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Has anyone used the Amprobe TMD series of digital thermometers?

Like this one:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41oKeLfWVWL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

The specs are nearly identical to Fluke and...

Should a service tech. check pressures as part of regular maintainance on an AC or HP system with no performance complaints from the customer?

There's risk that the tech. could screw up a correct...

You can be the best HVAC tech around but that won't make you a good businessman and/or manager.

I see it all the time. Someone becomes very good at what they do and then they decide to start their...

^^^ what he said.

Do it when time is on your side. That way you can find the good contractors and hopefully avoid the peak times when everyone is swamped.

When work is slow you'll also have a...

It's history:
http://toolmonger.com/2009/12/23/gm-ends-big-block-production/




There's no replacement for displacement:)

You've obviously been very thorough in your decision making process. Good luck with your new system. Make sure your contractor is the best you can find!!

My '06 GMC Sierra 4X4 has a big block 8.1 and the DIC shows 13.1 MPG averaged over several thousand miles. (not much stop and go). Weight 7000 lbs.

I love big blocks!!

Why do you want to replace a system that's running perfectly? It could die tomorrow or run for another 14 years. I'd wait for it to be problematic before replacing it.

If the schrader valve is leaking, a tech can generally replace it with a special tool that keeps the system sealed. (and thus the repair is affordable). Then you should put on a new cap and tighten...

A "good" install will handle condensate. You need to be 100% sure you get an installation that's designed with condensate backup systems and a overflow shutdown sensor.

However even good installs...

Have you hooked your existing pump directly to your micron gauge? How low did it go?

I would be willing to bet that most vacuum problems are hoses and setup vs. pump.

OMG!! Working on that system would be like a journey thru hell!! Sucking in insulation dust, sweating like a pig in a hot humid Texas summer, breaking your back and knees hunched over this thing, and...

You can also get the legendary hard handle Snap Ons under the Williams brand. Williams is a subsidiary of SO and still making these screwdrivers. SO has apparently discontinued them and gone...

Start with a new lineset. It's cheap compared to the hell you could go thru if a small leak forms from re-use.

Make sure to keep the old lineset and don't let the crew take it during cleanup. ...

Go metal ducts and garage install.

I hate Saran wrap ducts and attic installs look like pure hell for service.

Then I'd suggest you try and sit down with as many HVAC companies as you can. Ask the manager if you can have an informational interview AT THEIR CONVIENANCE.

An informational interview is easier...

Have you gone to HVAC school? If so, try and get some job leads from your instructors or the schools placement office. The school can help you far more then cold calling.

You might also try and...

Maybe some techs. will chime in here, but I don't think showing off your tools will prove your worth hiring.

I think you need to demonstrate a track record of mechanical problem solving and an...

There's an abundance of good used name brand tools out there from CL and Ebay for pennies on the dollar if you have the time to go that route.

If not, then you can get an inexpensive "get started"...

That one seems too hunkey. I like this style better:

Has Klein gone downhill lately? Their screwdrivers were legendary however it seems like they're now using much softer steel for the shanks/tips. The least little bit of torque now mangles the tips....

Why not the Prestige if you want the best??

The setup is so simple/obvious even a cave man could do it and it's full featured.

That's the one. Apparently they still use a coal oven. I heard it's slipped a little bit though.

Here's Jeff Varasanos rankings of the world's best pizzarias (scroll way down):
...

Patsy's in Manhatton or Johnny's in Mt Vernon.

I didn't think a vacuum pump could purge an old R-22 lineset of residual mineral oil. Doesn't a vacuum pump boil off moisture? Can it completely suck out an old lineset to an oil free condition?? ...

Maybe one of the techs will chime in here, but I'd pull the disconnect and turn the themostat to emergency heat.

I would not want to continue running a problematic HP until it's checked out.

Good point, and even if they run the vacuum pump it's main function is to boil of moisture. I don't think a pump can possibly decontaminate an old linset no matter how long or how low you let it...

The system capacity difference between 3/4" and 7/8" for a 31' run is very, very small. Most manufacturers publish a correction factor but I'd guess you're losing less then 1-2% of it's capacity...

That does seem like a bad location. Especially if there's a large hole behind the thermostat for the wiring.

My choice would be just to the left of the banister in the central part of the house...

That would be my advice. Most home warranty companies do the absolute bare minimum they can get away with and the "hacks" that align themselves with home warranty work go along with it since they...

Why would it? Does the compressor really care whether it's sucking gas from the indoor coil (A/C mode) or outdoor coil (Heating mode)?

The reversing valve solenoid is getting more of a workout...

Something's potentially wrong with this picture. Why don't you have gutters on this side of the house? From the image it looks like they end at the corner.

I believe most manufacturer's say that...

Honeywell.com has some good documentation on thermostat operation.

The outdoor fan should shut off and the reversing valve would switch over. The compressor will continue to run. The air handler would also continue to run but output temp might be lower depending on...

I'm curious if there are any great hardware stores left.

In CA they used to have Orchard Supply until they got in bed with Sears and turned to crap.

In Seattle, McLendons in Renton had...

It's like getting a new set of tires and having the tire store re-use the old valve stems.

Price is small relative to the total installed system price so I'd have it replaced unless there's a...

Your post illustrates a common question that keeps popping up. (ie is your HP performing properly or has it's performance degraded).

Next time you know it's operating properly then characterize...

The guys that do residential and sacrifice holidays, weekends, nights and endure the worst extremes of the weather do deserve appreciation. (ie things tend to break during the extremes of hot and...

I disagree. I was able to pinpoint a failed flex duct connection embedded inside a wall with my IR temp sensor. I was able to pinpoint the hotspot area within inches. I could cut out a mere 12" X...

Yes, It's far and away the most compelling performance upgrade I've done to a PC. Much more compelling then overclocking or other upgrades. Apps load instantly and bootup is very fast.

I use the...

The Prestige's outdoor sensor is wireless. (life is 5 years on a pair of AA Lithium batteries)

The IAQ outdoor temp sensor needs to be hardwired so that might be an issue for existing...

Read the thread again. The topic is repair vs replace. No where did anyone suggest leaving the system unsafe and/or in a disrepaired/as is state.

Yes, it'll likely increase resale value. But if he pays X for a new furnace he'll likely only see .4X-.7X in increase in resale value.

If the difference can be made up in rebates and tax...

HVAC upgrades represent very low payback in resale value. Do a search for the typical data and then do the math and factor in any rebates, etc.

I would not be inclined to spend big bucks if...

That's a very good method. After an outage most people rush out and buy gasoline powered generators. Then these generators sit for a couple years until the next outage and the homeowners can't...

Maybe this wil help:

http://www.acca.org/Files/?id=186

For your installation I would want as much information as possible how the contractor will properly size the system and design the duct...

Sometimes I take my own bottle of wine to a restaurant and they charge me corkage.

I can take my own premium motor oil to Jiffy Lube and they're happy to use it instead of theirs. (ie at the same...

Yes, but the thermostat is so cool to watch!!

Hint: Maybe Manual D will give you the answer

I'm sure the Pros will jump in here and say that for every installation they need to make $X. $X comes from markup on the equipment (ie $Y) + labor (ie $Z).

If they can't get $Y from the...