybody could see my good work 😅 She's a sweater momma!
Love your stuff dude. I see it all day long. Hack jOb after Hack!
Did the TXV get changed out???
why is the liquid line drier in the attic?
I assume that compressor will give out before long.
Hack. Those space pack systems come with a trap. Lazy installers. Good job steve.
Holy shit. .maybe they changed the txv to a r22 one on the coil
That compressor sounds like it is on its death bed. That is probably the worst ive seen so far, but I am sure you have seen much worse......
More350Power yup that compressor is on its way out
I’m gonna go ahead and guess they didn’t swap txv’s in that Unico...but maybe they did.
Are we sure that is pure R22. These day's? Without appropriate Oil Changes? POE oil is now the standard. You can Replace R22 With 407c. I would change the whole condenser pack in this case. It is old. And Likely Corrupted.
How did it pass inspection by her county inspector? No permit pulled? Or lazy/corrupt inspector? R22 vs 410...easy reject...😷
The Anvil52 where I live in NY we don't need permits for replacing equipment
James K I live in Florida. Air replacement needs permitting. In the past, there were (still are) too many "fly-by-night", unskilled labor throughout Florida. I just had my air replaced. The county inspector was very diligent in making sure all installation follow current code. This video showed how much air/heat permitting should be required for consumer protection.
why no insulation on the outside lines? condensor is filthy.
wire ties should not be used, they get brittle in the sun and break. use ring clamps with rubber coating. they will last a long time.
Law enforcement in our area, run sting operations to weed out these kind of hackers.... Usually haul in a couple dozen a month . Try working here in this town without a licence and insurance will get you jail time with Bubba.
What are the top of the line HVAC systems in the US?
Thanks
Steve to the rescue! Wow, never saw a collapsed return. Gees. "Shit Show" for sure. At least you have a new customer now.
If I were Steve, that’s not a system I’d want to touch again, unless it involves correcting EVERYTHING wrong with it.
Needs a return plenum box to reduce the noise.
waiting for the video of one hooked up to a car
lol
Judging by the supply registers and supply ducts.... Looked like high pressure air system originally. Those systems were popular in 1980s in eastern usa. Houses with boilers mainly. Return looked small and ovaled which cuts airflow. And old trick to get suction higher was to force more air through system. Wonder if it was disconnected for a reason. That maybe reason for low suction pressures. In vid didn't see ex valve. I would have looked at system... I would have done nothing ... I would not assume someone else's shitshow! Steven, in the customer's eyes,you may now own it.
What does the "V" in TXV stand for?
Then why do you call it a TXV valve?
Tech talk
Don’t worry about it
You really should be a teacher. You'd be pretty good at it. I mean hell I'm learning from you
How the hell can you run a 22 condenser with a 410 handler?
Ray Vandegrift swap expansion valves in the evap.
@@brandonrutt2898 Which probably wasn't done
I love how everything has "made in USA" on it but right above it has the good ole C E above it? Hows that work
Give it the ole" How ya doin mama"!
"DO YOU TEACH?"WHADDA YOU WANT TO LEARN? What a mess I would have left and told here to call him back.
Love the Hacker's!!! Now you have to explain to some poor soul how they were had for that cheap price!
Geez, that return! Have duct tape will travel?? Hopefully they'll have you re-do it in metal or something?
Yea...that needs to be hard piped.
Anybody else notice that Evaporator coil says "R-410A ONLY", and that old RUUD unit is surely R-22... 🤔
yah you teach i have learned a lot from your videos.
People who do jobs like that are the same ones who plumb lower than the sewer and thing the shit will run uphill.
That pipe has more zip ties than the supply store lol
This kids, is why you pay for what you get. If you want good work for cheap well dont look for that in this industry.
Steve, sad how some take advantage of customers!
I wish you could come to Long Island.
You got her up and running. But somebody really ripped them
My daughter says you said shit show over 30 times!😂
No insulation on the suction pipes.
3 Stooges HVAC/R at your service ... Lol ... Good vid Stevie Boy ... Hey you should have taught her something ... Lol ...
Gotta come back and give it the ole' how you doin once more 🤣 what a mess
What do you want to learn? Momma got the ole rheemola
Or the ruudaround
Good ones! LOL
Good video. Keep em coming.
Where are the return air filters ? ! ? !
410 coil with a 22 condenser.. Close enough is good enough I guess
410 coil is fine but the correct txv will allow the system to function better. However the fact that the indoor coil is 2 ton and the condenser is 2.5 ton doesn't make sense.
brad mironik true. What did he say was it a piston or a 410 txv?
Lol the word for the day is, you guessed it! (“@:#*~€ show”)
Nothing better than eating chicken carnitas except eating chicken carnitas with a shit show. Thanks Steven!
baby dog could have done a better job installing that. A real shitshow mama. Awesome video Steve lav. keep up the good work.