It's Time To Get My Hands Dirty

[tech_support007]

On the 4th of July, we had a big block party and all the neighbors were out. My next door neighbor, made a comment that his A/C was not working. I told him, I would take a look at it when it cooled down a little. After about 45 minutes, I had about 15 other neighbors ask me to come take a look at their equipment. The problem is, I don't have much feild experience and I really nervious about sticking my hands in other peoples equipment. I can troubleshoot the hell out of equipment over the phone. However when it comes to actually getting my hands on the equipment, I get really nervious. Today I have to change a run cap on a condenser, which will be pretty easy. I can read schematics, I can troubleshoot a refrigeration circuit, I know how to charge via super heat & subcooling. I am EPA certified, NATE certified, I have taken factory training courses, yet that was years ago. I guess my question is, how do I build my confidence? I don't want to be a service tech full time but I know I can make a lot of money out there in my area. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[coordinatesales]

Just goes to show all the certifications in the world can't replace experience. Building confidence is going to take actually doing it and not much else really helps. Just make sure you're not breaking any company rules by taking on these 'side jobs'.

[Diceman]

Are they paying you for this, are they freinds or people looking for a free service call.
Why don't they just call a contractor, one with insurance and the whole 9 yards?
15 free calls is a lot.

[dutchcool]

NObody is born with experience.

First try the easy ones, the ones that are easily excesable.
Try to get rid of the owner by letting him swith the thermostat, check the E meter etc, so you can work in peace.
Do they [the neighbors] have any thing to help you with in return? house painters? carpet layers? car fixers?
that would be nice you can swap hours with a closed wallet!

They obviously find you trustworthy, be frank with them if you have to return because you have to look things up.

HVAC-TALK is there for you / good luck.

[tech_support007]

Originally posted by Diceman
Are they paying you for this, are they freinds or people looking for a free service call.
Why don't they just call a contractor, one with insurance and the whole 9 yards?
15 free calls is a lot.

Oh they offered to pay. I have a buddy that is licensed, I talked to him a few minutes ago and he is telling me that he is getting ready to venture out on his own and is looking for some help.

[small change]

Oh they offered to pay. I have a buddy that is licensed, I talked to him a few minutes ago and he is telling me that he is getting ready to venture out on his own and is looking for some help. <<<<<

Take a deep breath and just wade into it like it is a
pool filled with cold water on a hot day.

Very slowly till you get used to the water

Start with your own unit let it run for 10 minutes

Take temp readings check the filter,

Go out side look at the coil etc check pressures
etc till it becomes comfortable for you

Then you can get into superheat and subcooling

Wow won't you be excited.

[btj steamfitter / ref]

always thought the biggest mistake a guy could make is letting his neighbors know what u really do lol hate coming home to relax and they knock on the door cause air has been broke since saturday but waited till u got home monday night after working 16 hours in the heat to tell u they just need u to "look at it" i ever move I'm telling my new neighbors I'm a physicist working on secret government projects and i drive this company van for cover.......i can see it now........relaxation......no knocks on the door..

[stephy]

Neighbors....

You have good intentions, but, have tapped the the customer base from HELL...

I value your education, but unless you want to quite your day job you are paving the road to disaster...

Are you ready to start getting calls from these "neighbors" at 11 o'clock that their unit is doing somthing "funny"

I am at the point unless you are one of my commercial customers'...

Get the YELLOW pages out...

Stephen

[outside rep]

Originally posted by btj steamfitter / ref
always thought the biggest mistake a guy could make is letting his neighbors know what u really do lol hate coming home to relax and they knock on the door cause air has been broke since saturday but waited till u got home monday night after working 16 hours in the heat to tell u they just need u to "look at it" i ever move I'm telling my new neighbors I'm a physicist working on secret government projects and i drive this company van for cover.......i can see it now........relaxation......no knocks on the door..

LOL I tell them I know nothing and just a desk jockey

Oh wait I cant fix it LOL who am I kidding

[Dowadudda]

I use to get that. So I started doing invoices at over time rates. word spreads fast. that 1 repair fixed that.

[techrider]

Yes you can make some decent side money. Confidence is an acquired art just stop take a deep breath and slow down and think about the basics. Tech support folks have helped me out plenty.

[hvac hero]

I've been tempted lately to leave my tool pouch & gauges & freon at the shop on fridays. That way when I get called on the weekends, I can just tell em all my stuffs at the shop & theres not a thing I can do.

[The Penguin]

I'm lucky here most of my neighbour's are on oil - I don't do oil and my vehicle is not signwritten yet either

on of the guys at work asked me to look at his auto ac - out of gas - broken pipe I said get it fixed then call me

[John(Chicago)]

Gonads serve a useful purpose but are no substitute for brains

Hey penguin,.. my dick aint so dumb,.. it got me most of the way through high school.